 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: jez
Date: 2003-01-20 01:03
I attended a recital recently, given by the Australian clarinettist Roslyn Dunlop and was intrigued to notice a device I've not seen before.
She played half the concert on bass-clarinet, which she played standing, held on an ordinary sling, but with a device stuck on the thumb-rest holding a leather pad about 10 inches from the insrument resting against her stomach. This seemed to make the thing stable and comfortable. I noticed her playing a high C with just the thumb and turning a page with her right hand.
I hardly ever play the bass and wouldn't dream of doing so standing up, but for those who do (in marching bands for example) this has got to be worth a try.
jez
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Charles
Date: 2003-01-20 01:15
I would like to know about it - I have not tried to march with my bass - I just switch back to soprano - because it is just too awkward. Does anyone have any details on the support?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Bob Arney
Date: 2003-01-20 02:58
Do you suppose someone in that part of the world could find out if she has had it comissioned for her or if it is a commercial offering?
Bob A
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Jean
Date: 2003-01-20 03:09
My husband owns a machine shop and made a stand for a bass clarinetist (not me) who wanted it so that he could play standing up. If anyone wants to know more about having one made Todd would be the guy to talk to. The company we own has a reputation for making all sorts of custom metal "stuff". The fellow he made it for plays professionally for many of the touring Broadway shows and is one of the most respected clarinet teachers in my area.
Jean
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: David Spiegelthal
Date: 2003-01-20 13:26
Jez,
I've been playing bass clarinet standing up (that's how I always practice it) for 25+ years --- what's the big deal? I thinks all these various pegs and stands are crutches, but I realize this is a minority opinion. With a properly-angled neck (a la Charles Bay) and a properly-located neckstrap hook (at the 'balance point' of the particular instrument), playing standing up, or sitting down using just a neckstrap, can be comfortably done for hours on end.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Robert Hoit
Date: 2003-01-20 16:22
The device she was using was developed by Henri Bok and is in fact what he uses. I have bad news about it though. As far as I know no one is putting them on bass clarinets anymore because there is a high likely hood of the instrument cracking during the process. there are many other possibilities though. I tend to just use a regular neck strap while standing (I play solo& chamber music ONLY standing), but have in the past used a extended peg. and other types of straps.
Many folk use the harnass style.. Mr. Bok uses a BG strap that attaches to his belt in conjunction with the belly rest.
good luck
bob
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2003-01-20 19:53
Steve Fox makes a belly pad for his basset clarinet. I agree with Robert that the physics of it put a lot of strain on the screws in the body. Anything with a longish rod on it can put tremendous strain on the wood, because of the leverage.
It would be fairly easy to get a longer floor peg made. I've tried a two-hook neckstrap, and it's very uncomfortable. Probably an over-the-shoulder harness, as used for tuba or bass drum, would be the solution.
On the other hand, there are very few standing cellists. If they can sit, so can we.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2003-01-20 21:51
They are locally made supports which are also available for soprano clarinets. You could try contacting Brent at Prestige Woodwind and Brass here in Sydney and he can probably get one for you. <www.woodwindandbrass.com.au> his number is 61 2 9389 0166.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
