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 Bass clarinet Questions
Author: fredonon 
Date:   2011-06-20 23:43

The neck and upper joint are metal, as you know.
They get stuck often and I tried putting key oil on them but it only helps very little.
How do I fix this?
Also, is a peg for the bass clarinet necessary?
I know it is uncomfortable and helpful but it's kinda expensive. I'm talking about the peg to support the structure and adds onto the bell.
Thank you.

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 Re: Bass clarinet Questions
Author: SteveG_CT 
Date:   2011-06-21 00:58

Try rotating the neck in the socket and see if the resistance is constant or if it gets looser and then tighter. If the resistance varies (and I suspect it will) then your neck tenon is out of round. This can be easily corrected by any repair technician.

As far as the floor peg, they aren't necessary but they sure are nice to have. I've played both with the peg and without and I definitely prefer having the peg.

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 Re: Bass clarinet Questions
Author: Bob Bernardo 
Date:   2011-06-21 04:01

I would ask Eddie Palanker. I'm sure you can email him and perhaps he will respond since he is a regular on this site. Probably the best bass clarinetist in the country.


Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces


Yamaha Artist 2015




Post Edited (2011-06-21 04:02)

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 Re: Bass clarinet Questions
Author: tictactux 2017
Date:   2011-06-21 07:22

You should not put oil in your neck socket, it will just accumulate dust and over time act as an abrasive more than as a lubricant. See your repair person at the next opportunity.

A peg is indispensable IMO, unless you want to play the bass at your side like a misshapen saxophone. That beast is simply getting heavy over time, and have alternative means of supporting it is always a good thing.

Besides, a peg isn't all that expensive, I got a complete solder-onto-bell kit (M70S) for ~40$ from Ferree's, and a local repair person charged another $30 to properly solder it on. Works like a charm.

--
Ben

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 Re: Bass clarinet Questions
Author: clarnibass 
Date:   2011-06-21 07:55

>> Try rotating the neck in the socket and see if the resistance is constant or if it gets looser and then tighter. If the resistance varies (and I suspect it will) then your neck tenon is out of round. <<

If the neck tenon is out of round then resistance should be pretty much the same all around. If the neck tenon is out of round, it will have resistance in any position in the round socket. If both neck tenon and socket are out of round then resistance can change depending on position of the neck.

As far as the peg, it will allow you to control the height of the instrument which can help a lot depending on your height and the chair you have. If you only play standing with a strap/harness then a peg won't help.

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 Re: Bass clarinet Questions
Author: William 
Date:   2011-06-21 15:35

I play a low C bass clarinet and the peg is absolutely necessary for height adjustment and balance when playing. Same for playing a low Eb beast. I've had those pegs added to my school's low Eb instruments and they are not expensive. My students (7th/8th graders) preferred them to the straps and were much more willing to practice. In fact, I always had "waiting lines" of Bb'ers wanting to switch to the "neat" basses and I think the addition of the pegs was partly responsible.

When properly balanced, you should be able to hold the bass clarinet with just your embouchure and your right hand thumb. If you feel the need to "grab" with your left hand, your bass is tilted in a wrong direction. The neck socket problem must be addressed by a repair tech who can straighten the tubing. No amount of lubrication will solve the sticking problem that you have described. Again, not overly expensive.

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 Re: Bass clarinet Questions
Author: Chris P 
Date:   2011-06-21 16:09

A floor peg is best on all low Eb and especially so on low C basses. They save a lot of time fart-arsing around with slings, especially when doubling and for making quick changes.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010

The opinions I express are my own.

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 Re: Bass clarinet Questions
Author: fredonon 
Date:   2011-06-21 20:59

How do I contact him?

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 Re: Bass clarinet Questions
Author: gsurosey 
Date:   2011-06-22 17:31

Does your bass already have a mechanism to hold the peg and you just need a peg? The peg itself can be bought for under $30.

Speaking of, is there a difference in whether the peg is on the bell or body in terms of structural integrity (mine connects to the body of my bass)?

----------
Rachel

Clarinet Stash:
Bb/A: Buffet R13
Eb: Bundy
Bass: Royal Global Max

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 Re: Bass clarinet Questions
Author: Chris P 
Date:   2011-06-22 19:39

It's probably better to have the attachment on the body as that means less chance of the bell wobbling if the tenon is too narrow which can cause problems with the lowest note as the bell key may not close or close too early if the bell rocks about.

But the danger is that being screwed into the wood, the screws could get ripped out if too much stress is applied to the peg. Also the case will have to be adapted if the bracket is screwed to the lower joint so it will fit in there properly.

The bracket is usually soldered to the bell socket on most basses and provided it fits properly in the case, there's no danger of the bell getting bent when the lid is closed.

Swings and roundabouts to be honest - there's no perfect solution, so as long as securely fixing the bracket works whichever way it's done, then that's all that matters.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010

The opinions I express are my own.

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 Re: Bass clarinet Questions
Author: Jmanola 
Date:   2022-04-13 02:56

I’ve been loaned a Buffet bass clarinet S/N 19xxx, so it might be from the 1950’s. It doesn’t have a peg, and there’s no bracket on the bell for one. Do people play these with just a neck strap? Seems scary to me. Thanks

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 Re: Bass clarinet Questions
Author: super20dan 
Date:   2022-04-13 15:07

peg is the way to go . makes playing so much eaiser and you will voice notes better. having ba peg added is money well spent

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 Re: Bass clarinet Questions
Author: Paul Aviles 
Date:   2022-04-13 16:49

Yes, some folks do strap only, mainly big band but some military and marching as well.




………….Paul Aviles



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 Re: Bass clarinet Questions
Author: super20dan 
Date:   2022-04-14 03:02

once you try a peg-you wont go back to strap

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 Re: Bass clarinet Questions
Author: r small 
Date:   2022-04-14 03:13

I use a peg and a strap. I like to be able to stand up when I'm playing and you can't do that with just a peg. And when I'm sitting the peg adds comfort and stability.

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 Re: Bass clarinet Questions
Author: Ebclarinet1 
Date:   2022-04-14 03:39

I bought a long peg that allows me to stand and play bass. I'm 6'3" and it still feels comfortable.

Backun and several others make these elongated pegs.

Straps are THE WORST! Set yourself free!

Eefer guy

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