Author: Terry Stibal
Date: 2005-02-11 13:44
I too have a low C bass clarinet (Selmer Model 33, dating back to the late 1960's in manufacture date), and I enjoy playing it, no question. But, while I may use the extension notes (Eb, D, Db, C...you do know that the Eb is an extension note as well, don't you?) once in a blue moon for written parts, very often the only time that I drift below low E is when I'm transposing something else (like those damn'd A bass clarinet parts). And, all modern horns already have the ability to do that particular transposition, with the Eb extension.
In short, it's a nice thing to have those extra three semitones, as unfacile as they are for normal chromatic play. (There are two very simple modifications to the Selmer 33 keywork that can be made to make the various slides much more facile; owners would need to have some cutting and soldering done on their keywork, though...) But, wanting to play those three extra extension note is not a very good argument for lusting after a more expensive instrument or an even more inconvenient "extension".
"Student" versions of the bass clarinet available before last year didn't give you any choice; you got the Eb and that was it. I am given to understand that the horn produced under Tom Ridenour's influence has the extended range, but getting that will still set you back a grand or so. A new horn perhaps, but a lot of money for very little in return (since you already have a bass clarinet to begin with).
As much as the ability to properly fill out a harmonic line on my Model 33 means to me, I readily admit that I'd not go the $1,000 or so that it would take to obtain it if I didn't already have it.
leader of Houston's Sounds Of The South Dance Orchestra
info@sotsdo.com
|
|
The Clarinet BBoard
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
