Klarinet Archive - Posting 000611.txt from 2001/09

From: Roger Shilcock <roger.shilcock@-----.uk>
Subj: Re: [kl] Mozart Requiem / Basset ???
Date: Tue, 18 Sep 2001 10:37:57 -0400

Dear Dan L. et al.,
I think that, more precisely, it is the cross-sectional area of the bass
clarinet bore which has been increased more or less proportionally to the
length.
Roger S.

In message <3BA7440C.5A97F30D@-----.org writes:
> 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
> >
> > ---------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> --
> ***************************
> ** Dan Leeson **
> ** leeson0@-----.net **
> ***************************
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>

--
Left hand, off land, I hear the lark ascend,
His rash-fresh re-winded new-skeined score
In crisps of curl off wild winch, whirl, and pour
And pelt music, till none's to spill nor spend

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