Klarinet Archive - Posting 001168.txt from 2003/04

From: GrabnerWG@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] The basset clarinet as a regular orchestral instrument
Date: Sat, 26 Apr 2003 00:48:24 -0400

In a message dated 4/24/2003 10:45:48 AM Eastern Standard Time, leeson0@-----.net writes:

<< In effect, what I am suggesting here is that having to use a basset clarinet all the time is not necessarily a bad thing, even though one would almost never have to use the basset notes. That is, having the extra length instruments in all cases would provide the possibility of a significant change (enchancement or detriment) to the character of one's sound.>>

Last summer I had the opportunity of trying an A clarinet with a bassett extension made by one of our expert instrument makers.

While I certainly enjoyed the bassett notes, and admired the excellent craftsmanship, I would NOT play this clarinet with the bassett extension unless I needed the bassett notes.

Why?

The character of the long tube notes, in particular third line B, and fourth space C, were inferior to the notes using the original joint. They were simply less resonant - less "ring" to the sound, more muffled.

Is this a characteristic of all bassett extensions? I have NO idea. However, on this clarinet, I would only use the bassett extension when I needed those notes.

Just one observation.

BTW, I was actually surprised in what I found, in that I am very familar to bass clarinets, and they seem always to benefit from extension.

Walter Grabner
www.clarinetXpress.com
bass clarinet extensions

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