Klarinet Archive - Posting 000353.txt from 2001/07

From: "Benjamin Maas" <benmaas@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] Bass Clarinet
Date: Fri, 13 Jul 2001 23:52:45 -0400

> Hello All,
> I am relatively new to the list, and am
> requesting feedback on doubling on bass clar (I
> am playing Reed 2 in Kiss Me Kate, cl, bass cl,
> alto sax).
> I quit playing clarinet for about 10 years and
> started up again a few years ago. I have not
> played the bass clarinet since college and am
> having trouble controlling the sound. I
> squeak! Pretty much throughout the range. The
> horn is a plastic Bundy with a "Woodwind - Vito
> II" mouthpiece. The horn is borrowed, but all
> the pads seat (though the action is iffy). My
> questions are:
> What angle should the mouthpiece enter the
> embouchure?
> How much mouthpiece goes in the mouth?
> How similar is the bass cl. embouchure to the
> clarinet?
> Thank you,
> jr

I have a couple suggestions... The first (and major one) is to purchase a
better mouthpiece. I'm a pretty big fan of the Mitchell Lurie Crystal
although I'm currently playing on a refaced Selmer C*. The Mitchell Lurie
is a very easy mouthpiece to play and get a big centered sound. Also make
sure that your reeds aren't too hard. I use a V-12 #4 on clarinet and a 3
to 3.5 on bass. You may also find that you have better luck with tenor sax
reeds. I need a bit more in the center than tenor reed can provide, but you
may like them.

Second... Always play with a neck strap. You get a lot more stability with
the horn when you use a neck strap and therefore better technique. When you
play a thumb F, you can push a bit and not have to grab the horn with your
other hand or mouth.

Third, angle the clarinet so that the mouthpiece is at a similar angle to
playing a soprano clarinet. The instrument works basically the same way, so
think clarinet but "bigger." Everything is exaggerated... I use more lower
lip when I play Bass, more air, looser embouchure (think like you would
playing a large sax like a bari), harder tongue... Everything. Your neck
strap will be a big help with angling the horn. Allow the horn to hang on
the strap so you aren't having to grab it when you play, thereby keeping
your hands (and technique) loose.

This should help you get started perhaps...

--Ben

Benjamin Maas
Fifth Circle Audio
Los Angeles, CA
benmaas@-----.com
http://www.fifthcircle.com

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