Klarinet Archive - Posting 000607.txt from 2001/09

From: Daniel Leeson <leeson0@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Mozart Requiem / Basset ???
Date: Tue, 18 Sep 2001 08:54:36 -0400

In my particular basset horns, both older Selmers, the bore size was
essentially that of a clarinet in B-flat. Other makers produce a wider
bore which requires something other than a B-flat clarinet mouthpiece.

It is my opinion that the extended length of the instrument coupled with
the bore size that has not been proportionally increased is the main
reason that accounts for the difference in character.

Consider a bass clarinet, for example. It is twice as long as a soprano
clarinet and the bore size has been widened proportionally. But the
basset horn, which is roughly 1/3 longer has not had the bore size
altered. (Once again, I am speaking of narrow bored basset horns.)

However, in addition to the character of the instrument, this
combination of bore size and length has also produced some acoustical
difficulties with the instrument. It can be stuffy, hard to tune, very
resistant, and with a tendency to squeak.

Dan Leeson

William Wright wrote:
>
> <><> Dan Leeson wrote:
> I find that basset horns do not project with the same clarity as
> clarinets
>
> Dan, would you care to discuss the physical differences that account for
> this? The angle, the bell, the bore, or whatever? (This time around,
> I am not asking just out of idle curiosity.)
>
> Thank you,
> Bill
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------

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** Dan Leeson **
** leeson0@-----.net **
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