 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Library Geek
Date: 2008-11-24 21:53
Hello. I play the Bb soprano clarinet, and I've been tossing around the idea of doubling on the bass clarinet (probably looking for a used student model--probably a Selmer). Before I get too serious about it, I had a question about height. I am 4'8" (and 35 years old, so I won't be getting any taller). When I sit on a chair, the length from the floor to my mouth is about 42". How tall is a bass clarinet? I've read here that people sometimes have to lean the clarinet toward them, sit on cushions or phone books, stack chairs, stand, or sit on a stool. I could do those, but am I too short for even those options? How tall is a bass clarinet (and it probably depends on the model)? Before I really start to research, I want to know if the bass clarinet is even an option.
I've also considered the alto sax, but the bass clarinet was appealing to me because I would not have to learn all new fingerings, and I'd get the deep sound I like.
Thanks,
Ann
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Author: Library Geek
Date: 2008-11-24 21:58
I thought I should add a bit more information: I play in a small community/church orchestra. We practice in a local utility company's multi-purpose room with folding chairs (the standard steel kind). I don't see any stools, but that doesn't mean they aren't there (I could also buy one). We don't march.
Ann
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Author: alanporter
Date: 2008-11-24 22:30
Hello Ann, and welcome to the forum. The vertical measurement of the bass from the crook of the bell to the tip of the mouthpiece (on my instrument) is 37 inches. A bass clarinet would fit your stated 42 inches perfectly. You would even need to extend the floor peg slightly. Go for it.....you will love it.
Best wishes
Alan
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Author: Library Geek
Date: 2008-11-24 22:48
Thanks for this. Now I can start researching with confidence--its do-able!!
Ann
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2008-11-24 23:24
Be prepared for serious fun. (and I'm not being sarcastic, really, I have a blast of a time this winter!)
FWIW I play a humble Artley (Bundy clone) plastic bass.
Although the bocal appears to obstruct the view to the sheet, my eyes peer left and right past the instrument and there's no need for awkward body positions when playing off sheet music. (You know, the devil is in the details...)
As Alan said, you'll love it. I certainly do.
--
Ben
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Author: Library Geek
Date: 2008-11-24 23:39
Well, now that I know I can play a bass clarinet without too much accomodation, what is a good brand/model to look for (I'll look into the Artley)--used, probably off Ebay. Would Jupiter be a good brand? What past (used) models should I consider? Or maybe this is another search/thread thing?
Thanks!!
Ann
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2008-11-25 00:03
Ann,
there are Bundies galore in that Cyber Yard Sale, and unless you're prepared to pay significantly more, they might be your best bet, along with the odd Noblet/Normandy/Vito showing up.
They all have a single register key which makes the upper clarion a bit a challenge (my pet peeve note is the 2nd ledger C), but they're nearly indestructible and have a nice overall tone with good-enough intonation. Good enough for ensemble playing at least.
Do yourself a favour and get a decent mouthpiece, however.
I wouldn't mind a Jupiter or a Yamaha.
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Ben
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2008-11-25 00:06
Jupiter, Yamaha, Bundy and Vito are all good entry level plastic bodied basses. If looking for used, Vito and Bundy basses come around regularly.
If you're looking for used wooden basses (either intermediate or pro level), make sure they go to low Eb (or low C) as some older ones only go to low E.
If in doubt what to get or if you'd like any advice, never be afraid to ask (no matter how trivial it may be) as there are plenty of us on here that can help.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2008-11-25 00:12
Chris P wrote:
> If you're looking for used wooden basses (either intermediate
> or pro level), make sure they go to low Eb (or low C) as some
> older ones only go to low E.
Interestingly enough, my whole repertoire this winter doesn't go below E. Heck, all the work I put in repadding the bell key is in vain. :-/
OTOH, I've never seen an entry-level-priced bass not going down to Eb.
(I have an Uebel German System that goes down to Db, so there are indeed some funny specimen out there)
--
Ben
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Author: Michael E. Shultz
Date: 2008-11-25 00:15
If she gets one that goes to low C, will it be too tall for her without a stool or a telephone book to sit upon?
I played a Conn one-piece plastic bass clarinet in high school (early 1970s) with a Charles Bay mouthpiece. It was an excellent instrument.
"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read."
Groucho Marx
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2008-11-25 00:38
"If she gets one that goes to low C, will it be too tall for her without a stool or a telephone book to sit upon?"
That depends on the angle of the mouthpiece - Buffets may be a problem as they have a steep angled crook.
