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RE: Bb Contrabass clarinet

Author: Alphie
Date: 2000-02-07 00:39

Hi'Melanie

Since these instruments usually lie around for ages between the times they are used, first of all, make sure that the instrument is in good shape. That all the pads are sealing and that both the speakerkeys work properly. The sqeaks can be quite severe otherwise. You will need Contrabass-clarinet reeds. The mouthpiece is probably a LeBlanc original with a medium-large tip-opening so don�t use too hard reeds.
2�-3 shuld be enough. Your teacher or band-director shuld know where to get them. If you are living in a small place, the local musicstore will probably not have them so you will have to get them elsewhere. If they are hard to find maybe you can use Baryton-saxophone reeds. They might be too narrow though and you will have to cut them off at the lower end. I have never tryed them myself so I�m not sure if they will work or not.
To produce the sound your mouth have to be extremely relaxed. Just rest your upper jaw on the mouthpiece and blow. Use no pressure from the lower jaw. To get a big and rich sound, use a lot of air in your mouth-cavity and don�t be afraid to let your cheeks go "balloony". Some practice might help too.
I play in a Philharmonic Orchestra myself,with Contrabass-clarinet in my contract and I�m happy to shere my experiences with you. Good luck.

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