Klarinet Archive - Posting 000301.txt from 2005/03

From: "Clark W Fobes" <claroneman@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] Bass clarinet tuning
Date: Tue, 8 Mar 2005 17:24:47 -0500

Hey Walter,

What vintage is the instrument? Until the most recent iteration of the
Buffet Low C bass clarinets (as of about 3 years ago) the pitch was pretty
wacky - just as you described. The newer models are MUCH better - in fact,
probably the best compromises yet.

10 cents sharp on the throat A is not horrible and probably needs to
remain that sharp so that the throat Bb is tolerable - as you have noticed!
The A can be brought down in performance by "covering" some pads. My most
common trick for bringing my throat A down (particularly in the pp) is to
lower the first finger F# until the pitch comes down. This takes a little
practice, but it works very well.

Generally, I prefer the long B natural to only be about 5-10 cents
sharp. I would probably just fill the tone hole until the low E is about 25
cents flat. I know that sounds like a lot, but in context a sharp B is much
more disconcerting. Also, one can "back off": the low E in performance to
bring the pitch up. The most common ensemble problem with flat low E's is
that the bassoon in that register is pretty sharp on low D.

One last suggestion. Be certain you are checking your pitch at A=441 not
A=440. Buffet clarinets are NOT designed to play at A=440 and I think this
is good. Most orchestras don't ever stay at 440.

Good luck - I've been there many a time!!!

Clark

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