 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: bahamutofskycon
Date: 2007-07-13 20:58
When I double (as in an orchestra setting) I just switch the whole mouthpiece-reed-lig-barrel chunk back and forth between the clarinets. However, I find that the reed is a bit too stiff on the A and the Bb barrel seems to make the A tend to be more "honky." However with some extra effort this can be overcome in the orchestra setting.
Here's the question - in a solo setting (say, Mozart concerto) do you use the same mouthpiece-reed-lig-barrel on the A that you would on the Bb? Or do you have specific A clarinet equipment that you use?
Just trying to find out what peoples' preferences are. Please discuss.
Thanks,
Steve Ballas
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Author: Morrigan
Date: 2007-07-13 21:42
When I played Leblancs I used to swap the barrel across as well, but since I've got a Buffet Bb and a Leblanc A, it just doesn't work. I'm currently looking for something that works with both because quickly grabbing the mouthpiece and lig is potentially disastrous. So I know how you feel. Just find a barrel that works well with both.
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Author: marcia
Date: 2007-07-13 21:44
Have two Buffet R13s, only swap mp. and most of the time the reed and ligature come with it! Make sure your lig. is on firmly and the cork is well greased.
Marcia
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Author: RodRubber
Date: 2007-07-14 00:10
If i am performing a solo on A clarinet, i will pick a reed that has a great feel on the a clarinet. Generally i choose reeds with the Bb clarinet. In orchestra, i just switch mouthpiece, sometimes barrel, depending if the group plays at 443, or 440
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Author: 2E
Date: 2007-07-14 03:41
I have the same problem too whenever I play Stravinsky's 3 Pieces, swapping can be quite tedious. Only swap the mouthpiece (reed, lig too) as the barrels are different. Generally speaking to keep the tone and feel of your Bb on your A: use more air and support with low breathing more. You have to push through alot more air to keep your bA sounding as nice as your Bb, at least I do anyway.
2E
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Author: larryb
Date: 2007-07-14 12:33
when I'm playing a piece that requires both Bb and A, I usually prepare reeds with my A clarinet, since I know that a reed that plays comfortably on the A will also be fine on the Bb, not necessarily the other way around. That has to do with my set of instruments, and others might have a different routine.
I try to only switch the mouthpiece and try to avoid changing the barrel - again, that has to do with my set of clarinets. It does mean that I have to take off the ligature, put the reed in my mouth, switch the mouthpiece over, and then reassemble. It wouldn't work well for fast switches, but since I'm playing mostly opera these days, there's always enough time to switch (with recitatives, tacets, etc).
By the way, I don't define using both A and Bb clarinets as "doubling." That's called playing clarinet. Doubling involves playing two different kinds of instruments (eg: clarinet/flute, clarinet/sax, clarinet/trumpet). Perhaps playing soprano & bass clarinet (or Eb or basset horn) could be considered "doubling," but playing two soprano clarinets is not.
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Author: William
Date: 2007-07-15 15:46
I play LeBlanc Concerto A & Bb clarinets, so I switch mpc and barrel. I also find that a good reed (oxymoron??) works equally well on both clarinets. When playing my E11 C clarinet, I use the same reed/mpc setup as well, but make certain that ample cork grease is in place.
BTW--playing two different instruments is doubling. Even playing three or four different instruments is still "doubling." Can we musicians count--or what???
Post Edited (2007-07-15 15:48)
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Author: Malcolm Martland
Date: 2007-07-23 10:01
Do/did all clarinet makers use different A and Bb barrels? I have Boosey and Hawkes Emperor Bb and A and I can't tell any difference between the barrels.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2007-07-23 11:29
B&H use the same barrels for both clarinets, so you can use the same barrel and mouthpiece when switching.
I'm pretty certain Selmer CT and Series 9 Bb and A clarinets use the same barrels (the ones I have use the same barrels anyway) - I just use the same barrel/mouthpiece combo on both when switching back and forth. as it's easier to change over, and the barrel is still warm (and the risk of the reed and ligature flying off is much less of a worry!)
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: tdinap
Date: 2007-07-25 06:32
At the risk of sounding like a complete moron: Does anyone out there prepare two separate, complete setups when performing on A and Bb clarinet? (i.e. two reeds, ligs, mpcs, and barrels). I personally switch the mouthpiece, with reed and ligature, but I have limited orchestral experience and have only rarely had to make "The Change" in performance. Is there no piece in the entire repertoire that requires such a quick switch that you need two separate setups?
Then again, I suppose the task of trying to find two top-quality reeds at once would not be a fun one...
Tom
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Author: bcl1dso
Date: 2007-07-25 13:13
If you were to ever have to make a switch that was so fast that you actually didn't have time, you could find a reasonible spot earlier in the piece where you do have time to change, and just transpose up to the given change.
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