 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Bandnerd413
Date: 2014-06-18 08:51
I'm trying out for a band camp orchestra in a few days so long story short, I need tips on how to achieve the high notes on one. I have a little trouble on playing higher than an above the staff G. Tips?
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2014-06-18 12:02
assuming the instrument is in proper repair (no leaks etc), it depends on what kind the bass is - single or double register vent.
"Singles" (as are most student instruments) are notioriously difficult to play in the upper clarion; there you need a good reed, a mature embouchure and enough air speed to make it sing.
Double register vent instruments ("pro class") are easier to play up there, but by no means they play by themselves. (I find that the notes just below and above where it changes between the two register vents are more difficult to play, virtually impossible with too dry a reed). Besides, "doubles" are more difficult to keep in proper regulation as there is a more complex mechanism involved.
In other words: practice, practice, practice. You'll need the better part of an afternoon to get the hang of just these few notes.
--
Ben
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Author: Steven Ocone
Date: 2014-06-18 17:29
I repair lots of bass clarinets. I would assume there is a leak. They can be very hard to find. I'll be working on one soon that has been to many other repair techs. I'll be tearing the whole upper section down and will be testing it pad by pad. Normally I wouldn't go through so much work to find a leak but the pads look great.
Steve Ocone
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2014-06-18 17:49
I'm assuming, from what you say, that you are relatively new to the bass clarinet. I apologize if anything i mention below seems insulting to your intelligence. I don't mean it to be.
What happens when you get above G. Are the notes stuffy or hard to blow? Or do they tend to want to squeak? Do the problems happen when you try to start on the higher note or when you "leap" to it from a note below G? How about when you slur to the note from G? Do you have the same problems at loud dynamics and soft dynamics? In other words, exactly when does the problem manifest itself and are there some situations when it doesn't?
What kind of mouthpiece do you have and what reeds are you using? (You have tried more than one, right?) Also, are you sure you are covering the small hole in the index finger key (until you reach the altissimo).
Unlike Ben, I've always found the high clarion register pretty easy in response.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: pewd
Date: 2014-06-18 19:21
A bass in good repair should allow a 4 octave range (presuming its a low c model). If you can't go high, get it to the shop to be checked out.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2014-06-18 22:02
I've taught a great many advanced students in conservatory and woodwind doublers how to play the bass clarinet as clarinet players. Some, but few, have little problems with that register but most take several lessons to begin getting the knack of it, and that with a professional model bass clarinet in good repair. There are so many reasons the instrument could be having a problem in that resister, especially with a student model it's impossible to say what it could be. But, assuming the horn is OK read my webpage on bass clarinet on my site, you may get some insight. But the short of it is that you have to voice down, like you're playing the lower register when you go above that G. I often asked my students to play 12ths from the low E to B, F to C etc up to the thumb F to C slowly and try to "voice" the upper note as close to the lower note as possible. I'd tell them to fake yourself out and don't think you're going to change registers. Play the lower note and after a few beats press the register key without moving or changing anything in the way you're blowing in you throat, tongue, embouchure etc. If you can begin to get those high notes try to "remember" how it felt to copy the feeling. It might take some time to perfect that though. And that is if the instrument is working perfectly. Good luck.
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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