 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: rebel clarinetist
Date: 2004-03-15 19:16
Hi everyone. I need some information on Eb alto clarinets. I have played Bb clarinet since junior high,so I'm quite familiar with it. But I'm NOT at all with the Eb alto. The reason I'm asking is, I belong to a local community concert band and we are starting a clarinet choir with members of the clarinet section, unfortunatly we DO NOT have an alto clarinet player in our band, so one of us(excuse the English)Bb players will have to play alto(we already have a bass clarinet player). Any info. you can give will be helpful, I think the alto plays in bass clef,right???? Our band's website is as follows,if you want to check us out--------http://peninsulaconcertband.org
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Author: larryb
Date: 2004-03-15 19:40
I don't believe alto parts are written much in bass clef - there doesn't seem to be a need since the lowest note (Eb) is only a half step below the range of soprano (Bb and A) clarinets. The main purpose of writing in bass clef would be to avoid having too many ledger lines below staff.
Otherwise, expect a larger bore instrument with a larger mouthpiece and reed. It will take some getting used to, but shouldn't be a problem. Fingerings will be the same.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2004-03-15 20:55
Larry B is correct, alto, bass, contra-alto and even contrabass cls are [almost always] written in treble clef, most likely because of the [nearly identical {to soprano Bb}] fingerings for the notes being read. Like with saxes, the actual sound is due to the size of the inst. I played alto cl in a fine choir, enjoying the individual part resulting from the re-orchestration [p.e. the viola part from string pieces] of much good music available. You will love it ! As to choice of alto cl, I much prefer the fully plateau models, and trying a number of them, found that the Selmer-Paris was by far the best. Trying many mpc's, I finally found an [old] suitable one, and, because of great experience with Pomaricos for my bass cl, ordered a Pom #3 [facing] from Italy, and am very happy with it so far, [dont get to play AC too often in comm band, dern it !!]. Much of what you know now is transferrable to alto, but it IS a different horn, somewhat similar to its close cousin, the Basset Horn, but "practice X 3". ENJOY, Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: ron b
Date: 2004-03-15 21:26
While it's not too difficult to read and play bass parts on Eb instruments, usually you don't. If you're fairly good at sight transposing from concert pitch on Bb clarinet you should be able to do about as well on alto with a little practice. Most often the parts are written, transposed for you, in treble clef. I've found that a little wider tip mouthpiece opening and a somewhat softer reed works well. You'll have to discover what works best for you of course. I love playing alto in smaller groups, but never had the opportunity to be in a real clarinet choir. I imagine it would be great fun.
Happy Tootin, Reb !!! 
- r![[cool]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/cool.gif) n b -
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Author: legendthellama
Date: 2004-03-15 21:41
I did the same thing that you did, I play the Bb in concert band and alto in clarinet choir. One thing that i would suggest would be to have a good quality alto if possible. This will make your life a ton better. The altos that my school have are junk and don't really like to play above the octive, which is a pain.
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Author: rebel clarinetist
Date: 2004-03-15 23:40
Thanks, everyone. I've been looking on Ebay for a good quality alto,plus the woodwind.org classifieds. All the good quality ones that I see on Ebay I end up losing to someone else,but I know there's one out there. Don, I've already asked one of our comm.concert band directors(we have 2 directors,they take turns directing the band and are a DARN sure better than the last director we had who was a REAL JERK!!!!-------to put it "mildly")and he said that the alto clarinet parts are being covered by the alto sax,so I doubt I will be playing for the band,just the choir. I'll keep you guys updated on things. Thanks!!!!!
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Author: marcia
Date: 2004-03-16 02:09
I've played a few different alto clarinets, currently in an excellent wind ensemble. The first one I played was a Buffet. I love my R13s but I found the alto a little stuffy, and the hand position, expecillay right hand, was very awkward. The next one, a Yamaha, was an improvement. It was quite free blowing and the right hand position was a little less awkward but I still struggled. They both belonged to other people. I know own a Leblanc which plays well, when it's in good working order, and the right hand keywork is truly amasing! It is very simliar to my soprano instruments. My hands are not big so perhaps the other two would be less of problem with larger hands. The other thing that made a HUGE difference to the handling of it is a floor peg. I could hardly believe the difference it make so would highly recommend you use one.
Hope this helps.
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Author: diz
Date: 2004-03-16 02:36
I frankly wouldn't waste my money on one ... if the band wants you to play the beast get them to buy it. But that's MY opinion.
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Author: contragirl
Date: 2004-03-16 03:44
lol! I just bought a nice wooden Noblet on ebay last year. Cost about $300, but it cost me $300 in repairs! I have so much trouble with it. I dunno if it's the double register mech or what.
Plus it is soo hard to get in tune. Supposedly, the new ones are great. My friend who is the bass clarinetist in the Marine Band says if he has to play it, then they are gonna buy him the nicest one out there (Prestige). lol! And he admits he is probably the highest paid alto clarinetist in the world, which is probably true! haha
--CG
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Author: diz
Date: 2004-03-16 20:51
I'm not sure about America but in Australia alto clarinets are basically non-existant, except in some college wind bands. Opportunities to earn money with them are non-existant. The Basset Horn is an entirely different beast ... for example Opera Australia are doing Der Rosenkavalier this year ... this work certainly requires a couple of Basset Horns from memory.
