Klarinet Archive - Posting 000701.txt from 2004/11

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausmann1@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] bass clarinet and mouthpiece
Date: Sat, 27 Nov 2004 11:31:09 -0500

At 06:30 AM 11/27/2004 -0500, Amyinstmus wrote:
>Hi - I've been lurking for a bit and have enjoyed reading the posts so
>far. I'm hoping you could give me some advice - I need to buy a Bass
>clarinet for a middle school beginning band. (Brand new school, brand new
>program, so they don't own a bass at all yet.)
>
>Any recommendations as to what model of bass clarinet to get? I know
>pretty much nothing about bass clarinets. Also, understanding the
>importance of a decent mouthpiece, I AM willing to spend a few extra
>dollars on getting one - any recommendations on bass clarinet mouthpieces?
>
>Just for the record, I am the band director - I double majored in piano
>and saxophone in college. I also play clarinet and flute fairly well, I
>just have no experiece with bass clarinets!

The popular school plastic bass clarinets are Selmer, Vito, and Yamaha. I
do not have experience with the CURRENT Yamaha model, but until recently
were actually stencil Vitos. I would recommend the Vito over the Selmer,
which sounds great but unfortunately has questionable keywork. If buying a
Vito make sure you get a model with an "L" on the end (for leather
pads). They last SO much longer. The one with the low Eb on the body
rather than the bell is preferable. The new Yamahas have two piece bodies,
which is OK for high school maybe, but I would not recommend it for middle
school -- too much opportunity for damage. Yamaha bass clarinet
mouthpieces are cheap, available, and perfectly adequate for school use.

Bill Hausmann

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is TOO LOUD!

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