 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: xeys_00
Date: 2009-05-10 13:37
I picked up a Yamaha 221II Bass Clarinet a few days ago from my local shop. I really like it. I hope my professor likes it as well. Does anyone have any suggestions on a good mouthpiece for my new buddy? Is there any reason to think I could have gotten better for my money? Also, I'm using standard clarinet fingerings on it, and the bottom octave and the one above that seem to be like a clarinet. But it seems there is an additional octave above that; just don't know how to get there. I'm thinking that I might have really found what I like with this. I originally was pretty poor so I picked clarinet, as they are somewhat inexpensive. I liked it, ok, but always wanted something "deeper". Well, now I have it, and I'm gonna ask my prof about specializing on Bass. I'm glad I didn't do Contra-Alto, as I think the bass may be a lot more useful in the long run.
Also, thanks for all who responded to my earlier thread, I deleted as much of it as I could, as I felt it had "run it's course".
Have a good day all!
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-05-10 13:52
For the lower altissimo, instead of lifting your left index finger off as you'd do on clarinet, you roll it down to uncover the small aperture in it.
This will take some getting used to, but try to remember to roll down LH finger 1 instead of lifting, and make it part of your practice on bass.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: USFBassClarinet
Date: 2009-05-10 14:41
As for mouthpieces...
(keep in mind, this will always be a personal preference thing, and when you do select a new one, just try as many different kinds as you can.)
I would guess it comes with a 4C mouthpiece? I think this would be fine for now since your just starting. I never had any problems playing on a 4C.
Two of my favorites were the Vandorean B44 and B45 for a long time. A lot of people like the standard C* and in fact I know a professional symphony player who plays on a slightly adjusted one. Personally, I hate the C*.
Right now I play on a Walter Grabner on both my Bb and my bass but that is considered a professional mouthpiece and I don't think your in great need of one ATM.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2009-05-10 17:22
I disagree with USF. If you can afford a bass clarinet, a good mouthpiece is pocket change and will make more difference than anything else.
Selmer mouthpieces are problematic. They're made of good material, but are extremely inconsistent, and it's unlikely that you'll get a good one if you simply take what a shop has in stock. Selmer's machinery has gotten worn and out of adjustment over the years, and they can't see their way clear to refurbishing them, since bass mouthpieces are slow-selling items. (The problem is even worse for their contrabass mouthpieces.)
Bit the bullet and get a Grabner http://www.clarinetxpress.com/, or if money is really tight, Roger Garrett makes good ones. http://www.wwbw.com/Garrett-Bass-Clarinet-Mouthpiece-472818-i1426435.wwbw?source=TWFRWXX&mr:trackingCode=F5328771-0319-DE11-9BD3-0019B9C2BEFD&mr:referralID=NA
As for ligatures, many bass players use the inverted leather style. Rovner is the place to start. In my opinion, the others are overpriced.
Ken Shaw
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2009-05-10 17:25
FWIW I tried Brad Behn's Ouverture, and it's great. And if you move up you still have a fine backup.
--
Ben
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Author: 78s2CD
Date: 2009-05-11 03:21
I just got a Grabner "Lawrie Bloom" model for my Leblanc 400 and it's a revelation. Apart from the increased ease and security of tone production over the whole range of the instrument, a notable feature is the extra wide table and an extra wide window. The wide table has got to relieve stresses that would tend to let the reed warp and allow leakage from the base of the window. I use a Vandoren Optimum ligature with the #2 plate - the one that has the horizontal ridges. Pricey, yes, but it keeps the reed securely in place.
Regards,
Jim Lockwood
Rio Rico AZ
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2009-05-12 14:12
Check out my website and go to the bass clarinet page for information of playing the bass clarinet. I use a Selmer C* that was "voiced" by Dave McClune. I've had many students play, and sound very good, on them from stock but they are all different so you have to try several to choose the best for you. My second is the Fobes RR facing, very close to my Selmer C*, perhaps just a bit freer but as I said, you always have to try several because there are no two of any make or model that are just alike. Those are my favorites but everyone has their own preferences. A good mouthpiece is the most important item you can buy once you have an instrument. It's well worth the investment. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: William
Date: 2009-05-12 15:11
I also use a Walter Grabner bass clarinet mouhpiece, the older, now discontinued CX_BS model which makes my Buffet Prestige low C play even better, especially in the altissimo hazardous zone of G#5 & A5. He is a bass clarinetist who knows when something is "right" and has worked very closely with Lawrie Bloom--Chicago Symphony Bass Clarinetist--to develop the LB model bass mouthpiece that replaced my CX_BS. IMHO, Walter's mpc's are the best and should definately be given a try.
As for ligature's, I was using a Vandy Optimum, parallel rail setup until I got lucky and was able to acquire a Winslow. I currently use Legere #3.0 reeds, but am anxiously waiting to try the new synthetic reed being developed by Forestone of Japan, whose Bb reeds I much prefer to any model of Legere I have played over the years. In fact, tonight I will be chasing Peter's cat up the tree with a Forestone on my vintage Chicago Kaspar #14.
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Author: Roger Aldridge
Date: 2009-05-13 00:34
I'm also a fan of the 221 II. I've found it to have a solid construction and a decent quality of sound. I, too, use a Walter Grabner LB mouthpiece and a #3 Legere reed. Several months ago I asked Walter what he suggested for a bass clarinet ligature and he said the Optimum. Based on his recommendation I got an Optimum. I play tested each of the three Optimum plates and, hands down, I prefer plate #1 (Bonade style) for its big resonant sound and crisp articulation.
Another discovery I made with this set up is there are noticable tonal and response improvements by having a clear thin Runyon mouthpiece patch on the top of the mouthpiece so it provides a cushion to the ligature. I cannot explain exactly why this works as it does. I only know that it does. I would describe the improvements to be overall the BC's range. However, most memorable are the improved response in the upper clarion range and tonal quality in the throat tones. This little trick made such an impression on me that if I didn't know better I would have thought that I was playing on a more expensive instrument.
With this set up, I'm often asked what kind of WOOD bass clarinet I'm playing. The quality of sound with this set up is that good. Of course, a 221 II is not going to compare with an 1193. However, it's my experience that a 221 II is a very decent instrument for its price. Frankly, I could not justify spending 9K for an 1193.
Roger
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Author: 78s2CD
Date: 2009-05-13 01:56
Actually I made a slight modification to my Optimum ligature. When I got a mouthpiece that was a little smaller than usual in diameter I cemented strips of cork on the back bands to allow the ligature to ride up closer to the window. Although that mouthpiece is no longer in use, the cork strips remain.
Regards,
Jim Lockwood
Rio Rico AZ
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