 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Ravi2000
Date: 2014-08-10 02:58
I just need general tips on playing the upper range of my bass.
First things first, I don't puff my cheeks with any range of this instrument.
Anyway, everything up to A5 comes out fine. To hit anything higher, I have to do some type of scale to get up there. If a musical piece were to start with a C6, I'd be in a lot of trouble. The note doesn't squeak, It just drops down. (For example, C6 comes out as a muffled F#4.)
I have a really old instrument, so that could be the cause, but probably not.
It's nothing long tones won't solve, right?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2014-08-10 05:35
Every bass clarinet player has trouble reaching the upper register when they first start out. Keep practicing and I'm sure you'll be able to play those notes without even thinking about it!
A great way to practice is to play up to high c, let go of the register key and try and hold the high c as long as you can.
Btw, I guarantee someone is going to tell you that it is because your bass clarinet doesn't have a double register vent. Don't listen to what people say about this. I got through high school on a poorly made Artery just fine.
Post Edited (2014-08-10 05:41)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: pewd
Date: 2014-08-10 06:33
You should have a 3+ octave range. Make sure the instrument is in proper adjustment - bass clarinets are notorious for needing a lot of maintenance.
A good bass, properly maintained, with a good reed and mouthpiece, you should have the same range as on a soprano. More if you have a low C instrument.
If you can't get over A5, have a tech check it for leaks. Or have another bass player try it first. Do you have a private teacher who can check it out for you?
Do you have a decent mouthpiece?
Good luck!
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2014-08-10 17:16
I have several articles about how to play the bass clarinet on my website and I deal with this problem. It is very common with clarinet players learning how to play the bass. It's all about voicing that register differently than the clarinet. It certially can be a tiny leak with your instrument, it doesn't take much and a single octave key bass does not usuallly respond as well with some instruments as the double octave ones but certainly works. Check out my articles and get back to me on my e-mail if you have any questions. palanker@aol.com, I'd be happy to answer any questions you have.
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: HANGARDUDE
Date: 2014-08-13 04:06
As a bass player for 3 years, there were 2 reasons why I couldn't reach the upper range back then:
1.Leaks
2.Not experienced enough.
I managed to to go to all the way to high E5 on my old plastic Yamaha, which is a single vent. Sure double and triple vents help a bit, but any competent bass player should manage to go up to High E5 on any vent or bore bass, even if they couldn't manage to play it in a piece.
If I were to give an advice, it would be that you hold firmer onto your mouthpiece when you hit A4 and above. Then the immortal word, "Practice". After a while you should be able to get hold of it.
BTW a kind reminder Ravi, you've written your notes an octave higher. Your A5 should be A4, and your C6 should be C5.
Josh
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: BflatNH
Date: 2014-08-13 16:32
For your consideration if you are thinking about buying another BCl in the near future and you expect to play in the upper clarion to the upper altissimo registers, I prefer the quality of tone (in that range, using W.Grabner's 'Laurie Bloom' mpc) of the Ridenour 925 to the Buffet and Selmer low C models of 2 years ago (when I made the comparison).
Post Edited (2014-08-16 18:14)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: William
Date: 2014-08-15 19:25
I play a Buffet Prestige low C bass and the higher range has never been much of a problem--except those unresponsive G# & A 5's which we all fine "different", especially wide octave leaps and staccato. But for me, any difficulty was erased when I started using a Walter Grabner CX_BS model mouthpiece. Sadly, that particular model is no longer available and has been replaced with his "Laurie Bloom" model made from a Zinner blank. Many other bass clarinet's have posted favorable comments about this newer Grabner product, so it is definitely worth auditioning. All I am trying to say is that Walter's mouthpiece made bass clarineting a lot more fun for me. In the fwiw box, I play in a regional professional orchestra, a community orchestra and many local wind ensembles and have received many comments about how good my bass sounds. I attribute all of those to my Buffet bass and my wonderful Grabner mouthpiece--they make me sound better than I really am.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Steven Ocone
Date: 2014-08-16 19:34
The first thing I look for is a leak. They can be difficult to find and may only affect a small range of notes.
Steve Ocone
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2014-08-17 18:50
I'll second Steve, even a tiny leak on the upper joint of a bass clarinet can play havoc for that register.
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: HANGARDUDE
Date: 2014-08-18 22:10
One more vote for Steve's leak theory. That was another problem for me to play the higher notes as well.
Josh
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: claire Inet
Date: 2014-08-25 02:43
Yet another +1 on the leak. I finally took my plastic Vito BC in and the tech reseated a few pads. Wowo, what a difference.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
