 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: kenabbott
Date: 2002-12-21 17:06
Are there alternative fingerings for altissimo on the contrabass? On my Bb bass, the usual fingerings work. Things get very muddy on by Eb contra and all bets are off on the Bb contra. Is it a reed thing, perhaps?
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Author: Robert Small
Date: 2002-12-21 18:58
Try overblowing the throat notes, i.e. open G for altissimo D, Ab for Eb, A for E, Bb for F (if "pinch" Bb produces a flat F try A + 2nd RH trill key). And "pinch" Bb + 2nd RH trill key may produce a usable F#. These overblown (or harmonic series) notes produce good usable altissimo notes on my Selmer low C bass. Might be at least worth a try on contra. And be sure to leave the RK closed for these notes, except for F (if you find "pinch" Bb produces an in tune note), and F#.
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2002-12-22 22:01
I think the answer lies in the fact that these instruments are referred to as Contrabass. They are not actually designed to favour the third register or extended techniques but to play low notes.
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Author: kenabbott
Date: 2002-12-23 00:47
That's not the point. I wish to play a piece that has a three and a half octave range. The piece does not care which register is favoured. I wish to play it as well as possible.
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2002-12-23 09:37
I would like to hear it. There is a lady called Susan Nigro who does similar work on a contrabassoon. It is fascinating to hear it done eve if the practical application is nil.
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Author: Bill
Date: 2002-12-23 12:32
Ken,
The contrabass site, http://www.contrabass.com/, has information on alternative fingerings.
Bill
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