 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: HANGARDUDE
Date: 2012-03-05 10:12
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Attachment: DSCN2118.JPG (1067k)
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Recently, I am considering aLow D2 extensionon my YCL-221II bass. I'm currently using a mute but I'm warned that it will damage the bell. I'm turning to Stepen Fox for the extension. Is Stephen Fox a good bet? And while Stephen prefers a right thumb Low D, I'm thinking of operating it with the right pinky. Which one do you prefer? Also after extension, the lower joint may be too long to be put in its original position in the case. Is it possible to put it along the diagonal of the other side?
I sincerely thank you for all your kind advice.
Josh
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2012-03-05 10:19
If it's only an extension to written low D, then you're best having it as a thumb operated key instead of an extra (6th) touchpiece for the RH pinky as you won't be able to go from low Eb to low D easily. I presume the low D will issue from the bell and the low D key will operate the exising bell key, the low Eb key operating the pad cup on the extension.
The majority of low C basses have the low D as an extra LH lever below the LH F/C touch, some have both LH and RH touches and some have the right thumb key as well - Buffet low C basses have three low D touches for the LH, RH and right thumb.
The extension will most likely be removeable (like a barrel with a single key and linkage piece on it), so if there's a compartment in the case large enough to fit it in, then wrap it up in a cloth and keep it in there when not in use.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2012-03-05 15:15
I assume you're dropping a trumpet or trombone mute into the bell to get the low D (while sacrificing the low Eb and maybe the low E and middle B). Other people use the mouthpiece cap or a shoe. IMHO, whoever told you that this might damage the bell is an idiot.
Low D is a good note to have on BC. It's concert C and lets you play, for example, cello parts.
On the other hand, the D is not necessary to play Wagner and other parts for bass in A, and works calling for the extended notes assume your instrument will go down to C and so include the Db and C. Stephen Fox lists low C extensions on his site http://www.sfoxclarinets.com/Bass_Cl_Ext.html, and you really should get that if you can afford it.
In the photo, your case doesn't seem to have enough space to accommodate a permanently installed D extension. You should contact someone like Fred Jacobowitz http://www.ebonyandivory.ca/contact.php to explore customization. I wouldn't recommend a fleece-lined canvas tube, which wouldn't give enough protection if you carry the extension outside of the instrument case, but a piece of PVC tubing with a good lining and bumpers at the top and bottom might work.
I absolutely agree with Chris P about where to put the key. Steve Fox could undoubtedly make a double mechanism to include both fingerings.
Fox is an excellent craftsman. You should have no hesitation about using him. His waiting list is often pretty long. His prices are fair, but he's not cheap. You could probably trade in your Yamaha for a low C model more cheaply and quickly.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Merlin_Williams
Date: 2012-03-05 16:24
Steve made a D extension for a Bundy EEb contra that I used to own. Low D was operated by the thumb. Best way to do it, IMO.
A D extension can be made removable - mine was. I just put it in the accessory compartment of the case.
Personally, I think you'd be better off with a C extension.
Have you looked at any of the Chinese made low C basses? With the right person setting them up and fine tuning them, you can do well with them.
Jupiter Canada Artist/Clinician
Stratford Shakespeare Festival musician
Woodwind Doubling Channel Creator on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/WoodwindDoubling
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Author: HANGARDUDE
Date: 2012-03-06 14:58
Dear everyone,
Thank you very much for your advice!
Ken, the mute that I use is actually a horn mute.They sound better than trumpet mutes(Yes I've compared them). The thing I'm most concerned is the absence of the Low Eb2. Also it's too big to be put into the case that I have to attach a mute bag on the case. Thus my hands are easily hurt when the mute bag scrapes my skin off. The reason I ask the reliability of Steve is because I want to convince my Dad. He seemed doubtful(as he doesn't know much about clarinets). As for myself, I'm really impressed by Steve's craftmanship. I'm just consulting you as you are much more expirienced in these fields.
Chris, The reason I want the extension is exactly what you said. I want the same lowest note as the cello. If I could get all the notes I wanted, I would even request for a Low B2(some Wagner and Mahler works call for it on bassoons)! Anyway, the pieces I play in school only call for a Low D. So for keeping down the cost, I decided only to get what I [currently] need. Steve's extension arrangement is somewhat different from what you pressumed. All the keys and pads are located on the extension, and what remains on the bell is just a vent hole. I like your idea though, and I'm pondering if I should bring it up to Steve.
And I have a few questions to ask. Which kind of extension is better, a removable or an integral one? And which arrangement do you predict is cheaper, Steve's or Chris's idea?
Once again I sincerely thank you for all your kind attention!
Josh
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2012-03-06 15:28
I'm sure he can make a removeable low D extension piece (same idea as a low Bb extension on a cor anglais but much larger) that means the bass can revert back to being a low Eb one whenever you want and also allowing it to fit in a standard case designed for low Eb basses. It means fitting more pillars for the keywork on the extension piece as they will carry the new low Eb key and the linkage for the thumb key to operate the bell key.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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