Klarinet Archive - Posting 001049.txt from 2003/04

From: "CLARK FOBES " <reedman@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] basset horn mouthpieces
Date: Sat, 26 Apr 2003 00:46:25 -0400

I don't know if Dan's basset horn and Keith's basset horn are the same
bore. Perhaps they can shed some light on this.

I do know that my mouthpiece is not approved by Stephen Fox, because he
feels that the bore is not large enough.Steve is under the impression that
I have ignored his specs out of arrogance, but I am just going with what I
know works. Sometimes theory and practice don't converge.

Keith's mouthpiece is made on a Zinner blank and has my 6L facing (the
largest tip opening I make - 1.20mm) Small bore basset horns apparently
function best with a large aperture mouthpiece and a soft (#3) reed.

For whatever reasons the bore/chamber configuration of my "Debut" clarinet
mouthpiece works exceptionally well on Dan's basset horn. But, I applied
my 6L facing on that mouthpiece as well.

I do make basset horn mouthpieces for large bore bassets as well. These are
made from alto clarinet blanks and I simply use my ancient Leblanc alto
clarinet to make these mouthpieces.

All of my basset horn experience is with the Opera orchestra. The Opera
owns both an older Selmer basset horn and a newer Leblanc basset horn. The
Selmer requires a clarinet style mouthpiece and the Leblanc an alto
clarinet style mouthpiece. They both have their good and bad points. The
Selmer has more of a soprano sound in the upper register and the Leblanc
plays more like a small bass clarinet. The pitch on the Selmer can be
"slippery". The Leblanc tunes generally better, but goes quite sharp in the
chalumeau when playing soft. I believe this is the one great disadvantage
to the larger bore basset horn.

This Fox instrument that Keith showed me yesterday is acoustically
remarkable. I really can't say enough about the beauty of the workmanship
and the quality of sound. I have no doubt that Stephen will be swamped with
basset horn requests in the near future. Better get your order in before
the waiting list is unbearably long.

CLARK FOBES
reedman@-----.com
Why Wait? Move to EarthLink.

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