 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ken Rasmussen
Date: 2000-10-10 01:18
I'm getting interested in bass clarinet. I play soprano at present, and my knee jerk response is that the mouthpiece is coming at me at a very odd angle. I know some bass clarinets come with necks that angle the mouthpiece upwards more, and that there are aftermarket necks which have an upward angle, and that it is possible to have a neck rebent to a more upward angle. I'm inclined to want the neck to have an upward angle since it seems familiar and comfortable to me, but I would like to know from experienced players, if there are any disadvantages to the upward-angled necks. Thank you for your assistance.
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Author: Nate Zeien
Date: 2000-10-10 01:56
Ken, I have used both types of necks and have found that the upward angle necks to be better. They seem to give better response and a fuller, darker sound. A lot more pleasant to deal with altogether. I myself, would not buy a bass clarinet without getting one. As for bending a neck, maybe you could ask Mr. Bay about that one. It would be possible, but I'm not exactly sure how much work would be involved. -- Nate Zeien
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Author: Willie
Date: 2000-10-10 04:53
Theres a fella back east that makes custom necks amd MPs for bass clarinets but I can't remmenber his name. Maybe someone on the bulletin here can help. As for bending the neck, you would have to have access to a good mandrel type pipe bender or or use the packed sand & torch method. I've used the sand and torch method to make custom pipes for motorcycles but it takes a lot of practice to get a smooth, tight bend without without kinks or ripples and I would be a little reluctant to try it on an expencive BC neck.
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Author: Robert Small
Date: 2000-10-10 05:04
I tried one of Charles Bay's necks that have the more upward angle and for me it was less comfortable than the neck that came with my horn (Selmer model 35). But as I'm a bari sax player that is probably to be expected. For players whose primary instrument is soprano clarinet a steeper angled neck is probably a good idea.
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Author: Nate Zeien
Date: 2000-10-10 05:10
Another important thing to consider. If you just stretch the pipe out, or remove metal, you have to be careful as not to change the length, let alone the careful metal work involved. In my opinion, NOT a do-it-yourself job. At least, not for the majority of us. -- Nate Zeien
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Author: 'nifer
Date: 2000-10-10 12:09
Personally, I don't like the bass clarinet necks with the more upward angle.. it tends to make my jaw stiffer than it would otherwise be (TMJ) and I really dont notice that much of a difference in tone.. you can get the same effect by leaning your bass clarinet underneath your chair slightly when you play..
'nifer
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Author: Dave Spiegelthal
Date: 2000-10-10 15:14
I've been playing bass clarinet since junior high school (25+ years ago) and using angled necks for the last 15 or so. I started using some of Charles Bay's necks, but he's gotten too expensive for my budget (and I'm handy with tools) so I started re-angling my own about 3 years ago. So far I've re-angled necks on a Vito, two Kohlerts, and an M. Lacroix bass clarinet. I much prefer playing a sharply-angled neck (such as on the newest Buffets) to the traditional straight-in style. Much more comfortable for me, better response and sound. As always, 'your mileage may vary'.
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2000-10-10 16:59
Before springing for a Bay neck, try the cheap test (shown to me by the bass clarinet virtuoso Josef Horak):
Set the peg to hold the instrument a bit higher, sit forward in the chair, brace your right foot against the right front leg of the chair, and tuck the end of the peg against the heel of your right shoe. This will angle the neck about as much as the Bay neck will. You will need a neck strap to hold the instrument up for notes where you have only a few fingers down.
The Bay neck is *very* expensive. I've tried several, and they have not played as well as my original neck on my 25 year old Buffet bass. Be sure to get a return option if you buy.
The neck on the current Buffet bass is noticeably angled, though not as much as the Bay. I played one a few days ago and found it very comfortable.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: SusieQ
Date: 2000-10-11 01:37
Hi All,
Are the necks on the newer bass clarinets angled because pegs are used more now than the used to be? I have an old bass clarinet that doesn't have a peg, so I have to use a neckstrap. How are the angled necks when used with a neckstrap only? Thanks, this is an interesting topic. I don't want to give my husband any ideas about using the torch yet.
SusieQ
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Author: Susan
Date: 2000-10-11 02:15
I have the same questions as SusieQ. I too have an older bass clarinet without a peg and use a neckstrap. I find the mouthpiece angle to be uncomfortable as I am a soprano clarinet player. The cost of the Bay's necks seem too high for me. I would like to add a peg. I think it would be more comfortable to play. Does anyone know where I can get an add on peg?
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Author: gRAHAM gOLDEN
Date: 2000-10-11 04:00
Hi,
Any neck and back pain ( for me at least) can be solved by simply keeping your head strait and do not let it lean back.
I do not like the sharp angled necks. I prefer air to move naturally and smoothly through an instrument. I find that these necsk give me the sort of resistance I am not looking for. ITs like playing low notes on a sax with a very tight bow. A big bowed sax ( in my oppinion) plays and sounds better.
Graham
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Author: C. Hogue
Date: 2000-10-11 13:49
Earlier this year, I went back to playing bass after a 20-odd year hiatus. I'd never used a peg, but my conductor, a bassoonist, insisted I use one and not sling the horn to the side like a sax. I, too, did not like the mouthpiece so straight on -- I just couldn't open up my throat effectively for low notes.
I fiddled with this for some weeks and found a compromise, similar to the one Ken Shaw described, to be the best for me. I simply angle the peg (and the horn itself) back slightly.. I can't use my standard two-hook bass clarinet "leash" (my word for neck strap) effectively with this set-up, but instead use my shorter alto sax leash. I think it has to do with my height and the height of the chair I sit in.
Most repair shops can add a peg clamp to the bell of a bass. There are kits too. J. Butler described one to me in a post about a month ago.
Right now, a new neck is out of my budget!
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Author: Don Poulsen
Date: 2000-10-11 17:00
With my old LeBlanc, I only had a neck strap and so sat on the edge of the chair and angled the instrument back under my chair. With my new Buffet and its angled neck, I use a peg and neckstrap and still tilt the instrument back somewhat. It isn't because I'm used to playing a soprano clarinet - I hardly ever touch one - but because it gives me the embouchure/mouthpiece placement that I feel works best.
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