 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Kyle
Date: 2001-09-24 21:48
I got my bass today and I need some help on hitting the high notes, like middle B and higher. It is a Bb bass if that helps any.
~Kyle~
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Author: Bob Arney
Date: 2001-09-24 23:45
Immediate questions: 1. What mpc. 2. What reed. Two more questions: 3. Does it leak? Are all the pads seating properly? What make bass and from whom did you get it? (New--Used??)Bob A
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Author: Ted Donaldson
Date: 2001-09-24 23:54
Open up your jaw! that is my guess, if the jaw is not open, then most of the high notes won't come out.
Also, try getting a more open mouthpiece, that helps with response.
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Author: Kyle
Date: 2001-09-25 02:04
All I know about it is that I watched it come right out of the shipping box. It it the schools. It is brand spanking new.
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Author: Mike Harrelson
Date: 2001-09-25 02:17
If you are an experienced clarinet player and are doing o.k. with all the lower notes, especially the lowest ones, take your "new" bass to a repair tech to check the adjustments. Even a brand new bass often needs a little adjustment here and there after shipping. A used one may need lots of adjustments.
If you are not an experienced clarinet player, give yourself more time. Ted's open up your jaw is good advice - don't "force the high tones", relax.
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Author: Stephen Froehlich
Date: 2001-09-25 03:20
To sum up, all of the above could be the culprit. Perhaps several at once.
Its been years since I transitioned, however, the rule is that while the Bb takes more jaw support to go high when you're young and haven't got the breath support yet, the jaw support just will not cut it on the bass. Drop your jaw.
What kind of new instrument is it? Where was it purchased from? As mentioned above, it may need some substantial or minor adjustment. When I bought my last horn (not new, but restored), it had been well adjusted and shipped carefully, however it still needed adjustment when I recieved it. The register key on the Bass is a strange mechanism with which you have only begun to be frustrated. Eventually, you will learn to adjust it yourself, however, this or any number of pads not sealing well could be the cause.
Also, most instrument, even good ones, come with poor mouthpieces. I guess the exception to this is the Selmers and Bundys who ship their own respectable mouthpieces with their instruments. However, whatever came with a Leblanc/Vito, Yamaha, or Buffet may well be questionable. Most schools own some better bass mouthpieces (usually a Selmer C* or two).
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Author: Robert Small
Date: 2001-09-25 04:53
Definitely get it checked for leaks. Basses are really fussy about leaks.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2001-09-25 14:51
I echo all of the above, particularly re: register keying IF you are fortunate to have the "double" R K system which, when properly adjusted, makes playing mid-staff B, C, C# , D and D#/Eb much easier and better-sounding!! LOL, Don
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Author: bob
Date: 2001-09-26 06:57
well i also echo all of the above with one a slightly different way to deal.
The middle rainge G above staff - C above staff is probably the most difficult range of the instrument for begginers. it has the most resistance. the goal is to ignore that resistance and have the bass do what you and it want to do. it takes support, but in all honesty bass clarinet does not take THAT much more air that little clarinet. so it is all about air support and control.
How i often work with people on this is to have them play the highest note they can comfortably play. usually around a F on staff... then work up chromatically by first thinking the next note they want imagining the pitch and then slowly moving fingers to match that. work this up to C. do it daily and soon you want need to because you will learn where the notes are.
After i figured it out i described it to myself as a "narrow partial" and that i adjust my air stream accordingly. that doesn't really matter i am sure it will feel different to everyone.
as for the mechanisims they are very fragile especially if your instrument is the low C variety. treat it with kids golves and it will treat you well. but the bass clarinet will not put up with bad treatment... it takes suprisingly little for a bass clarinet to become out of aline and start hsving issues.
well good luck
i hope this helps... if you need any more advice i am more than will to help e mail me anytime.
bob hoit
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