 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ESclar
Date: 2022-01-10 10:41
Hello,
I bought a Selmer low Eb bass clarinet, X9663, back when the pandemic began. I’ve been reading on the boards here and I think it is a series 9 or model 30 (same thing)? No left-hand Ab/Eb and I’m not sure how to tell if the C#/G# is articulated. It needed some substantial work ($1k ouch) but now plays beautifully. I’ve got a couple questions that I would love some help with.
How much newer of a horn would I need to look for in order to have a more ergonomic setup? The left-hand can be awkward on mine. I can’t afford a new Selmer.
I’m looking for mouthpiece recommendations. I play an old Hawkins (around year 2000, fairly closed and resistant) on my soprano clarinets with 3.5-4 legere reeds. I bought a Yamaha 4C for my bass since that’s what I played on a borrowed instrument after a long time away from bass. In college I’m pretty sure it was a Hite mouthpiece that the studio owned but I see they’re on back order everywhere. A Portnoy 2 came with my bass, and I’m finding the upper octave is far easier on it than the 4C but I don’t totally love the tone quality. Not quite enough warmth or depth or complexity. And the upper octave will get easier as I practice more so that’s not the deciding factor for the mouthpiece.
Thanks all!!
Eliza
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2022-01-10 13:16
The C#/G# key on Selmers and on most pro level basses is an articulated mechanism whereby the heavier closed sprung touchpiece controls the lighter open sprung pad cup so the pad cup can be closed via a linkage arm with an adjusting screw from the RH main action whilst the C#/C# touch is held down. Only on some basses, it may not always be linked to the RH main action so you have to release it whenever using any RH notes as you'd normally do on the majority of clarinets.
An easy way to find out is if there's a linkage arm connected to the lower joint that runs up the middle line to link it directly to the C#/G# pad cup whilst the joints are assembled, or simply by playing a B and then holding down the C#/G# key at the same time - if the note remains a B. then it's all linked up (unless you've got a sticky C#/G# pad) or if you get a slightly flat C#, then it's not linked.
In other words, if there are three linkages between the joints, it's all linked up. If there's only two (RH3 to speaker mechanism and long Bb link), it's not.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: kilo
Date: 2022-01-10 15:49
I currently play on an old Selmer low Eb which I had overhauled and brought up to fine playing condition. I know what you mean about the left hand ergonomics but I'm going to suggest you try to adapt your technique to meet the challenge – in other words, practice!  I find that certain fingerings around the throat A are easier if I move my left elbow further away from my body. So if I practice a piece enough times I'll know to make that subtle shift, the same way I make embouchure adjustments to deal with large interval leaps or keep one finger on the lower stack when shifting from clarion to throat tones.
I've heard pretty good reviews of the Kessler Low C basses, but I haven't played one. A new one would have cost me as much as the purchase and overhaul of my Selmer (and I'd have a low C!) but my Series 9 is just such a pleasure to play.
Mouthpieces...so many mouthpieces, so little time (and money). I was fortunate enough to find a used Clark Fobes SF which I bought for about half the price of a new one. A Fobes Debut (the plastic introductory model) sounds almost as good and it's less than $100. Another inexpensive but decent HR mouthpiece is the George M. Bundy Signature. Many players are opting for more open mouthpieces (I still prefer a closer piece with a harder reed). This might mean more good quality used mouthpieces showing up as players replace their old equipment.
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Author: super20dan
Date: 2022-01-10 17:53
i am fairly new to bass myself and found the hite helps a lot in the high register. esp the altissimo. id would wait till they are in stock again. worth the wait. with the hite my altisimo notes are in tune . not so on othermpcs i have played.
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