Klarinet Archive - Posting 000170.txt from 2009/01

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausmann1@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Bass Clarinet
Date: Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:01:12 -0500

At 10:47 AM 1/8/2009, you wrote:
>On a quieter note.
>
>I have been getting to grips with my new (second, third or fourth hand)
>Selmer Bundy Bass Clarinet. It came with a new but unnamed mouthpiece there
>are no numbers on it just "Made in USA". It seems very soft as after only
>three days there are serious teeth marks on it.
>
>I have a few problems that someone may be able to help with.
>
>1/ Tuning
>
>It is 20cents sharp (from A 440) and no amount of pulling out the mouthpiece
>or the elbow seems to affect this much.

Possible mouthpiece problem, or excessive embouchure pressure.

>2/ I have trouble making the upper notes of the middle register speak nearly
>always overblowing into the next register.

This is the normal problem area on bass clarinets, very intolerant of
ANY leakage.

>3/ I have trouble going from the low register a or b flat to middle register
>b or c at speed. I think I may be using the finger shape learned on the
>Soprano Bflat instrument and touching a key or two. Slowly is fine but at
>speed I usually squeak or refuse to speak.

Bundy bass keywork is less than ideal, but the instrument is capable
of producing very nice sound. You'll get used to it.

>4/ The tone of the middle register is very weak and fuzzy.
>
>I am using a new Vandoren No 3 reed, this feels if anything a bit soft and
>sqeak prone although giving a fruity tone in the low register.

The low register is the easy part of the bass range. Horns that
totally shut down in the clarion can play the chalumeau just fine.

Bill Hausmann

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

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