 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Fuzzy
Date: 2016-07-08 22:32
I'm in the market for a bass clarinet stand which would support a bass clarinet by supporting the bell. It looks like the only model I could find which was designed this way has been discontinued (Hercules model DS560B).
The bass clarinet I own was designed to be played using only a neck strap, so I won't have any peg issues.
I'm not looking for a stand for the pit - I just need something that I can set the instrument in for 5-10 minutes while I attend to other urgent matters during practice sessions, or while playing/pausing in private, casual settings.
I'll also be using the bass clarinet in a public setting where I'll be playing three or four tunes, then have to leave the instrument for 30-45 minutes before I'm able to put it away (a weekly gig where children will be present - though they "shouldn't" be near the instrument). I'd like a stand that really holds the instrument - not one that is made for quick release (like the current "cup" models now available for pit players).
Any suggestions?
Thanks!
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Author: CEC
Date: 2016-07-08 23:11
Looks like the Hercules is still available at Amazon (from Brook Mays).
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Author: Fuzzy
Date: 2016-07-09 00:22
Thanks CEC - but the latest reviewers at Amazon state that the model being shipped is nothing like the Hercules DS560B in the picture. I checked the Hercules site, and it lists the stand as being discontinued, so I'm guessing Amazon is sending the newer version...which is evidently a lot different.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-07-09 02:08
When you say 'supported by the bell' - do you mean a small, sax-type stand where the entire weight of the instrument is supported only by a bell cradle?
If so, then that's a bad idea as that will do damage to the bell bow, socket and tonehole as it will get crushed by the weight of the instrument over time or through careless or heavy-handed use.
The ideal bass clarinet stand has a cup to hold the floor peg (or the bell bow for those without a floor spike) and a long upright section with a cradle at the top to rest the top joint in (and the bass either facing forwards or facing you whichever you find best).
Hercules or K&M bassoon/bass clarinet stands are the best type (that look like a guitar stand but with a cup at the bottom), but not the Hercules stand that has the two cradles as they're the worst bass stands ever designed and made.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
Post Edited (2016-07-09 05:14)
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2016-07-09 02:15
Fuzzy,
I have the DS560B and really do not care for it. In fact, I took the bell section off and added a plastic jar lid to hold the peg (not pretty but very functional).
However, I think I have the original box in the attic, I've kept the original bell section, and there are not scratches of any kind on the stand. If you get the newer model, I'll swap yours even for mine. Send me a PM if you are interested.
HRL
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Author: gsurosey
Date: 2016-07-09 05:07
For those of you that don't like that stand, why don't you like it? I have one and like it very much.
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Rachel
Clarinet Stash:
Bb/A: Buffet R13
Eb: Bundy
Bass: Royal Global Max
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Author: Fuzzy
Date: 2016-07-09 10:24
Thanks for all the responses.
Chris P.: Thanks for the input on the havoc which could result from the design I was looking at. In the photo, it had looked good, and like the balance would put the weight in the correct spot(s), but I can see (after watching the video link provided by tucker) that the bass would probably wobble too much and put too much torque on the tenons as you describe. Thanks for preventing me from following that path!
Hank..Thanks for the review. I'll probably go with something else in light of the input I've received here, but thanks for the offer!
For those of you who use bass clarinet stands...do you feel comfortable with the cup models? I watched the video tucker provided, and it scares me to death to see the clarinets wobble around like they do. I guess I'm used to sax stands and clarinet pegs...I'm not used to seeing instruments swing and sway so easily; but then again, I've never used a bass clarinet stand before. Is this just the "norm" for bass clarinets? Are they really secure enough to protect the bass clarinet? My bass is pretty lightweight.
Fuzzy
Post Edited (2016-07-09 10:28)
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Author: Fuzzy
Date: 2016-07-09 10:52
Well, I went ahead and went with K&M since it seems to be so widely used. Also, I like how it seemed to handle the bass clarinet in the video tucker linked to. (Thanks tucker).
I'm still a bit nervous, but I'm sure it's nothing experience won't take care of!
Thanks again for all the input everyone!
Fuzzy
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