 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: christian_comeau
Date: 2006-11-22 17:56
Hi all!
I just begun playing on the big clarinet! I can get *not so bad* sounds... but my problem is with attacked notes. Whatever note under A2 can't be attacked properly... only by doing a short crescendo on it. Otherwise it squeaks!
Perhaps it because of the emoubchure (I'm used to soprano's), or air support (or lack of pratice)???
What should I look for?
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2006-11-22 18:06
I only play Alto, so bear with me.
I've learned that lower notes require a more relaxed embouchure, ie far less lower-lip-pressure than with a soprano instrument. Like attacking a low E on the Bb horn, only even looser. The lower and louder the note, the looser the lip, somehow.
--
Ben
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Author: EuGeneSee
Date: 2006-11-22 19:10
I've been having the same problem at the other end on alto and bass clarinet . . . when I play the left hand G, A, B, & C in the clarion, the G is no problem at all, but the next three are not easy for me. If I attack on G then slur up and down through the next 3, no problem at all. But if I try to attack on any one of those upper 3, I tend to either squeak or play the lower D, E, & F (as if I did not have the register key open).
Could it be the same embouchure problem, wrong amount of mpc in the mouth, or incorrect reed/ligature placement might cause christian_comeau and I to have similar problems?
Eu
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2006-11-22 19:17
> G then slur up and down through the next 3
At least the 3rd of those three (clarion' requires a half-fingering (mine has a holey key there) and the other fingers down.
You sure the register mechanism is okay? Is the thumb plateau tight?
I have noticed that sealing problems manifest themselves when attacking a note directly, not necessarily when slurring up/down to it.
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Ben
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Author: massa
Date: 2006-11-22 19:44
Quote:
Whatever note under A2 can't be attacked properly... only by doing a short crescendo on it. Otherwise it squeaks!
To me, it sounds like some adjustent issue in a lower joint. Any leaks?
All the best with your new challenge!! Bass is fun.
Quote:
What should I look for?
1. Good repair tech
2. very good mouthpiece
3. Good teacher/mentor
4. A lot of upcoming fun
5. (optional) A new/extra job(s), to buy a new Buffet 1193.
- m
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Author: Michelle
Date: 2006-11-23 04:05
Quote:
when I play the left hand G, A, B, & C in the clarion, the G is no problem at all, but the next three are not easy for me. If I attack on G then slur up and down through the next 3, no problem at all. But if I try to attack on any one of those upper 3, I tend to either squeak or play the lower D, E, & F (as if I did not have the register key open).
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I would say that's typical of a single register vent bass. No doubt others will explain further, but basically it's a flawed design. The "pro" Selmers and Buffets have double vents, along with some smaller makers... LeBlanc's do not, even their pro models. With a double vent (the hole in the neck) you can attack those high notes with no problem, once your bass embochure is built up
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Author: LeeB
Date: 2006-11-23 04:23
Definitely, if you haven't done so already, you need to have a technician check out your instrument to make sure it's sealing properly, and that all the mechanisms associated with the octave key are working properly. If things are out of adjustment (e.g. some adjustment corks have fallen off), you're going to get squeaks.
Lee
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Author: buedsma
Date: 2006-11-23 15:15
indeed
on all single register vent basses there is a problem in the clarion G,A,B range
When you should have problems with the lower A and further down( right hand, no register key ) ,then suspect a leak from that A note ( or G ) upwards somezwhere on the joint.
gr
also look in the mirror when playing to check if you are not accidentally touching another key or opening the small hole register vent on the index finger left hand
Post Edited (2006-11-28 10:12)
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Author: ajay91
Date: 2006-11-25 12:06
Hmm, I'm not sure how you could fix it. The only problem I've ever had with mine is gettin B2. The key pops out on mine but everything else is good. I mean, I can get my really high notes better on bass, ie they sound better!
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Author: EuGeneSee
Date: 2006-11-25 14:22
By the way, if the bass clarinet that has the separate register key on the neck (a la Buffet & Selmer) called a double register system and one with a simple single register key (in the manner of most soprano clarinets) called a single register system, then what is the name for the system that has two keys (the 2nd is under the register lever, not on the neck) and a "rocker" thing to select between them depending on whether the F hole is closed (a la Bundy & Vito)? Eu
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Author: Terry Stibal
Date: 2006-11-26 01:49
There are three bass clarinet register key systems that I have encountered over the last forty odd years.
The first is the original one, the "double register key":
This consists of two different register keys (two touch pieces) located along side and above the thumb plate. (This is similar to the original register key mechanisms on Sax's original saxophones.) You manually operate the correct key for the portion of the horn's range in which you are located. Although it seems cumbersome to describe it, it's not really all that hard to do.
The holes for this system are located at the neck, and lower down, within four inches of the neck socket. The holes are located close (on the Buffet that I played) to their corresponding locations on a modern Selmer.
I've never seen a modern Boehm bass with this type of mechanism, but I am given to understand that German bass clarinets still use this. I miss it, myself.
The second is what I call "register key on neck":
This system is characterized by 1) a register key opening on the neck, and a second key opening as in the first example above, 2) a l-o-n-g rod on the back of the horn connecting the register key mechanism to the brille keywork on the lower joint, and c) a single touchpiece above the thumb plate. In this "system", the opening of the register key with none of the upper joint brille keys opens the lower register hole, the opening of the register key with the lower brille keys on the lower joint depressed opens the lower register hole, and the opening of the register key without any of these keys depressed opens the upper register hole (up on the neck).
This one takes the thinking out of the operation of the two vents. However, it also has a very long, very vulnerable rod linking lower to upper joint just where it is likely to get damaged. School horns at a typical high school with this system are often not able to be played in the upper registers due to this damage.
The third is what I call the "&%@$!!" Leblanc system:
It's the one found on virtually all student bass clarinets, and on (at one time) all of the Leblanc horns. This is the one with a single touchpiece, and with two holes located on the body of the upper joint of the horn. The only linkage here is with the A key on the upper joint. Press the touchpiece while fingering the A touchpiece, and the lower vent opens. Press the touchpiece while not fingering the A touchpiece, and the upper vent opens.
The compromise here is that you no longer have the vulnerable lower joint linkage exposed to every little ding, and there's no longer a neck to upper joint bridge key. These are big plusses on a student horn. However, against that you have an "odd" response for the notes B in the staff through D in the staff.
If I had my druthers, I'd opt for a modern horn with the two register key touchpieces as in A) above. Since I don't, I prefer the non-Leblanc version, exposed rear side rod and all.
leader of Houston's Sounds Of The South Dance Orchestra
info@sotsdo.com
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Author: BassClarinet21
Date: 2006-11-26 19:55
I've been playing bass clarinet for three years and when I bought my bass clarinet (used) it had a horrible leak in the octave key and the lower register. My guess that you need to take it in to your local band shop and get it looked at.
-Logan
All state and All county Bass clarinetist
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