 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: bradfordlloyd
Date: 2016-04-13 02:29
I own a vintage Selmer Paris bass clarinet to low Eb that I keep in good repair, and it generally sounds terrific (if I do say so myself). I have always felt that it was a completely professional instrument and have played it happily and proudly.
However, I was recently informed (somewhat snootily, may I add) that the only truly professional bass clarinets are those that go down to low C. I'm aware that a professional player is generally expected to have a low C horn, but as an amateur player in a very high quality concert band is it at this point required?
What say you, oh collected brainpower of the clarinet world?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2016-04-13 03:16
For years the big name manufacturers offered their professional level instruments mainly in Eb versions and then later in both Eb and C versions.
It is only in more recent years that the low C version has become fairly essential for serious orchestral work but that does not detract at all from the older Eb models.
Some professionals have even had a special low C extension fitted to their original Eb model.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2016-04-13 03:19
Yes, it is a professional instrument, Just one that doesn't go to low C. The term "Professional instrument" is mostly a sales tactic. If you can get into a good orchestra playing a Bundy then more power to you.
The issue here is the low C. Have you ever seen a note below low Eb that wasn't optional? If not then you should be fine. Concert band music rarely goes below low Eb for bass clarinet.
I would say keep your instrument. No need to spend $12,000 on three extra notes just yet.
-Jdbassplayer
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-04-13 04:15
Selmer (Paris) only make pro level (Bb) basses to both low Eb and low C. Their basses in A were built to low Eb. So if it says 'Selmer Paris' on it, then it's a pro level bass regardless if it's built to low E, low Eb or low C. Did Selmer (Paris) make basses to low D?
I don't know how many concert band bass clarinet parts are written below low Eb, but I've often used low D, Db/C# and C (when I've put stuff down the 8ve where possible) when the tubas struggle with those notes.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
Post Edited (2016-04-13 21:37)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: bradfordlloyd
Date: 2016-04-13 04:23
Thanks for the comments.
Your comments support what I have always felt....but I was temporarily overcome with a case of "equipment envy" or self doubt or something.
Thanks for clarifying for me.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2016-04-13 09:03
Double bass parts often require the extra low notes, because the parts were written for 5-string instruments or double bass viols that had the extra range built in. For basses without the low C "machine," the player simply tunes the lowest string down.
Bass clarinets are different. Every bass clarinet has the low Eb because much bass clarinet music (particularly Wagner) was written for bass in A (which has no low Eb). Today, every professional bass clarinetist has an instrument to low C because contemporary music often requires the low notes. However, several orchestral BC players have told me that they use an non-extended bass wherever possible, because it plays better.
Your older Selmer is as good as it gets. Its low Eb is very good and well matched to the other notes. In a band, you'll never see music calling for the low notes. If you need a low D, drop a shoe in the bell or borrow a trumpet mute. If a new piece calls for the extension, it will always be doubled on the Eb contra.
Ken Shaw
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2016-04-13 16:01
My wife, a flutist and singer, was drafted into her college orchestra based on doing well on double bass in her instruments and materials class. She played the first note of each measure, and more when she could.
I didn't say she tuned down to low C -- only to D, which worked fine. The Brahms Requiem has a long fugue over a pedal D, which she rattled the walls with. Scordatura is a great tradition, even on the bass.
Ken Shaw
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
