 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: RonW
Date: 2000-09-01 17:10
Although I am an experienced clarinet player, until recently I had not had the opportunity to play a bass clarinet. I was asked to play it with a local wind symphony and they loaned me one owned by the symphony. It appears to be a professional quality Leblanc, no model name, and I was surprised at how beautifull the sound it produces in the lower register and the ease and quality of sound in most of the upper register. However, f, f# and g (especialy f#, top line on treble cleff staff) with the octive key open are very difficult to get out at all. I assumed at first this was due to my inexperience, but I still have problems and the rest of the notes all come out so incredibly beautiful and easy. I took it to a local repair shop and although he made a few adjustments and could find no leaks after extensive examination, these three notes are still barely playable. If the whole clarinet was difficult, I would not be so worried that something is wrong, but these three notes are so untypical of the rest of the instrument. My question is for experienced bass clarinet players. Is there something wrong with this instrument that can be fixed or do I just have to cope? Maybe this is typical of bass clarinets? In the coping arena, I have found that stiffer reeds (3 vs 2)help get these notes out (although still not attractively)but make the rest of the range, especially the low notes less 'wholesome?', well, not as full and resonating. Also, I am using tenor sax reeds, could that make a difference?
Thanks for your help.
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Author: J. Butler
Date: 2000-09-04 00:02
It this LeBlanc has the double register mechanism I would be looking to see if it was adjusted properly. If not correct it would cause the problems you are describing.
J. Butler
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Author: William
Date: 2000-09-05 00:07
F#, G, and G# are problem notes on any bass clarinet, but the "good" instruments speak easier than the average ones. The brand name isn't as important as the accoustical nature of the particular instrument you are playing on. As for the reeds, I use tenor sax reeds but recently have had good results with a Legere #31/2 bass clarinet reed. My mp is a VanDoren B-45 with a special "tenor sax" facing designed by a former New York City working pro. Good luck.
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