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Vintage Selmer bass questions

Author: ESclar
Date: 2022-01-10 10:41

Hello,

I bought a Selmer low Eb bass clarinet, X9663, back when the pandemic began. I’ve been reading on the boards here and I think it is a series 9 or model 30 (same thing)? No left-hand Ab/Eb and I’m not sure how to tell if the C#/G# is articulated. It needed some substantial work ($1k ouch) but now plays beautifully. I’ve got a couple questions that I would love some help with.
How much newer of a horn would I need to look for in order to have a more ergonomic setup? The left-hand can be awkward on mine. I can’t afford a new Selmer.
I’m looking for mouthpiece recommendations. I play an old Hawkins (around year 2000, fairly closed and resistant) on my soprano clarinets with 3.5-4 legere reeds. I bought a Yamaha 4C for my bass since that’s what I played on a borrowed instrument after a long time away from bass. In college I’m pretty sure it was a Hite mouthpiece that the studio owned but I see they’re on back order everywhere. A Portnoy 2 came with my bass, and I’m finding the upper octave is far easier on it than the 4C but I don’t totally love the tone quality. Not quite enough warmth or depth or complexity. And the upper octave will get easier as I practice more so that’s not the deciding factor for the mouthpiece.

Thanks all!!

Eliza

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