 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Clarinetpunk
Date: 2003-09-25 16:11
Alright....Im sure most of you know what im talking about here if youve ever played Bass clar (or lower or bari sax low A) It makes your head rattle. So were playing a piece in our Wind Symphony where the Bass's play and hold the low Eb for like 30+ measures, and i cant got for more thatn like 8 at a time without having to stop and rub my face because the vibration tickles my whole face. Got any suggestions to help lessen this? Or is it just something ive gotta lean to deal with?
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2003-09-25 16:24
Been there, done that! Do you have a mouthpiece cushion on the top of its "beak"? You may need the rubber cushion rather than a thin plastic, if it's that severe. If there are 2 or more of you BC's [or contras], or a bari sax with the same note [his low Bb on sax], make an agreement to re-breath alternately so that the tone is continuous. Luck, Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2003-09-25 20:52
I have played double lip on all instruments for years, but even before I switched, I always used it on low instruments, for exactly the reason you give. Particularly on the low Eb, you don't need a lot of lip pressure, so double lip shouldn't be much of a problem, and it really does help.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2003-09-25 21:01
I must differ with Mr. Shaw on this and side with Mr. Berger: Using a mouthpiece patch (as I have been for centuries, it seems) I have never rattled my brains on low-Ebs, even using standard single-lip embouchure and rather hard reeds (#4 and up). Or, as is likely, what little is left of my brain has been so rattled through the years that it doesn't notice what the low notes are doing to it.....By the way, I play quite a bit of EEb contra-alto clarinet and bari sax, and have no "brain-ratlling" issues there either --- using mouthpiece patches, of course.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2003-09-25 21:44
TKs, Dave [Mr. S ?], and Ken [also Mr. S?], I do prefer first names among bass clar f[R]iends. I go back and forth from single to double lip, dbl on the bottom notes, so have twice the vibration-dampening "insulation" way down there, often at high volume!! To each his own way !! Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: diz
Date: 2003-09-26 00:55
LOL - I know THAT feeling, thank GOD you don't play contrabassoon is all I can say.
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Author: graham
Date: 2003-09-26 08:09
If none of that works try experimenting with the spike. It may dampen the vibration if it has a soft or softer ending (use a spike cushion??). Or try a sling.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2003-09-26 13:42
Graham - Is your "spike" what I [we?] call a peg, supporting the bass cl via the floor? Yes, I found some rubber "feet" in the big hardware store, about a 1/4 to 3/8 " dia. which work well and dont slip [usually]. I've seen cello players [without "feet"] slip around or use a wood "holder". I use a 2 hook strap, somewhat loose, along with the peg, to minimize the hazard of chipping/breaking my glass mouthpiece, like belt and suspenders?? Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: LCL
Date: 2003-09-26 14:04
I side with Dave S. on this one. I've played Bb Contra, Eb Contra, and Bs. CL., all with single-lip for over 47 yrs. and have not noticed the phenomenon. However when playing the extended range on a Leblanc paperclip Bb Contra while staring at an LED display (i.e. alarm clock), the numbers do appear to quake.
LCL
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Author: Clarinetpunk
Date: 2003-09-26 19:26
Sorry it tooke me so long to relpy back to you all, I do have a mouthpiece cushion thinger...i have them on all my mouthpieces. I have a rubber stop on the end of my peg, AND were on a carpet floor, i can only imagine how much more it will happen on a stage.
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