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Series 9 Bass Clarinet Strap Ring

Author: lamanyana
Date: 2005-09-22 15:57

Hello all -

A quick question for the group.

My Selmer Series 9 bass clarinet is missing the upper neck strap ring. (For those of you not familiar with the setup, there are usually 2 rings - one on the thumb-rest and another screwed in further up the instrument.) While it's certainly playable (and wonderful) with just the single strap ring, it is necessary to use finger pressure on the front keys to keep the instrument balanced, so certain notes (e.g. the clarion high C) require some strange contortions.

Does anyone have any suggestions for how I could track down a replacement? I asked the repair guy who last time I had it in the shop, but he didn't have any suggestions.

Along these lines, does anyone have any suggestions for woodwind repair in the Portland, Oregon area? I haven't been thrilled with the service at our main local shop (The Portland Music Company) but don't really know where to start in trying to find someone better.

Thanks,
Michael

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Re: Series 9 Bass Clarinet Strap Ring

Author: Doug
Date: 2005-09-22 17:29

Michael: Try using no neck strap. I play in a community concert band in
San Diego and there are three on bass clarinet and none of us use neck
straps. For the past ten years, I have been using a Weight Lifter to
support the weight of the instrument. Bass #2 and #3 use their pegs.
With the Weight Lifter, I can adjust the height of the 2x5 pad to any
height I want. Unfortunately Weight Lifter went out of business several
years ago, but you might try the big mail order houses to see if they have any in stock. From the defunct bass clarlnet internet, I read that there are a couple of very good bass clarinet repair techs in the Tacoma area.

Doug

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Re: Series 9 Bass Clarinet Strap Ring

Author: Don Berger
Date: 2005-09-22 18:09

I use both a peg for major support, and a 2 hook neckstrap for security, lap location during music selection and page turning etc, for my Sel 33 BC [Eb] . On a single ring [TR] alto, I used a paper clip around the lower post for the thumb pad mechanism as the upper ring and it worked well for me. My bass [corresponding] post would work well for the paperclip/upper ring's attachment and not interfere with pad action. As to playing the F/C, for long notes, I find that using my 1st finger in "pinch fashion", beside, but clear of, the F# pad works well. Try it. Luck, Don

Thanx, Mark, Don

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Re: Series 9 Bass Clarinet Strap Ring

Author: lamanyana
Date: 2005-09-22 18:18

Doug wrote:

>
> Michael: Try using no neck strap. I play in a community
> concert band in
> San Diego and there are three on bass clarinet and none of us
> use neck
> straps. For the past ten years, I have been using a Weight
> Lifter to
> support the weight of the instrument.

I certainly have done this at various times and it works fine (though getting some sort of adjustable stand does sound nice - I will look into the Weight Lifter).

I still would like to get the neck strap system working properly, however, as I really like having the option of standing while playing. Most of my clarinet playing is in the context of small jazz/improv groups rather than in concert bands, and sometimes it just seems more natural to play standing in that setting.

Thanks,
Michael

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