 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: William Fuller
Date: 1999-12-29 15:27
I am a fairly accomplished classical clarinetist who doubles on all of the saxes and flute for jazz gigs and pit orchestras. My only problems is with the bass clarinet in the top-line F to A range, in particular, G and G#. I can play the rest of the instruments range from low C to double high C, but these middle notes are impossible. My mp is a VD B-45 with a Legere #3 reed and I am considering the purchase of a very nice new low-C Prestege ($4,800). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated by me and my audience.
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Author: David Blumberg
Date: 1999-12-29 18:37
On some Basses, those notes are very unstable. Aim your airstream down on those notes, and try slowing down your airstream.
You will probably find that the new instrument does not have the same problem.
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Author: SusieQ
Date: 1999-12-29 18:43
Check for air leaks. I was having the same problem, until I had a few pads replaced. Try taking a little more mouthpiece and see if that helps. Those notes can be very temprimental on the bass clarinet.
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Author: Joanne
Date: 1999-12-30 17:15
I have the same problem - for me it's A & Bb that won't speak. I think part of it depends on the reed. With a very soft reed these notes won't speak at all, but with a stiff reed I can squeak them out. I tried out a new selmer 37 in the shop - no problems at all on that horn!
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Author: Alec Thigpen
Date: 1999-12-30 18:26
I can say you will not have that problem on the 1193! Try a Bay MO-M mouthpiece and see if that helps. I find that it speaks quite clearly in the upper register up to super C without any negative qualities in the low register.
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 1999-12-30 18:39
William Fuller wrote:
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* * * My only problems is with the bass clarinet in the top-line F to A range, in particular, G and G#. I can play the rest of the instruments range from low C to double high C, but these middle notes are impossible. * * *
William -
For bass clarinet problems in the clarion register, the first place to check is always the register key mechanism, which is very difficult to keep in adjustment and is erratic at the best of times. Have someone stand next to you and press on the pad for the lower register key and also the throat Bb pad as you play. Make sure the upper register key (on the neck) is open. It's 10 to 1 that the problem notes will pop right out.
This is one thing that really needs professional adjustment. The pads have to be perfectly seated, the rods and pivots have to work perfectly freely, and the springs have to be regulated perfectly.
Good luck.
Ken Shaw
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