 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2007-04-08 10:54
Hello
I have a question for those who stand when playing bass clarinet. What do you use (peg/strap/etc.)?
I'm trying to move from a long peg to using a strap, but the problem I have is, using a neck strap only is a bit too heavy (low C bass) and with a strap that goes on my shoulders the weight was ok but I couldn't get the mouthpiece in a comfortable position.
I'm wondering if there is a better strap or option that I don't know about. Shoulders strap that has the freedom of a neck strap would probably be good, if something like this exists.
Thanks!
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2007-04-08 12:42
If a neck strap hurts, try a saxophone harness such as the Neotech -- distributes the load along your shoulders and back.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2007-04-09 05:40
Thanks David, but the Neotech harness looks to have the same problem as the harnes I have now - the hook is too close to the body and makes the mouthpieces position uncomfortable.
I'm wondering if there is a harness type strap tht puts the clarinet in the same position (or close) to that of a regular strap?
Thanks.
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Author: bahamutofskycon
Date: 2007-04-09 15:36
I played bass clarinet in marching band for two years in high school. I used a strap - it wasn't a very comfortable experience. I didn't try many varieties though so I don't have a recommendation there.
The two or three times I've seen professional bass clarinetists stand and play they used a peg.
Steve Ballas
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2007-04-09 16:04
Clarnibass,
an option is to grow a considerable beer belly so that the clarinet neck has proper clearance from your mouth; then you can wear a harness comfortably.
FWIW I wear a 2-hook bass strap with my Alto. (my belly's just big enough...)
--
Ben
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Author: mikeW
Date: 2007-04-09 16:05
If the problem is just the length of the strap, sling or harness then the easiest (and cheapest) solution would be to make an extension.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2007-04-09 16:49
Tictactux - good suggestion, but unfortunately with my genes that would be impossible no matter how hard I try 
The problem is not just the length of the strap. If I wasn't clear let me know what I need to explain better.
Thanks again.
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2007-04-09 17:53
I noticed that Sax players hold their apparatus slightly sideways (as I do with my Alto) and off-vertical; is that no option with bass? Of course, you'd need rayban glasses and a beret with that kind of setup...
--
Ben
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2007-04-09 18:08
Actually I've been playing with the instrument in the middle ever since I started bass, but in the last several days (when experimenting again with a strap instead of long peg) I tried the instrument to the side and it worked good. I remember seeing some other professional bass clarinets do this also (Evan Ziporyn, Lori Freedman).
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2007-04-12 06:20
Thanks everyone. I asked on other forums too and got a lot of suggestions for different straps/harnesses that might work. I'll see if I can try a few and I'll report back if I find something that helps.
I noticed that no matter what you use, there is one thing that is very hard to play without a peg. That is the open G to low C (or C#, and maybe thumb D on Buffet also, thumb Eb on Selmer). IF played fast it requires to play the G without the thumb under the thumbrest for contra. Unfortunately the "belly stick" (what Henri Bok has), as uncomfortable as it is, seems to be the only thing that will help for this interval. I'll look into making that too.
Thanks again,
Nitai
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