 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Iacuras
Date: 2006-01-21 03:59
So I was playing at a concert this evening (we played Copeland's Rodeo and showtunes) and my B and the corrosponding F# (XXX-OXO) were very stuffy. The equipment is a Vito 7166 Bass Clarinet with Vandoren B45, Rico GCS 3.5, and BG Super revelation lig. Any ideas on what it could be? Thanks.
(Edited for spelling)
Steve
"If a pretty poster and a cute saying are all it takes to motivate you, you probably have a very easy job. The kind robots will be doing soon."
"If you can't learn to do something well, learn to enjoy doing it poorly."
Post Edited (2006-01-21 04:00)
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Author: crnichols
Date: 2006-01-21 09:46
The pad above the first ring could be leaking, or it could just be a bad note. Try the XXX-X0I0 fingering. If that's clearer, it's probably just a tendency, if it's not any better, get the instrument checked for leaks. Since you seem surprised by this, it's probably a leak.
Christopher Nichols
1st Infantry Division Band
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-01-21 10:06
Sounds like the venting is a bit low on the main action causing it to sound stuffy, or you're using too hard a reed - try using a softer reed and see if that helps.
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Author: LarryBocaner ★2017
Date: 2006-01-21 13:29
The stuffy low B is endemic with all of the Vito's that I've come in contact with, also on a large number of much more expensive bass clarinets. The first finger RH pad (who said "ring" on a bass clarinet!) just doesn't allow for enough venting. Probably not a leak problem, particularly if the sliver key fingering gives you a clearer sound. Having your tech increase key opening heights will probably help (they are usually too low on bass clarinets, anyway.)
Your B45 mouthpiece is IMO a poor choice--they are invariably unresonant in the low register, and the too wide tip opening excacerbates stuffy note problems!
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Author: Ebclarinet1
Date: 2006-01-21 13:50
I agree that using the sliver key to vent the F# and B is a good solution. In fact I try to use these as my standard figurings for these notes on all my clarinets and am always satisfied with the results. The sound is bigger and generally more in tune as well. From my training on oboe, we use a similar sliver key solution to play a good F, rather than the stuffy forked fingering.
Although I formerly used a B45 Van Doren on my Selmer bass clarinet (came with the horn!), it required reeds softer than a 3.5 Grand Concert to really sound pretty, especialy in the low register. Think I mainly used 2.5 Van Doren's in those days. With the Grabner and Fobes mouthpieces, you can use a stiffer reed and not have these stuffy lower register problems. Actually I think you'd be happier with either of those mouthpieces regardless of the reed choices.
Hope that's some help.
EEfer guy
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-01-21 13:50
That's what I like about my Buffet bass - the main action has screw adjustments for the venting.
I notice the top line treble clef F# is a troublesome note if the reed strength isn't right (ie. too hard), the forked fingering is better but I've found this note will kick due to the lack of a tri-vent speaker system that, one day, all pro bass clarinets will have as standard.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
Post Edited (2006-01-21 13:54)
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Author: Iacuras
Date: 2006-01-21 14:42
Thanks for the advice. The alternate is stuffy as well in both registers. I think a new mouthpiece might do the trick. I just got a job, so when I save up enough I'll go get myself a new one. In the meantime, I'll have my tech check for leaks. Thanks.
Steve
"If a pretty poster and a cute saying are all it takes to motivate you, you probably have a very easy job. The kind robots will be doing soon."
"If you can't learn to do something well, learn to enjoy doing it poorly."
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2006-01-21 17:49
Yes, I agree that most "fork" fingerings an all cls may vary between mediocre and poor, but may be "easier fingerings" for the faster passages. I use the "sliver-banana" key most of the time on bass and alto. A helpful "repair" not mentioned so far might be some PRO undercutting [fraising] of the venting tone hole. Just thots, Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Iacuras
Date: 2006-01-22 01:36
How hard of a reed should I use for the B45, like a GCS 3?
Steve
"If a pretty poster and a cute saying are all it takes to motivate you, you probably have a very easy job. The kind robots will be doing soon."
"If you can't learn to do something well, learn to enjoy doing it poorly."
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-01-22 09:56
Maybe even a 2.5 - I'm using Vandoren Java tenor sax 2.5 reeds on bass clarinet (with a Pomarico 3) and they work fine, and check the upper F# for responsiveness, it's not an easy note to attack cleanly but if this note works better than before that's the main problem solved.
Not always the best route to match reed strengths across the board, even if you use a 3.5 on Bb it won't mean it will mean you have to use the same strength on other sizes of clarinets you play.
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Author: Wes
Date: 2006-01-23 04:33
It's not easy to find a clarinet tuner, but sometimes they can fix these type of problems by careful undercutting of the proper hole plus adjustment of the key heights. Good luck!
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