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Bass Clarinet Issue

Author: Scott S
Date: 2009-10-12 17:34

Seeking Wisdom on This Amazing Board,

Here is my issue. I purchased a Clark Fobes Bass Clarinet mouthpiece and love it. The tonal focus, the dynamic subtleties are really helping me as a third year player on this instrument.

Yet I still find going from the chalumeau to the clarion to be so risky that I am constantly afraid of "barking." Any time I push the air, especially going to fourth line D, fourth space E, top line F, top line F#, I am in danger of negatively captivating my entire adult wind ensemble.

At this time I cannot afford a quality wood bass clarinet. I am playing on a plastic student line Yamaha. I'm considering having it taken to a repair shop to check for action problems on the register keys.

Additional thoughts?

Thanks!

Scott S

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Re: Bass Clarinet Issue

Author: stevesklar
Date: 2009-10-12 17:36

taking it to a good repair shop is probably the best idea since, i'm assuming, you don[t know how to identify, troubleshoot or repair problems yourself.

==========
Stephen Sklar
My YouTube Channel of Clarinet Information

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Re: Bass Clarinet Issue

Author: Grabnerwg
Date: 2009-10-12 17:50

The following is from my webpage www.clarinetxpress.com/bassadvice.html

<<Everyone has trouble with these notes. It is a peculiarity of the French style bass clarinet. It just WANTS to jump to the next partial.

Make SURE there is no leak in the upper joint. The pad that closes directly below third finger left hand leaks on 3 out of 5 bass clarinets. It must seat perfectly to avoid squeaks. So must the C#/G# and the two Eb/Bb keys. (Also have the pad directly above first finger RH)

Any leak there acts just like a register key....

I should also add to this that if squeaking or chirping persists, have a mouthpiece tech check the table of your mouthpiece. Many bass clarinet mouthpieces (including brand new ones) have a “hump” in the table. This causes the reed to tilt on the facing causing instability. The tone and response may be great, but the resulting chirps can be very embarrassing!>>

I doubt that any mouthpiece leaving Clark Fobes work bench would have a hump in it, but mouthpieces can change even after a short period of time, so having the mouthpiece checked is still a good idea.

Walter Grabner
www.clarinetxpress.com
New 1193 Bass Clarinets in stock

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Re: Bass Clarinet Issue

Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2009-10-12 20:53

I agree, have it checked out first. If it turns out not leaking, it may be something you're doing wrong. If it has an automatic double register key that could certainly be the problem, the one opening and the other not closing very securely when you go to the D. The coordination must be perfect. If it only has a single register key that often results in those notes being less than satisfactory. If all else fails, read the bass clarinet article, "bass clarinet for dummies" on my website and see if any of my suggestions on playing the bass clarinet helps. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com

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Re: Bass Clarinet Issue

Author: Scott S
Date: 2009-10-13 16:07

Thank you to each of you for your responses. Indeed I will have the bass clarinet checked out my Midwest Musical Imports here in Minneapolis and see what they come up with.

Ultimately I would like to get my hands on a professional line bass clarinet. I know that this will be the best bet for the long haul. It's just the $$$ thing. I love my Buffet R-13 Soprano and have become quite spoiled.

Cheers,

Scott S

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