 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: karlbonner82
Date: 2010-04-15 06:29
I recall trying the bass clarinet in high school and getting nothing but squeaks in the upper register. The notes from throat Bb down came out just fine with a little finesse, but I just could not get anything above that to sound. The thing is, I know for a fact that other people could get the high notes out on that particular specimen. What might I have been doing wrong?
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Author: Clarimeister
Date: 2010-04-15 09:21
pinching your lower lip could be a big contributor to something like that. Reeds that are too hard, or a chipped mouthpiece could be other factors as well. just some possibilities for ya.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2010-04-15 11:52
Do a vacuum test on the mouthpiece to be sure the reed is sealing well against the facing. Wet the reed and put it on as normal, then cover the tenon to seal it (best done with a wet palm) and suck the air out from the tip. The take the mouthpiece out your mouth after you've created a vacuum inside it (and still holding the vacuum) and watch the reed.
The reed should be held closed against the facing with the vacuum that's been created inside and stay there for a matter of seconds until it springs open with a 'pop' - the longer time it holds the vacuum the better.
If no vacuum can be created that means the reed isn't sealing well, so check the reed isn't damaged and also check the mouthpiece rails for any chips, wear or warping.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2010-04-15 12:00
I've always thought of the upper octaves on a bass as one big squeak (seriously). The feel is MUCH different than a soprano and requires much more finesse above the Bb. I would just recommend doing it in stages, B-D, Eb-G.......etc.
.................Paul Aviles
Post Edited (2010-04-15 12:03)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2010-04-15 13:16
The worst thing about basses is they don't squeak - they yelp.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: William
Date: 2010-04-15 15:38
You will experiance less of the tendency to chirp in the upper registers with a pro level double octave bass--usually the low C models. Also, a good mouthpiece can make the upper register easier--mine is a Walter Grabner CX_BS on which I play Legere #3's. However, it's mostly learning how to "place" those upper register notes--particularily G# & A 5's--with proper voicing and breath support. I have had middle school band students switch to bass from Bb clarinets and learn to play almost effortlessly in the upper register on Bundy Resonite basses with only stock Selmer mouthpieces. It's all our school budget could afford.
Bottom line--in spite of the "humourous" postings above, a bass clarinet should not be thought of as an automatic "squeak machine"--it's really all about how well it is adjusted and how much effort you put into learning how to play it. I love my Buffet Prestige 1193-2 low C bass and it almost never squeaks, yelps or chirps. It's really quite fun to play..........but before that, I used to play band and orchestra gigs on a Bundy Resonite (and like my band students, learned how not to sqwauk all the time--lol)
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Author: Gandalfe
Date: 2010-04-15 16:14
Karl, I had the same experience as you with the bass clarinet. I did two things that made the instrument one of my favs to play. First, with my Leblanc Paris bass clarinet I purchased a Walter Grabner L. Bloom mouthpiece and instantly, seriously after months of struggling with the Leblanc Mouthpiece, I was instantly able to play the full range of the instrument.
But then I had voice challenges (aka squeaks) when doing octave intervals for example. The only way I fixed that (understand I'm primary a sax player) was to purchase a Selmer Privilege bass clarinet. I got mine through Kessler Music at a great discount because it was used as a demo for NAMM before I bought it.
Given enough time and practice I suppose I could have made the Leblanc Paris bass clarinet work. But I like the solution that I ended up with a lot better.
Jim and Suzy
Pacifica Big Band
Seattle, Washington
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