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BASS CLARINET EXPERIMENTS

Author: ngsclar
Date: 2026-04-01 03:15

For my first post, I would like to share some experiments in improving bass clarinet tone quality and response.

My bass is a beautiful old model Buffet to low C. The neck is in one piece with one speaker hole and a water key, and a detachable mouthpiece socket. I have long felt the need for a better neck, but have found no viable options. A Blashaus neck would be expensive. Buffet Icon does not fit. Having consulted one of the leading makers of 3D printed accessories, it seems a 3D printed neck is not viable for this configuration. Attempts to modify a cheap Chinese neck failed miserably.

My solution is:

(1) A copper ring fitted tightly around the mouthpiece socket. 35mm outer diameter copper pipe, as used by plumbers, is a good fit, with a layer of PTFE tape between the socket and the copper ring. The metal work was more difficult than I had expected, but successful at the second attempt – I can provide details if anyone is interested.

(2) A Bb fabric ligature around the neck. I am experimenting with position and tension.

The results are amazing.

Has anyone tried anything similar ?

NGSCLAR

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