Klarinet Archive - Posting 000179.txt from 2008/12

From: "Keith" <bowenk@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] On a lighter note
Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 11:52:16 -0500

Agreed.=20

Also, the proportion in one's mouth is similar to the soprano, but it's =
so much bigger that it feels like a lot. I think you need a bigger =
airspace behind the teeth than for the soprano.

Bass clarinets are quite picky about adjustment and regulation =
(especially low C basses with double register keys, though I don't think =
the Bundy has those). Most basses are therefore out of regulation or =
leaky! It's well worth checking it over carefully, or having this done =
for you.

I prefer a softer setup for the bass than for the soprano, otherwise one =
has to blow an awful lot of air. But some players differ. If the =
mouthpiece that comes with the bass is a Selmer C** it will probably be =
fine, if not a new one from Walter Grabner or Clark Fobes could make a =
huge difference. I think Howarths in London stock both of them. I have =
had great success with Legere reeds for bass for many years now =
(actually, I don't think I've used more than two in that time!). While I =
have gone back to cane for sopranos and eefers, as I think the higher =
resonance frequency of cane does make a difference on those instruments, =
it seems to make no difference on the larger instruments and Legere have =
many advantages.

Keith Bowen

-----Original Message-----
From: klarinet-return-94889-bowenk=3Dcompuserve.com@-----.org =
[mailto:klarinet-return-94889-bowenk=3Dcompuserve.com@-----.org] On =
Behalf Of Roger Hewitt
Sent: 30 December 2008 12:45
To: klarinet@-----.org
Subject: Re: [kl] On a lighter note

As to reed strength, it relates to the mouthpiece type rathjer than bass =
vs Bb. I think the most useful thing I ever did to learn to play bass =
is to remember to relax the embouchure a bit compared to Bb and to learn =
to read from bass clef concert pitch - it opens up a wealth of new =
experiences playing bass lines!

Roger H

--- On Tue, 30/12/08, Peter Gentry <peter.gentry@-----.uk> wrote:

> From: Peter Gentry <peter.gentry@-----.uk>
> Subject: [kl] On a lighter note
> To: klarinet@-----.org
> Date: Tuesday, 30 December, 2008, 12:13 PM
> Myself and three or four friends regularly play together in
> a "small wind
> band". To date we have been only Bflat clarinet and
> flute. However I have
> just rashly bought a second hand Selmer Bundy Bass clarinet
> on ebay to add a
> broader tone to the motley.=20
>=20
> I would put my ability at grade 6 to 7 although I have
> forgone testing since
> early piano experiences.=20
>=20
> Does anyone have any playing tips or care and maintenance
> hints that are
> specific to the bass to stop me developing any more bad
> habits.
>=20
> I use Vandoren traditional 4s on the bflat with a B45
> mouthpiece (not quite
> chewed through). I have bought 3s for the bass but since it
> will not arrive
> until next week I have no idea how the strength relates to
> a bass.
>=20
> All best wishes for the New Year lets hope it can be
> reasonably peacful.=20
>=20
> Special good wishes to Oliver whose site keeps our little
> band well supplied
> with music.
>=20
> regards
> Peter Gentry
> Cumbria
> UK=20
>=20
>=20
> 10:48
>=20
>=20
> ------------------------------------------------------------------
> klarinet-digest-unsubscribe@-----.org if you get the
> digest.

=20

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