Klarinet Archive - Posting 000316.txt from 2004/03

From: Dan Leeson <leeson0@------.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Reasons for basset clarinets
Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2004 14:26:31 -0500

GrabnerWG@------.com wrote:

> I posted this the other day, but I never saw it show up. Please excuse me if
> I am positing duplicate -
>
> Dan Leeson says: <<What I did say was that the sound character was different,
> and that
> difference, because of extra wood length, appeals to some players, not
> because of how it sounds but often how it feels.>>
>
> I have experience here that relates directly to this conversation.
>
> I recently made an extension for my own Buffet bass clarinet. This instrument
> was already extended to low C in the late '70's and it was a very successful
> operation. Even though I like the new 1193's a lot, they are not THAT much
> better that I feel compelled to replace my 1970's bass clarinet.
>
> Having said that, I have never been totally happy with the low C. It was
> sharp and the tone quality was different from the other extended register notes. I
> attribute this to the fact that it vents through the bell and not through a
> tone hole.
>
> Well, a while back, I got busy with my lathe and drill press and made myself
> an additional section. I cut a tone hole for the low Db, and now use the tone
> hole in the bell to vent the low C.
>
> (Yes, I now have a low B, but I have to close the key with my foot).
>
> The interesting thing is that not only am I MUCH happier with my low C - it's
> in tune, and has a tone much more in keeping with the other surrounding notes
> - but I like the way it makes the entire horn play.
>
> Is it sound, or is it just feel? Well, I don't care! It feels so much more
> resonant, so much fuller, that my playing has a new confidence and lustre that I
> just don't think was there before.
>
> So, I agree heartily with what Dan has to say about the additional tubing
> length having a positive effect on the playing quality of a clarinet.
>
> Walter
> www.clarinetxpress.com
> soprano, bass and eb mouthpieces; clarinet repairs and restorations
>
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>
Excellent posting, but I don't think I said "a positive effect on the
playing quality" but rather "a positive effect on the playing
character." And I am being deliberately vague here because I am
speaking about something metaphysical which is difficult if not
impossible to describe accurately.

Dan

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