Author: NBeaty
Date: 2010-10-31 23:59
It is helpful when learning to play bass to work on technique that you would do (should be doing) on soprano. Long tones and scales, then expand to arpeggios and so on...
If the mouthpiece you have is in the ballpark, which I'm not sure that it is, then I would say wait for a bit before getting a new mouthpiece until you can get something is suited to your "mature" bass clarinet sound.
A used Selmer C* can be a good option, as they're pretty similar in feel to soprano clarinet. Most mouthpiece makers make a "student" line for bass clarinet which will make sure your embouchure develops correctly.
Many vintage mouthpieces are good, but odds are decent that an old bundy stock mouthpiece is not going to have a great facing on it and is most likely going to impede your progress.
I would suggest going to a store, or asking bass clarinet friends, to try a few mouthpieces and see if your mouthpiece is in reasonable shape. On a side note, make sure you're using appropriate reeds...that means something different from person to person of course. I would say a vandoren 2.5 to 3 would be a good place to start.
Of course- as I'm sure someone will mention more thoroughly- make sure the instrument is in good repair. Bass clarinets seem to go out of adjustment if you just look at them the wrong way! This is less common with higher grade instruments, in my experience.
Good luck.
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