 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Reese Oller
Date: 2023-10-27 10:05
I have finally done it! I have made first chair bass clarinet at ILMEA all district, and with a 97th percentile score on my audition, I might even make it to Honors All State. I have also just purchased my own bass clarinet, a used Buffet Prestige once used by a US navy band. I may still send it back, I bought it online and have yet to try it out!
I have achieved some of my most pressing goals!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: SunnyDaze
Date: 2023-10-27 11:36
That's brilliant Reese! Fanastics news, and well done on advocating for yourself and making these changes.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Reese Oller
Date: 2023-10-27 21:53
Thank you! I had no idea that it would be so easy to break out of this vicious cycle. I guess all I needed was a fresh outlook, and a set goal!
That said though, I would really like to take my shiny new instrument and compare it to others on the market. I would love to try another Privilege, an Uebel or maybe a Tosca? I bought this one because I know it's a sure thing to be a good horn, but I do have 30 days in which I could find an even better one! Does anyone have any suggestions for a good bass clarinet selling store in central Illinois, or perhaps have a bass I could try against my Prestige so I know if I want to stick with it or find a different one?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: SunnyDaze
Date: 2023-10-28 00:42
That's great that it came to you so easily when you had made the decision. Fantastic!
How far are you able to travel to see other instruments? If it's not far, then the best bet might be to go to concerts and ask to visit the clarinet players backstage or something like that?
My local good orchestra has a group called the "Friends of" the orchestra, and the people who are in that group get invited to meet the players. I suppose once they are in that group the it is easier to meet other people who own the same kind of instruments, and maybe get to try some?
Are you able to get as far as Chicago or St Louis, or places like that? I know people travel further in America, but it seems like a zillion miles away when I look on the map.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: JamesOrlandoGarcia
Date: 2023-10-28 01:44
ILMEA is like the hunger games. I'll never forget how it felt getting first chair in the honors band... twenty years ago!
I've played the Selmer, Uebel and Tosca. For various reasons, hard pass to them all.
Stick with the Prestige, especially if it was used in a professional service band. Reach out to Scott Winkler in Sheboygan WI. He's the best, he works on many professionals instruments including the legendary bass clarinetist of the Chicago Symphony, Lawrie Bloom.
Make sure you have a really good mouthpiece/ligature/reed set up. It has an even bigger impact on bass than I say it would for Bb/A. The Selmer Focus mouthpiece is amazing, but it's about $400 or so new. The Rovner Platinum or Silverstein are great ligatures (I use the Rovner) and then traditional Vandoren 3s-3.5s. BD5 is a good option for mouthpieces. People rave about the b40 but I find that it makes the throats too flat and the lower clarion notes too sharp.
How's the case? If the horn rattles at all, I'd get something different. The Bonna is a great option.
James Garcia
Bass Clarinet/Clarinet III, Des Moines Symphony Orchestra
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Julian ibiza
Date: 2023-10-28 13:26
That's wonderful Reese!
When you buy a second hand bass ( or even a new one), It will likely need some degree of regulation, so best start by checking carefully for leaks, and that when one register vent is open that the other remains firmly shut etc. I expect you know about checking all that, but obviously there is no way to properly evaluate the instrument while it has regulation issues.
It's no wonder that people decide to sell their bass when it plays about as well as a kitchen sieve.... which frequently seems to be the case.
That said, I'm sure you've got yourself a great instrument..... Congratulations!
Julian Griffiths
Tel. 34 696 798 853
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Reese Oller
Date: 2023-11-05 20:54
Yeah, the register key system definitely needs some fixing, especially the switching part on the D key. The case is very heavy and also broken, but I'm strapped for cash right now (thanks in no small part to my bass clarinet). The cheapest options are still way out of my price range.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Reese Oller
Date: 2023-11-06 07:59
Oooof. My finger tendon pain is back with a VENGEANCE. My bass needs adjustment badly.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Julian ibiza
Date: 2023-11-06 11:26
Hi Reese,
Sorry to hear that.
So does your new bass have some notably heavier key actions than the one you were playing before ?
Or are you trying to compensate for poor pad closer with extra finger pressure?
Can you identify your pain as relating to the use of certain fingers in particular ...pinkies?....RH ring finger?
Do we need to all chip in and get you one of those chronometers trucks have to impose rest breaks on the driver ? ( Don't mind my humor.....I make jokes at funerals)
Julian Griffiths
Tel. 34 696 798 853
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Reese Oller
Date: 2023-11-06 21:47
It has both heavier key actions and pad closure problems, unfortunately. My RH ring finger is having some trouble, as well as my left pinkie.
It's a real shame because I love its sound, but it's super duper leaky...
Maybe I do need rest breaks imposed on me :(
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Reese Oller
Date: 2023-11-06 22:50
One never knows! I have gotten it to play a little better-- maybe I should post a video of it on here so you guys have a better sense of what I'm talking about?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Julian ibiza
Date: 2023-11-07 11:28
Hi Reese,
Just a few photos together with a listing of where the problems lie would probably allow us to offer you quite a bit of help.
You can't fairly judge the instrument while its out of regulation, and setting yourself to sort that out might be the perfect project while you give your hands a break.
Ps. I sent you a couple emails aimed at helping you sort the regulation issues out. ....Did you see them?
Julian Griffiths
Tel. 34 696 798 853
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: SunnyDaze
Date: 2023-11-07 12:01
I would enjoy a video, but are you still legally a minor? I know you were 15 when you started posting but I have lost track of time. I'm not sure where the rules and conventions are about posting videos of minors on public forums.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Reese Oller
Date: 2023-11-08 05:34
I'm 17, still a minor. However, I don't believe there are any laws against a minor posting videos of them playing music. I've had a YouTube channel for 3 years, where I've been clear about my age.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Reese Oller
Date: 2023-12-08 23:56
I thought it prudent to mention that I am doing all right health wise, AND I made it to ILMEA All-State! Pain is significantly decreased in my tendons; while still present, it is nothing I can't manage, and I'll be going to a doctor about it soon.
Thank you all for your concern!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: SunnyDaze
Date: 2023-12-09 08:09
That's great news :-) Thanks for letting us know that you're doing well. Congratulations on making it to ILMEA All-State.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
