 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: connie
Date: 2001-03-31 02:51
OK, some of you will think I'm nuts, but I'm thinking about buying one...
I love the sound I've heard, and I'd like to be able to play a few notes lower, but I don't want to invest in a bass clarinet (or alto either, for that matter). Do the bassets tend to be as finicky as A clarinets? Is it feasible to try to find one secondhand? Can I use it interchangeably on A clarinet parts? And, other than a Leblanc advertised in wwandbw, I haven't seen them listed...any advice on makes/models available?
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Author: Robert Small
Date: 2001-03-31 04:52
Steven Fox, an instrument maker in Canada, makes basset extensions (low C extensions) for Bb and A sopranos and bass clarinet. Since a basset conversion costs alot less than a complete basset clarinet (or low C bass) it might be worth looking into. Also, none of the major manufacturers makes a basset clarinet in Bb (only A) but Steven can convert your favorite Bb soprano into a Bb basset clarinet. His web site is: www.sfoxclarinets.com To see some pictures of a conversion: once you get to his homepage click " Scientific and Historical Information" then click
"The Baermann System Clarinet" then click "Photo Gallery" then click "Basset Clarinet". Some interesting pics.
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Author: Robert Small
Date: 2001-03-31 05:03
Also, I can't say how the basset clarinets play since I've never played one but low C extensions work very well on bass. My low C Selmer plays better than my low Eb Selmer. Some day I'd like to get Steven to convert my Leblanc LL to basset clarinet. I find the extended notes on my low C bass very enjoyable to play and would think that the extended notes on a basset clarinet would be just as much fun.
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2001-04-05 01:10
Connie -
I would also recommend a Steve Fox extension for your A clarinet. He's an excellent craftsman, and the cost is much lower than buying a separate basset clarinet.
However, a basset clarinet is not a particularly good A clarinet. In return for the added notes, you get a significantly thicker tone quality, slower response and an instrument that is incredibly heavy and tiring to play. Therefore, if you get a Fox extension, pay the extra to have it removable.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Robert Small
Date: 2001-04-05 01:26
Steven has devised a support for the basset clarinet that takes the weight off the right hand thumb. There are some good pics of it on his website I mentioned above.
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Author: connie
Date: 2001-04-05 22:13
But I don't have an A clarinet...yet!!!!
(My motto: one can never have too many books or too many musical instruments)
So should I look for a reasonable deal on an A clar. and then pay another $2000 (US) to get it converted?
I did look at Steven Fox's website, and it sounds appealing.
What about getting my precious R-13 (Bb) converted? would that just totally mess it up?
I've been playing with a church group, and wind up playing in 3-5 sharps most of the time. I thought an A clar. would help, but I'm getting used to B major.
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Author: Robert Small
Date: 2001-04-06 02:33
If you mainly play classical music you'd probably want to start with a basset in A as what little music written for the basset uses the A basset. If you mainly play jazz and would like a few more low notes and would like a horn that almost nobody else has than a basset in Bb might worth considering. I intend to have my LL (Bb soprano) converted some day.
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Author: Robert Small
Date: 2001-04-06 02:47
Also, clarinets in C make the sharp keys easier. If you're playing in the key of B on your Bb horn you're in concert A. The C clarinet (a concert pitch instrument like the flute) would be in the key of A which is much easier than B. Of course an A clarinet would put you in the key of C which is easier still. C clarinets are alot of fun and eliminate transposing from concert key music. But if you're focusing on classical music an A clarinet would be more practical. And I agree that one can never have too many musical instruments. I own more than fifteen.
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Author: connie
Date: 2001-04-07 00:50
Actually, I have a C clarinet, but I like the darker sound of the Bb, and by extension, the A perhaps more (although the last time I played an A clarinet was probably 25 years ago)...
We do contemporary church music, and I'm usually writing my own parts from a piano/guitar book, trying to add some color and harmony. My other gig is with a community band, and the Bb is fine, though I wouldn't mind trying an Eb if the price is right.
I've been looking at eBay, but it makes me nervous. I've also been watching the bb classifieds, still nervous.
Thanks for your ideas, and any further thoughts will also be appreciated.
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