 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Bengal
Date: 2007-05-30 22:14
Hello all,
This may sound like the silliest request for help ever posted here, but I need to know...can I have the faintest hope a regular alto mouthpiece may be used to play a bass clarinet?
Thanks
Cordialement
Alexandre
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Author: redwine
Date: 2007-05-30 22:25
Hello,
Certainly not. The alto is in the key of e-flat. Its mouthpiece is much smaller than that of a bass clarinet. You'll need to get a mouthpiece that is designed for a bass clarinet.
Ben Redwine, DMA
owner, RJ Music Group
Assistant Professor, The Catholic University of America
Selmer Paris artist
www.rjmusicgroup.com
www.redwinejazz.com
www.reedwizard.com
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Author: LeeB
Date: 2007-05-30 22:27
I assume you're talking about an Eb alto clarinet mouthpiece.
An Eb alto clarinet mouthpiece is substantially smaller than a bass clarinet mouthpiece, so it will not work.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2007-05-31 00:37
I also agree its highly probable that, even with tight fitting of a too-small mp in the bass neck's socket, you would encounter intonation and response problems, BUT, though I play both [alternatively] in our comm. band, I've just never tried to mix cls/mps etc. The alto bores are generally about 17 mm's, those of basses generally about 20 mm's so right in that critical area there would be a great mis-match of bores possibly leading to turbulence just where our "standing waves" are propagated. The only similar instance I can think of is the use of a Bb sop mp [15 mm] on a Basset Horn [about 16 mm I believe]. We have several B H experts on our good BBoard, perhaps they can "chime in" [HELP]. Having my two cls in sight right here, I may try it tomorrow, and report success or failure ! Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Bengal
Date: 2007-05-31 10:12
Thanks to all of you for your replies..indeed I meant a Eb. I thought the discrepancy would be too large, thanks for confirming.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2007-05-31 11:32
But it's worth refering to an anecdote I heard during a "Riverwalk Jazz" broadcast. A newbie to bass saxophone sought out one of the last living "old timers" for a lesson. Just after opening his case and beginning the process of getting his horn together for the lesson, the veteran bandsman said, "that's your first mistake kid!" Incredulous, the student jazzer asked for clarification. Appparently the "hot" bass saxophonists of the day used bari mouthpieces for ease of play and a tighter sound.
NO one ever said this sort of nonsense would work on a real instrument.
............Paul Aviles
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2007-05-31 20:22
After wasting an hour tapeing an alto mp into my bass neck and trying to play it, all it gave me was a sop. clarion sound, a sort-of squeek. So, a total failed experiment. It was not mp/socket leakage tho as the pitches were different. I'd still like to hear about other's results. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: larryb
Date: 2007-06-18 19:31
Don,
that was not a failed experiment - quite the contrary, it was completely successful.
you completely proved your theory - now it can be called "Don's Law"
- Larry
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2007-06-18 20:45
TKS. Larry, I can't believe my name is in [our] "print". I do have some US et al patents, so thats my {poor] claime to Fame. Fun, Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2007-06-18 21:52
Is the mouthpiece tenon length (and the mouthiece socket depth on barrels and crooks) the same or pretty similar on Bb, alto and bass mouthpieces? Only I'm too lazy to go and dig all my mouthpieces out to check as it's getting late and I'm tired. I was just wondering, it's not important.
I really lose the plot when I'm knackered.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2007-06-19 00:12
Hi Chris, "knackered" is not a household word across the pond, but I like Scotch? also , the meaning is quite clear ! Comparing 2 alto and couple of Bb mps, one alto's tenon was the same length as a Bb's, my good Pomarico alto was 1-2 mm longer, so I presume my Selmer neck is at least that deep. Diameters, the alto is only slightly greater. If you want/need more, I'll get out my caliper and measure tomorrow. Happy hour, Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2007-06-19 10:53
Those were the ramblings of someone that was too tired and has lost the ablity to have any rational thoughts or ideas - and mixing that with computers isn't always a good idea.
Hence the email I sent out at the same time:
"I'll get a lift with the other Bob to the rehearsal tomorrow (Tuesday), but I'll let the other Bob know tomorrow (Tuesday) during the day that I'm getting a lift with the other Bob tomorrow (Tuesday) evening, and the other Bob will be giving me a lift back afterwards."
Just as well I didn't go on eBay!
I just measured a couple of mouthpiece socket depths -
Bb clarinet barrel socket 17.2mm,
Alto clarinet crook socket 18.3mm.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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