 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: kfrank1
Date: 2007-04-09 19:09
Since I started playing bass clarinet last year I have noticed that whenever I play the Ab key with the left hand just below the break and my right hand is not already down, I have to grab hold of the instrument with my right hand to prevent it falling over to the right.
I showed this to my teacher and he thought the reason was because I was pushing the key from the left side and suggested that I push the key from more of the front of the instrument. I tried this but there is still some sideways force necessary to press the key so the issue still remains.
Is this a common problem or has anyone else experienced this? This is mainly a problem when standing using a neck strap (it has two hooks), not so much when using a peg. My instrument is a 1972 low Eb Selmer Paris.
Thanks
Post Edited (2007-04-09 19:17)
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2007-04-09 20:01
It might help if you got the Ab key spatula either bent upwards or built up with a bolster, so that it sits just below the base of your left index finger and you don't have to reach as far to activate it. Short throw = less side force.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2007-04-09 20:16
I assume that you dont use a peg, that sure would help. I also use a double hook neck strap, which helps prevent horn-wander, and when-where I can, I keep some rt fingers down on throat notes. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: kfrank1
Date: 2007-04-09 20:43
Thanks for the suggestions so far.
Actually one thing that was suggested was to roll the wrist when pressing this key. Is this recommended practice? I tend not to roll the wrist much. Also rolling the wrist makes your fingers go away from the instrument and this seems to be counter to the recommendation to keep you pinky fingers close to the keys.
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Author: LarryBocaner ★2017
Date: 2007-04-09 21:50
Problem seems to be with the ridiculous "thumb rest" that all present-day bass clarinets seem to come with. Especially when the instrument is held at an angle past vertical it will tend to fall away from you when you play throat F or open G unless you are using a neck strap in addition to a floor peg. In as much as I detest a neck strap, I found an ancient Buffet thumb hook that allows the right hand to prevent the instrument from falling. I had a couple of dozen copies of them made up by a local brass repairman which I shared with my students and a few colleagues -- sorry they're all gone now.
I shared this intelligence with a Yamaha vice-president a few years ago; he bowed and thanked me for the insight -- then made no change to their instruments.
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Author: William
Date: 2007-04-10 16:06
I think that you may be using to much left wrist motion to reach the key rather than just the forefinger. Also, use of a peg and positioning the clarinet upright in front of you may prevent what you are experiancing. Just some thoughts via cyberspaceanalysis. Bottom line, however, isn't bass clarinetting the most fun..................???
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2007-04-10 17:20
Just tried it today with a strap, no peg, like you describe. If I press the G# key hard it moves to the right just as you describe. If I press normally like I usually play it barely moves at all and is really not a problem. My bass clarinet is a different modle than your though. So I'd guess you either press to hard or incorrectly, or something about the G# on your bass causes it (i.e. its placement, shape, spring too hard, etc).
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Author: kfrank1
Date: 2007-04-10 20:51
Ok thanks. I think I will get my teacher to play it to see if he has the same problem. If not then I will have to change the way I play it. OTOH if he has the same problem then it's probably the setup that will need to be changed.
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