Older Leblancs have a shallow angled mouthpiece and Selmers are somewhere in between.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Library Geek
Date: 2008-11-25 00:41
Well, thanks for all the advice. These are all good things to keep in mind. Researching this will be fun. I'm really looking for a resonite student model, not too expensive (would around $200 be too low--wishful thinking)?
Ann
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2008-11-25 01:05
Library Geek wrote:
> I'm really looking for a resonite student model, not too
> expensive (would around $200 be too low--wishful thinking)?
I paid ~300 for my Artley (I repadded it) and 200-odd for my Bundy (I needed its pegged bell, but the pads were nearly new, but before you ask, that one is already promised to a friend)
You may get one for $200, but be prepared for another 100..200 for minimal adjustments to get it into playing condition.
Edit: and don't misunder (oh, we're nearly past that era), don't underestimate shipping.
--
Ben
Post Edited (2008-11-25 01:06)
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2008-11-25 01:36
With a brief look at what B C's are auctioning for, I think that $500 is a more realistic price for a playable plastic, single register key inst. With your small size, you will need a "peg" for floor support [and the fixture on the bell to fasten it] as the weight of a bass is considerable for a neck strap. Have you thought of an Alto Clarinet, it can play alto or barritone sax parts, or bass cl parts can be transposed over to Eb by computer programs. An A C is lighter and a neck strap is satisfactory, it however doesn't go as low as a B C of course or have its characteristic tonal quality. For myself, I began B C searching with an old Leblanc and about 6 insts later was finally satisfied [for community band and church playing] with a 1960's Selmer Paris wood to low Eb, with the double register keying [the upper reg. tone hole/key on the neck] for about $1000 [a good buy!]. Its now worth about twice that. Much Luck, Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2008-11-25 04:44
On another forum, someone mentioned a problem they have with a new Buffet (low C) bass clarinet. this person was a couple of inches taller than you, and said the more angled neck made it harder to play, and especially reaching the right hand pinky keys. I think a bass clarinet with a less angled neck (which I think most student basses have) will work better for you. But it's not just your height, another thing that is probably important is is the length of your hands, and possibly your fingers.
I also think a low Eb bass would be better for you than a low C. I'm short (for a guy), only 1.70m. If I have a very short chair, it's not easy to play my low C bass clarinet, which also has a more angled neck. So I think a low Eb bass probably with a less angled neck would work better for you.
Best would be to go to a store that has some bass clarinets and just try them, or ask a local player who will let you try their instrument.
Nitai
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Author: BobD
Date: 2008-11-25 05:00
"$500 is a more realistic price for a playable plastic, "
I've been following them recently and the above is what I also find.
Bob Draznik
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Author: Library Geek
Date: 2008-11-25 11:06
Well, now I have even more to think about--an alto clarinet, too. Sounds like a low Eb Bass Clarinet (if I were to look for Bass) would be the best bet. I should take myself to WWBW one day and try a few clarinets (I live within 45 minutes of there). I was also looking at mouthpieces, and Hite had mouthpiece for Bass. I've heard good things about the Hite Premiere for Bb clarinet....
Thanks all,
Ann
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Author: Lynn
Date: 2008-11-25 14:28
Ann,
Good luck on your transition to bass clarinet. I did it a year ago and I can readily "second" everyone's thoughts about what a fun and interesting instrument the bass clarinet can be.
Of MAJOR importance to you, however, will be your choice of a mouthpiece. There are a number of good ones available and I would strongly suggest that you, along with a bass clarinet teacher, test a pile of them to find the one that fits your embouchure, instrument, and playing style. Most retailers have a liberal trial policy to allow you to try different mouthpieces before you commit to buying one.
I hope you have as much fun playing the "clarinet on steroids" as I have.
Best wishes,
Lynn McLarty
Austin, TX
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Author: Library Geek
Date: 2008-11-26 16:47
Thanks to all for the great advice. I've been doing a bit of research, and the student bass clarinets I've been considering (going to look for them used) are:
--Jupiter 673N
--Selmer 1430P
--Vito 7166
Any thoughts on these? Also, if I were to go to even older models from these companies, what would be good choices? Are there "earlier versions" of some of these models (i.e. is there an earlier version of the Vito 7166--did it go by a different name/number--what would be the older equivalent)? Or would these be in production long enough that they would have a lot of older, used models?
I'm also considering contacting my local high school's band director to see if I could at least sit with a bass clarinet for a few minutes, see if I can see over it and reach around the bore, and get a sound out of it.
Thanks!
Ann
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2008-11-26 17:11
The Selmer 1430P is the successor of the Good Ole Bundy, with a slightly different neck (narrower "S" with a less horizontal mouthpiece).
--
Ben
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