Klarinet Archive - Posting 000403.txt from 2002/02

From: "CLARK FOBES " <reedman@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Bass clarinet neck curves
Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2002 20:20:23 -0500

I must absolutely agree with Dave Hattner on this one. I think it is a
mistake that Buffet does not offer two neck options for their new bass
clarinet.

The dramatically angled curved bass clarinet neck that has become standard
on Buffet basses is most likely a nod towards the "Bay" neck concept
introduced by Charlie Bay many years ago. While this may in fact have helped
young students transition more easily from clarinet to bass clarinet I never
felt that it was an improvement in sound.

A good many bass clarinetists are clarinetist trying to double on the bass
clarinet and have not invested the time required to develop a fluent and
beautiful sound on the instrument as an instrument SEPARATE from the
clarinet. IMO, the steeply angled neck brings too much lip in contact with
the reed and reduces the natural sonority of the instrument. If you were to
play a bass clarinet ( with a standard neck) perpendicular to the floor the
angle of the mouthpiece would indeed be too shallow. But we don't play the
bass clarinet that way. The most comfortable position for playing is too
bring the instrument into the body, which increases the mouthpiece angle to
a proper position.

While I like many characteristics of the new Buffet bass clarinets I find
Buffet's refusal to offer a different neck annoying and typically
chauvinistic.

Clark W Fobes

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