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Bass clarinet questions...when to get a new mp and practice suggestions

Author: time2walkthedog
Date: 2010-10-31 23:49

Hi everyone,

I've recently gotten a new (old) selmer/bundy bass clarinet ...just for fun. I am one of those Bb players who played in high school, took a long hiatus, and then started up again about 8 yrs ago in a community band. While I love the Bb and gravitate to 1st parts, I've been enjoying the sound of base more & more and figured I'd give it a shot.

I've only had it a week but can tell it will be as much fun as I thought it would be. My plan was (is) to get a relatively inexpensive bass but a decent mouthpiece (MP). I did not plan on getting MP with the instrument, but the one I purchased came with a Bundy and it gets a pretty nice sound (at least in the lower register). I"m working on the upper register and slowly extending the range as I fiddle w/ different embouchures (I've found lots of helpful suggestions on this board)

So, now my question... should I wait to get a better MP until after I've gotten more experience with the instrument, or, would having a better MP now help me develop a better embouchure from the beginning.

I also wonder if anyone can suggest any CL practice books that might emphasize bass techniques. Practicing my 1st clarinet parts on the bass I've realized is not the best place to start