 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2017-01-13 18:10
Hi,
I've played a few of the newer bass clarinets like the Selmer and Buffet and am really not overly impressed with the more pronounced upward angle of the neck. I have a Ridenour 925e and a Selmer Model 32 and am happy with the angle of the neck on these instruments. However, I may be more comfortable since I am a long time sax player.
I believe contemporary thinking is to have the mouthpiece enter the mouth at an angle more like that on clarinet. What are your experiences with the newer angled neck on your bass as compared to an older setup. Also, can new bass clarinets be ordered with a less angled neck?
Thanks,
HRL
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Author: GeorgeL ★2017
Date: 2017-01-13 18:30
As another sax player, I am also very happy with the more sax-like neck angle on my Selmer model 30 bass clarinet.
I also play Bb clarinet with less of an angle than most more other clarinet players. That may be one of many results of only two years of clarinet lessons which ended when I graduated high school over 50 years ago.
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2017-01-13 19:25
I prefer a moderate neck angle of about 35 degrees from the horizontal. This is somewhere between the almost-horizontal necks from several decades ago and the very steep angle of current Selmer and Buffet basses.
We're all different. I've seen soprano clarinetists hold their instruments nearly vertically (which I physically can't do), or horizontally (which feels awful to me) and everywhere in between. De gustibus non est disputandum (or something like that).
I was one of the early adopters of Charles Bay's neck re-angling service back in the 1970s, before he started making entire necks of his own. I found my Noblet much more comfortable to play after that modification, but it was on the verge of being too steep for me. And I do play just as much sax as clarinet. Whatever...
Hank, I believe Selmer-Paris offers two "steepnesses" of neck with their current basses, but not sure, I haven't had any interest in modern instruments for a long time. Why should I pay $12K for a bass clarinet when I can build my own for a tenth or twentieth of that amount?
Post Edited (2017-01-13 19:39)
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2017-01-14 09:47
Each angle has its own ergonomic advantages depending on what any player prefers and how they like to hold the instrument itself.
Current Selmers can be ordered with the flatter angle neck (same as the 37 model neck), or at least they used to, I haven't checked for a couple of years (I assume it's still possible).
Buffet supposedly had/have a flatter angle neck, according to someone from Buffet. I tried ordering this neck from three series Buffet dealers and the closest I got was that a dealer confirmed this with Buffet, then received a regular neck. From hundreds I've never actually seen anyone with it... so I'm not sure it actually exists...
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2017-01-14 18:37
I also have used an older model Selmer, # 32. It's their first low C model. Because the neck is only slightly angled at all I found myself bending my head back in order to get the tone and control I wanted and played that way all my life. I've always advocated an angle somewhere between a sax, I used to play sax, and a clarinet to find the best angle for each person. I never liked the Bay neck because it was far to much like a clarinet in my mouth. I like blowing more into the opening not against the tip like a clarinet. I have tried many of the newer models when giving lessons or helping a student choose a new or used bass. I actually find them comfortable because I don't have to bend my head back to get the same angle I'm used to but because I loved my older model I never changed over. The newer necks would not fit on my old bass so I played that way for my entire 50 year BSO symphony career.
(it gave me very strong back neck muscles:-) )
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2017-01-14 20:55
The flatter angle is more beneficial for low C basses due to their length - the older Buffet Prestige basses (pre-1999) had a longer lower joint than the current model as all the keywork is on it. So if the chairs are too low, then the high angled crook will only cause the mouthpiece to be too high for the player unless they double up the chairs to gain more height.
Being a sax player first I also prefer to play clarinet held up at a shallower angle instead of held downwards - my teacher also advocated this more oboe- or soprano sax-like posture when playing clarinet too. I find the angle on Selmer and Buffet basses a bit on the steep side.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2017-01-15 06:05
ESP,
I think the angle somewhere between the clarinet and sax as you suggest is where I am right now with my Model 32; I like it. A neck angled up more as I have tried on a new Buffet and a Selmer is just too much for me. Maybe it is better to stay with an older model Selmer like a 35 or 37 and do what needs to be done to keep it in the best shape?
I wonder how the idea that making the angle more like a clarinet originated? Are there BB members out there that really like that amount of up-angle?
HRL
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2017-01-15 18:51
Chris P, I'm only five six so I always used a seat cushion when the orchestra traveled to reach the MP. Once we got new higher chairs in our concert hall Ididn't have to use one at home. It does depend on ones height as well as the height of the chair. The point is, no matter what the angle of your bass you have to be comfortable and get the best tone and control possible. If that means bending your head back, angling the instrument, using a cushion, using a peg and or a neck strap so be it. What even works for you. It's the result that counts.
A string player once asked me why I play at the angle I do, bending my head and neck back a bit, I said because that's how I get the result I want. Never got a complaint.
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: LCL
Date: 2017-01-15 20:38
I own and play a Selmer 67 with the steeper angled neck. Previously I played and still own a LeBlanc 430 with a flatter angled neck. I was a bit nervous when I saw the Selmer neck but adapted to it quickly and actually prefer it now. I have Varilux glasses that may help with the focal issues caused by the steeper angle for old folks like me. I also own a LeBlanc 340 paperclip contrabass and Selmer 40 contra-alto, each of which seem to have that steeper angle being debated here. I have no problems playing any of these!
Best wishes,
Lynn
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