 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: NewBass
Date: 2007-02-19 15:38
The title summarizes it. I'm running about 20 cents flat everywhere. With great difficulty, I can sometimes get the pitch up, but ....
Setup is a Yamaha bass, Vandoren B46 mpc, advanced (?) beginner skill level, don't know much. Yes, I'm having too much trouble getting reeds I like.
Advice?
Both what and why. I like to know why, when possible.
W
Tonemeister Productions - All things audio
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2007-02-19 16:02
DEAR New Bass
Which model Yam Bass are you playing?
Try the stock Yamaha mouthpiece against the B46 as well..facings can change over time although Vandoren do tend to play quite sharp...
...what no. reed are you using? etc.al
David Dow
Post Edited (2007-02-19 18:41)
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Author: NewBass
Date: 2007-02-19 21:39
David,
The reed is Rico Royal 2 1/2.
I don't know the model of bass. I'll look tonight.
I also have some sort of Yamaha mpc. It plays more "in tune", but it's really difficult to play at all with it. The Yamaha mpc appears to be as open as the B46, but a much shorter lay.
Forgot to mention the tuning reference is A=440.
Thanks.
W
Tonemeister Productions - All things audio
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2007-02-19 22:46
Or even try using tenor sax reeds - I like Vandoren Java tenor sax reeds on bass clarinet, and as there are so many different types of tenor reeds, you'll have a HUGE choice in comparison to buying reeds that are (allegedly) specifically for bass clarinet.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: NewBass
Date: 2007-02-19 23:51
I tried the Vandoren 2.5 bass reed awhile back. Hated it. Sounded wheezy, asthmatic. Oddly, it also gave the impression it could be really good if it and I could come to terms. Go figure. But it would be interesting to see what it does for pitch.
Now I've got some things to try, anyhow.
W
Tonemeister Productions - All things audio
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Author: joeyscl
Date: 2007-02-20 05:33
I had the same problem with my A, had the barrel cut down to 62mm... (a bit extreme, yes)
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2007-02-20 13:31
Bass is a strange beast. I frequently have periods where I am playing much lower or higher than "normal" with no change in equipment at all.
Try voicing more like a Bb though..........position your tongue as if you were saying "EEEEE." Don't get me wrong, you can't approach the bass as if you were playing a soprano but if you think more like a soprano in this case it should help.
...........Paul Aviles
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Author: NewBass
Date: 2007-02-21 04:21
Well, some progress. A stiffer reed seems to help a lot. But my face gets tired faster. Hmmm, conditioning would help, but... something doesn't seem right. My alto sax isn't that much work.
I didn't really choose the mouthpiece (Vandoren B46) so much as it just happened. I have a suspicion it may not be the best choice for a beginner.
Playing with voicing seems to affect tone more than pitch, so i'll put that on the list of things to work on.
Any further thoughts?
Tonemeister Productions - All things audio
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Author: fuglen
Date: 2007-02-21 06:51
Ask someone who has another bass of a different make if you can try his/hers.
Just to locate the problems. Yamaha is known for well tuned instruments but I have my doubts about their plastic bass clarinet.
Some years ago I rented a brand new yamaha in order to save my Selmer 37 from the troubles conected with flying to Japan and USA.
I remember regretting this disposition more than once. The yamaha I got was playing very flat in the upper clarion register.
good luck
www.peterfuglsang.com
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