 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: J Cohen
Date: 2012-07-09 23:06
Has anyone added a roller for the low C and C# keys on a Buffet Prestige bass cl?
I've never had a problem using those keys until now. I have a fast chromatic passage in a chamber piece that goes down to low c and it is hit or miss whether the C# and C come out without a blip in between.
I've tried using the flutists method of rubbing my thumb on my forehead for oil and it helps somewhat.
This has never been an issues in band or orchestra music because I haven't had to go quickly between those two notes.
I know there are a few pros here that play bass cl that might have a solution besides "practice", which I already am doing.
The low c# and c mechanisms seem very similar to left pinky sax keys which have a roller, so I thought why not add one to my bass cl. So back to my question, has anyone done this to their horn?
Thanks in advance,
J
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Author: Grabnerwg
Date: 2012-07-10 01:07
I think the 1193 bass should come standard with a roller between the C# and the C thumb keys. There are pieces that demand a smooth transition between those notes. Are you listening Buffet?
No, I have not seen one done as a custom job, but its a great idea.
Walter Grabner
www.clarinetxpress.com
New and Used Buffet Clarinets
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Author: JHowell
Date: 2012-07-10 02:54
Not hard for a good tech to add a roller, and not unheard of to add one for a specific need. I had one added between LH B/C# on my E flat for Daphnis.
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2012-07-10 03:21
You might be able to improve the situation somewhat (without adding rollers) by tilting the offending key spatulas towards each other (yes, bending them in a rotational way) so that from an end view they make a slight "V" shape.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2012-07-10 04:48
I learned how to slide my finger and how fast to do it to get the speed of the scale I want. It is different from regular keys you press because there is the added friction, so it's slower i.e. there is a fraction more time from when you start moving your finger until the note comes out than with a regular note where you simply press a key.
I actually wouldn't like a roller there because I often press that key close to the edge where a roller would be and it is less comfortable to press and hold it on a roller. Though I can see why some players would prefer a roller anyway.
If you need the descending chromatic scale more then you can have the keys bent so the C is a bit lower comapred with the Db. This way your finger will have less of a "hill" to climb when moving from Db to C. Bending the Db in the way David suggested can be a part of it (with adjusting to the closing of the keys too). OTOH it will be a bit harder to play the ascending scale but considering the way those keys are shaped, it is probably insignificant. It might require more significant modifications to do it than just bending, but in most cases probably not.
I have about a gazzlion criticisms of the design of keys with almost any model of clarinet, but I actually really like the shape and position of these low keys on the buffet bass clarinet.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2012-07-10 09:14
Compared to the Buffet basset horn's thumb keys, the Prestige bass thumb keys are far superior in terms of design, placement and ease of use.
When I first got my Prestige bass I did think it was strange the low C touch didn't have a roller fitted, but so far that hasn't caused me any grief. But I could always fit one to it should I need to.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2012-07-14 18:13
I play an older Selmer so it's a bit different. Mine has the three lower keys in a row, one under the other so going from the D to the C quickly and smooth is a problem. It did not come with a LH D. Karel Husa called me years ago, about 1965, when he was writing something and asked if it's possible to trill a low D to C so I told him no. After thinking about it for a while I thought what happens when someone writes that and I need to do it so I had a LH low D built on my bass. It was 40 years until I actually had a passage that made it easier to use that left hand D and it broke off after practicing the passage a few times. Of couse I had it repaired but had to play the passage without out it, sliding up and down with my thumb, I managed it just fine without using the LH low D. I have yet to have a need to use it. I'm in my 49 year in the BSO. :-) ESP eddiesclarinet.com
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
Post Edited (2012-07-14 18:44)
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Author: Merlin_Williams
Date: 2012-07-14 19:29
A friend of mine still plays one of those old Selmers with the thumb keys in a row. He add a D touch beside the C touch. Mechanically, much simpler than adding a LH D.
Jupiter Canada Artist/Clinician
Stratford Shakespeare Festival musician
Woodwind Doubling Channel Creator on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/WoodwindDoubling
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2012-07-15 03:27
I've seen it that way Marlin but I already added the LH D by that time and don't have a problem, yet. ESP
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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