 The Doublers BBoard
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Author: abe
Date: 2026-03-12 01:08
Hello, I have lurked here for a long time but have not posted before. I am wondering if anybody has thoughts on covering tuba parts with a bass clarinet in a small band or wind ensemble. Can a bass clarinet put out enough volume to substitute for a tuba in a small group? I assume not quite as much volume or attack as for example a bass sax?
For background, the rest of the band consisting of flute, Bb clarinet (2), trumpet (2), horn, and drums for folk and dance music. I ask since the euphonist (Youffer?) is playing tuba, and I, more adept at the clarinet, am playing horn, trombone, or bass clef euphonium parts on an Eb alto Horn; we are both a bit bored playing downbeats and upbeats respectively and pondering if there is good strategy to swap roles for some songs. I would be sort of interested in procuring an old bass clarinet to have on hand anyway (never have before and would have to practice to get a decent sound I imagine) but perhaps would be better off just getting myself a tuba mouthpiece (an undertaking that in my mind would be a greater time sink than even the alto horn doubling).
I guess just curious if anyone has spent time covering tuba parts in a wind band and how much sound in the low register you can get out of a bass clarinet.
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