 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: SimpsonSaxGal
Date: 2006-02-18 21:49
I am playing my college's BBb contrabass this year in symphonic band and also woodwind ensemble. I tried out an old cane reed in the case, and that played well, but severely chipped after the first rehearsal. I had previous CB players suggest using bari sax reeds. Next rehearsal, I took out my Legere 3 and that played well. The CB is an old straight metal one that goes down to Eb, but I'm not sure of the brand.
Anyway, that's a little background. I am unable to play above the break. I was able to get about 3 notes out (above), and they sounded really weak and were unpredictable. As part of my music is above the break, I'd really like to play them as written, rather than take them down the octave. Is there anything I can do to get these notes to sound, short of taking the CB to the repair shop?
Thank you much.
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Author: Shorthand
Date: 2006-02-18 22:55
Bari Sax reeds will work for EEb contra (though I would still recommend that you at least try contra clarinet reeds too), but for BBb contra you really need the big BBb contra reeds (or Bass sax perhaps). Bari Sax reeds are worth trying with the BBb, but you definitely need to see if real BBb contra reeds sound better.
If its metal, its probably still a LeBlanc. The stamp should still be there - top dead center like on a Bass.
If I heard you, I could probably tell you whether its a embouchure issue or a leak. With a leak, the upper register just won't sound unless you force a squak. With a leak, all you'll normally get is a wheeze with a small what I would call "continuious chirp" like when a reed chirps, but it just keeps going. An embouchure issue won't have so much chirp and it'll be less consistent - it'll be more associated with spontanous squaks.
It takes a while for the outer lip muscles to develop, even when swithcing from Bass it usually takes me a good month before my contra embouchure is back. (Though the differences between BBb and EEb aren't that huge.) Just like on the Bass, you can't pinch with your jaw to force a clarion note to come out - but more so (you can do this on soprano though of course its wrong), you really have to relax the jaw to make the clarion speak on a contra.
However, leaks are so common on these instruments, especially right as they're coming out of storage that that's where I'd start. Later you'll be able to tell the difference but for now you won't know which it is without some help - so get it - either from the local good repair guy or from a teacher or peer.
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Author: SimpsonSaxGal
Date: 2006-02-19 05:48
I haven't come from the Bass clarinet. My main instrument in band has been alto sax, but I've been playing a lot of bari sax, recorder, and krummhorn recently as well (in other ensembles, but usually right before band). So, I change my embouchure quite a bit in a short period of time.
The bari sax reed seems to fit pretty well, just a little narrower than a normal BBb reed. There are about 3 other BBb reeds in the case, but they don't seem to work well with me. I may give them another whirl, or actually compare my bari reed to them.
My college is pretty reluctant to send an instrument to the shop to get repaired, and I have no means to take it in myself. Are there any certain keys I can look at to determine if it's a leak? I can manage to get the F, E, and D (top line and space, second line) out, but they are really quiet and tough to get out.
I hope some of this additional info helps you. Thank you!
Kimberly Karwath
Bb, Bass, and Contrabass
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Author: diz
Date: 2006-02-20 01:21
You played the reed that was in the case?!?
Yikes.
Without music, the world would be grey, very grey.
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Author: Shorthand
Date: 2006-02-20 03:22
There are various ways of sterilizing reeds - soak them in alchohol (cheap vodka is usually best everclear is better - you don't want something with any sugar in it), or you could also use hydrogen peroxide - just that will break down the reed before completely sterilizing it.
Remember that the reeds left in the case are probably not the best ones in the batch.
However, it is sounding more and more like a leak. Honestly given what you've described it coulde be anywhere above F. The register key mechanism is always a likely culprit but is tough to explain to someone not familiar with the Bass Clarinet, but there are any number of other possibilities too.
If there's someone around that is a serious bass clarinettist, as in played it in high school and favors it in college, they are likely to be able to help you troubleshoot the issue.
I'd expect a repair of this nature to cost $40-$60 at your local shop. If the person is good, it might be much closer to $20. Its likely just an adjustment screw, missing cork, or bent key - easy if you have the right tools and can diagnose it.
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Author: SimpsonSaxGal
Date: 2006-02-20 04:30
Thank you very much for your help. I'm going to inspect it tomorrow to see if I can notice anything clearly not right. The only bass clarinet in band is extremely busy, so she probably won't be able to help me.
If I were of age, I definitely would sterilize the reeds with alcohol. But, me being daring, I just went ahead and tried them.
If there is a bent key, I know it'd probably be best to have a repair person correct it. But would it be possible for me to bend it back?
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Author: Lelia Loban ★2017
Date: 2006-02-20 12:47
There's a product called "Sterisol" sold for mouthpieces that's legal for minors to buy. It's a cold sterilant that doesn't get things absolutely hospital clean, but it should wipe out the worst of the cooties. It comes in a small bottle that will fit in a ditty bag. Antiseptic mouthwash works, too. I buy instruments from flea markets where probably the people who tried out the merch were nice, healthy clarinet players -- but it would be just my luck to be the next person to put that mouthpiece in my mouth after some drugged out street orc slobbered all over it with his rotted fang-stumps. Since I know I won't be able to resist until I get home before I try out anything I might buy, I carry a cold sterilant in my car bag.
I agree with the people who suspect a leak, btw. Check to see if the screw on the crossover A/Ab keys at the top needs tightening or loosening, maybe by as little as half a turn. That screw gets out of adjustment easily, and those pads are often among the first to leak, too. I've also found the flat spring underneath either weakened (needs replacing) or turned a little bit sideways, out of the groove. If that crossover adjustment is messed up in any way, the upper register usually goes out first.
Lelia
http://www.scoreexchange.com/profiles/Lelia_Loban
To hear the audio, click on the "Scorch Plug-In" box above the score.
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