 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: time2walkthedog
Date: 2010-10-31 23:49
Hi everyone,
I've recently gotten a new (old) selmer/bundy bass clarinet ...just for fun. I am one of those Bb players who played in high school, took a long hiatus, and then started up again about 8 yrs ago in a community band. While I love the Bb and gravitate to 1st parts, I've been enjoying the sound of base more & more and figured I'd give it a shot.
I've only had it a week but can tell it will be as much fun as I thought it would be. My plan was (is) to get a relatively inexpensive bass but a decent mouthpiece (MP). I did not plan on getting MP with the instrument, but the one I purchased came with a Bundy and it gets a pretty nice sound (at least in the lower register). I"m working on the upper register and slowly extending the range as I fiddle w/ different embouchures (I've found lots of helpful suggestions on this board)
So, now my question... should I wait to get a better MP until after I've gotten more experience with the instrument, or, would having a better MP now help me develop a better embouchure from the beginning.
I also wonder if anyone can suggest any CL practice books that might emphasize bass techniques. Practicing my 1st clarinet parts on the bass I've realized is not the best place to start
Thanks
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Author: NBeaty
Date: 2010-10-31 23:59
It is helpful when learning to play bass to work on technique that you would do (should be doing) on soprano. Long tones and scales, then expand to arpeggios and so on...
If the mouthpiece you have is in the ballpark, which I'm not sure that it is, then I would say wait for a bit before getting a new mouthpiece until you can get something is suited to your "mature" bass clarinet sound.
A used Selmer C* can be a good option, as they're pretty similar in feel to soprano clarinet. Most mouthpiece makers make a "student" line for bass clarinet which will make sure your embouchure develops correctly.
Many vintage mouthpieces are good, but odds are decent that an old bundy stock mouthpiece is not going to have a great facing on it and is most likely going to impede your progress.
I would suggest going to a store, or asking bass clarinet friends, to try a few mouthpieces and see if your mouthpiece is in reasonable shape. On a side note, make sure you're using appropriate reeds...that means something different from person to person of course. I would say a vandoren 2.5 to 3 would be a good place to start.
Of course- as I'm sure someone will mention more thoroughly- make sure the instrument is in good repair. Bass clarinets seem to go out of adjustment if you just look at them the wrong way! This is less common with higher grade instruments, in my experience.
Good luck.
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2010-11-01 00:38
I would also suggest that you get a decent mouthpiece. I don't know of any "good" student brands so I would suggest trying about 3 Selmer C* and see if one of them makes a big difference to you. There are other good brands too but these are easily accessible and reasonably priced. Also get a box of good reeds, I use the Rico Grand Concert brand, their professional cut not the regular Rico brand. Maybe start with a box of number 2 1/2. Anything softer will probably be too soft to get a decent tone. You can move up to a 3 or even 3 1/2 at some later date if necessary. Most mail order stores will send you three mouthpieces on a trial basis. If you order the reeds at the same time you will save on shipping. Also, you might want to read my bass clarinet article, Bass Clarinet for Dummies on my website, you might get some good hints. Remember, a Bundy only had a single octave key which limits the quality and ease of the upper register considerably. ESP
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Author: time2walkthedog
Date: 2010-11-01 02:59
Thank you both for the helpful suggestions.
I will definitely take the instrument to get checked out. I know of at least one issue for sure, and would not be surprised if there are others. I’ve ordered a box of tenor sax 3 reeds to start (my son plays tenor sax so I figure we can share since he needs reeds now too. Right now I’m playing on one I ‘borrowed’ from him and the strength seems fine). I’m going to ask a bass playing friend to explain your comment re: the register key. I’m curious because I’m definitely having more trouble w/ the upper register than the lower register, although I’ve made it up to high G a few times so that is encouraging. I’m working w/ long tones & scales & a tuner which has helped too. The one note I can barely get out is middle B, which is a little weird and somewhat unfortunate since it shows up a lot in the music I have. I can’t tell yet if the problem is me or the instrument but I’m starting to suspect the latter. I’ll be getting the instrument checked out/fixed within the next couple of weeks I hope, and then I think I’ll take your suggestions and go for a better mouthpiece sooner rather than later. I’ll check out the Selmer C* and am curious about the Fobes as well. I’ll also check out that article you reference…it sounds right up my alley
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2010-11-01 03:37
The Forbes RR facing is a very good one, at least I like it. It's my second. Most tenor sax reeds are a little bit to long for a bass mouthpiece, you may have to clip off the back end some with a wire clipper or a small branch clipper. If you're having trouble getting the middle B to come out it's most likely the register key problem not opening enough or there's a leak in one or more pads. Good luck, ESP
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Author: pewd
Date: 2010-11-01 13:55
FWIW, I have students get Fobes Basso Nova mouthpieces, with good results.
And have a tech check out the horn - Nathan's 'in good repair' comment is spot on.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2010-11-01 14:07
If that Bundy mouthpiece is a hard rubber Geo.M.Bundy signature piece, don't throw it away lightheartedly because everyone tells you so. In fact, it's a very solid piece and might only need a minor refacing if any.
Or, send it to me. I will properly dispose of it. ![[wink]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie3.gif)
Even the best mouthpiece out there will not be able to overcome problems that stem from leaks and other repair issues with the instrument.
--
Ben
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Author: time2walkthedog
Date: 2010-11-01 22:41
Thanks for the added advice. I know for sure there is an issue with the register keys system (so obvious, I did not even ask advice on that one.. it appears to kind of 'stick' but eventually opens up with a little patience)... but I'm glad to know it might be having an impact on that note as well.
I'll definitely get the horn checked so have no worries on that end. Re: the MP, while I will try new ones, I never throw anything away (my favorite Bb MP is an old 30+ yo Selmer B* old but it works for me).
I know some bass players and will have them check out the horn too (post repair!). I figure that will let me know what kind of sound I can aim for.
Thanks to all of you for your time & very useful advice. It is encouraging (that bass for dummies article was also very helpful...I learned a lot)
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2010-11-02 04:39
If most problems are upper part of the second register (i.e. with the register key open) that is the area most affected by leaks in top part of the instrument. Definitely have that checked first. If you can try other mouthpieces, why not? An old Bundy mouthpiece can be good but maybe you'll find something you like better. But probably better to try them after the instrument is fixed.
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Author: Bassie
Date: 2010-11-02 11:34
> I also wonder if anyone can suggest any CL practice books that might emphasize bass techniques. Practicing my 1st clarinet parts on the bass I've realized is not the best place to start
Find 3 friends with Bb sop and form a quartet! Most fun I've ever had with the instrument.
Personally I got a new mpc pretty quick, and suddenly started getting nice comments on my tone. But they ain't cheap (Vandoren B40, fwiw).
The mechanism must be in perfect adjustment to get the clarion register easily.
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Author: fargus
Date: 2010-11-02 20:21
Ed, your 'bass clarinet for dummies' article is very insightful.
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