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2004-03-16 21:19
As far as I know alto clarinets always play in treble clef, and never make a cent for their owners. They exist solely for the pleasure of their players, the amusement of fellow clarinetists, and the derision of bandleaders. Despite the drawbacks, I like mine (a wood Kohlert-Winnenden).
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2004-03-16 21:28
Well Diz, In the USA, they are a "looked-down-upon" [not quite despised] but, IMHO, unappreciated cousin of our popular bass cl and the ?over-rated? Basset horn. I applaud your Op Aus performing Der Rosen K, I love its music and humor, but will the B H parts be played on alto clarinets ?[except for the BH's low C's {if any}, alto D's]? I'm in hopes this may kick off a discussion !!! Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: diz
Date: 2004-03-17 00:04
No ... certainly not, they have Basset Horns in their arsenal.
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Author: diz
Date: 2004-03-17 00:05
Bass clef is almost always used in German speaking countries for BASS clarinets (especially Germany and Austria) otherwise treble clef is certainly the order of the day.
Without music, the world would be grey, very grey.
Post Edited (2004-03-17 00:16)
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Author: larryb
Date: 2004-03-17 14:29
Don and Diz:
I would bet that you are both right. The Opera Australia probably uses large bore basset horns, ie: alto clarinets in F with extension down to low C. Six of one half dozen of the other.
It would be fun to find out for sure.
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Author: clarinetmama
Date: 2004-03-17 16:39
I agree with the person who said not to buy an alto. The few chances you get to play it don't make it a good investment. Besides, aren't there an awful lot of jokes about alto clarinetists?
As far as treble or bass clef is concerned. Alto is always in treble. However, it is very easy to transpose bassoon parts into alto clarinet parts. Read it as if it is in treble and add three sharps. It is easier than it sounds.
I have never run across a bass clarinet part in bass clef in band literature but have had to play bass clef in orchestra on a few pieces. I have played bass clarinet now for thirty years....I think I can count the times I have needed to play in bass on one hand.
I applaud your willingness to help out, but let someone else foot the bill.
Jean
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Author: ron b
Date: 2004-03-17 18:58
Hello, Jean
You're up and about!!! Ha! How're you doing???
It's a happy surprise to see that you're posting again... yeahhhhh![[hot]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/hot.gif) ....
(although I don't quite agree all the way with you on this one).
I can't imagine not owning my own alto clarinet. I came to the conclusion some time ago that if I want to call myself a clarinet player (again) I should be ready and able to play *Clarinet*, any of the "popular" ones, when called on to do so... uh, right. Well, I don't have a contra but I sorta dream about it. I own an alto and a bass and enjoy them both. The alto is a fun horn that I find fits in with 'most any combination of 'get-together' instruments I run into. The ease of reading bass clef as needed is a fringe benefit I rarely use -- but it's there.
I bought both "harmony horns" off eBay, paid relatively little for them and, while sold "as is", both were quite playable when they arrived. They've provided hours and hours of Happy Tootin' ever since.
Well, as I mentioned, it's a great and happy surprise to see you up and movin' and posting and... I trust you're feeling much better -- what all are you up to ? (maybe we could get a new thread going?)
Sincerely happy,
- ron b -
Post Edited (2004-03-17 19:01)
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2004-03-17 20:21
(slightly off-topic): ron b, why just dream about having a contra --- there are usually a couple of very affordable Bundy/Buescher plastic EEb contra-alto clarinets on eBay at any given time, generally they can be had in good working condition for $800 US or less --- one of the best little-known bargains in the clarinet world.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2004-03-17 21:05
I know there are some really good bargains out there, Dave.
At the moment I only dream about a contra because I'm also dreaming about having 800 (or less) USDs to spend on a horn.
Two immediate reasons:
1.) I'm waiting for my youngest son to get a job so he can pay his own car repairs and
2.) my sideline 'business' has been almost nil lately.
It'll cost $1200 this afternoon to pick up the car and I haven't had a business call in over two weeks - very slow all over town :\
It'll happen though. I have a 'feeling'
- ron b -
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Author: Taxijazz
Date: 2004-03-18 06:50
After the Alto saxophone reached the final stages of development not all too many years ago the Alto clarinet has gradually slipped into obsolescence.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2004-03-18 15:59
In my opinion, T.J., the Saxophone has come nowhere near reaching its 'final stages of development' and the Alto Clarinet is far from extinct. In some geographically isolated areas that may seem to be the case but, overall, factories are still turning out a significant number of Alto Clarinets.
Believe it or not, a significant number of people actually play them
- ron b -
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2004-03-18 17:03
I don't believe there is any relationship whatsoever between the alto sax and the alto clarinet, other than being in the same key and having similar ranges. For the most part their primary uses, strong points, and weaknesses are very different. No wind instrument is (nor will ever be ) "fully developed", and if the alto clarinet is indeed "obsolescent" then why are there so many of them still around producing music-like pressure waves in the atmosphere?
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Author: Chris Chaloner
Date: 2004-03-18 20:05
For about 10 years I played alto clarinet as my main instrument in a community wind band. It really is very different to the Bflat and the bass in sound, and with well written pieces can add a lot to the texture of a band. I'll confess that mostly I now play alto sax in the band, except where there is something really important not covered elsewhere, but in a small clarinet choir it's an essential instrument - try Mozart string quartets transposed for Eflat sop/Bflat/alto/bass for really good use of the family.
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