 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: beejay
Date: 2001-08-09 16:05
I know I will probably find good advice here, particularly from those of you who play big clarinets, so here goes.
A few weeks ago, I fulfilled a long-cherised dream of getting a (Buffet Crampon) basset horn.
I am terribly disappointed to discover that I still cannot get a decent sound out of it, although I do have a good tone on the b-flat clarinet.
I first tried the horn with a Vandoren B40 mouthpiece and #2 Vandoren reeds, but it sounded like an alto sax. I switched to Vandoren 5RV (which is what I play on my clarinet) and 2.5 reeds, and although the sound it is much improved, it is still vey muddy and thin.
So do I need a looser or tighter embouchure, harder or softer reeds or what? I use #3 reeds on my clarinet, but can't seem to manage that hardness on the horn.
Basically, I want to play Mozart, and I know the kind of crisp but warm tone I want. But getting there is proving much harder than I thought. I imagined the transition from the clarinet would be easier.
If anyone could point me in the right direction, I'd be grateful.
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Author: William
Date: 2001-08-09 16:45
If your sound is "more like an alto sax," you are probably on the right track. Do not expect a basset to sound like a Bb, or even an A. It is a larger instrument and will produce a deeper and more mellow sound, but still should articulate as crisply as its smaller cousins. Like all clarinets, your problem may be with the quality of your mp. Try getting some info from some of the "mp gurus" that frequent this web site. Good Clarineting--I always wanted to own a basset, you are lucky!!!!!!!
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Author: joevacc
Date: 2001-08-09 21:38
I second the basset horn envy! Since I started playing alto a short time ago, I have noticed one very significant thing. Holding your air pressure up is most important! After I found the support (pressure) there was a great difference in my tone quality for the better. My Bb bottom end has rounded out as well and my endurance is progressing at a faster rate. Dig deep for the support! Hope this helps... Now if I could just get my articulation happening with that big old alto mouthpiece! Congratulations on the new family member.
Best,
-=[Joe Vacc]=-
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Author: Bob Curtis
Date: 2001-08-10 00:32
beejay --
The information given above is mostly correct. The Basset horn IS LARGER, and therefore will not have the same characteristics as the clarinet. Please do not expect it to sound like a clarinet even though it looks somewhat like one and fingers like one. If you have ever tried to play the bass clarinet and switched back to soprano clarinet you get the idea. The Bassed Horn sound best when it is played in the lower range as this was where it was really created to play. Yes, it will play higher notes, but remember why it was created and take advantage of it.
Bob Curtis
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2001-08-10 14:21
Bob and the others have given you a fine run-down, on this "extended-range, high-pitched, alto clarinet". While I have played a fair bit of alto cl [a small-bore Selmer-Paris], my B H experience was brief [on a Selmer], and I found a lot of similarity in tonality, fingering and that the [increased] lower register is by far the best, as with the bass cl!! Mouthpiece selection may be a big problem. It seems that each of our clarinet family has its "best range" and happily the ranges overlap for benefit to composers who consider what sounds they wish. Mozart, with Stadler, was the B H's best , IMHO ! Just my passing thoughts, Don
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Author: David Pegel
Date: 2001-08-10 14:49
Bob, I know exactly what you mean!! Sopranos and Basses (Contras esp.) are completely different ends of the clarinet spectrum. (Proof of this is playing the contra with the register key down and seeing how it compares to the lower range of the Bb.) I expect a basset horn to sound even more different than any of these. I am also envious. (Then again, it's my goal to own one of every instrument out there, even though I'm doomed before I even start.)
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Author: beejay
Date: 2001-08-11 17:23
I'm very grateful for all the fine advice. William used the word "crisp," which is precisely the quality I am after. I'm getting much better results with a Vandoren 5RV mouthpiece, and a better ligature has certainly improved things as well. But I am not yet out of the woods.
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