Top Tips for Switching to Bass Clarinet
We get some useful tips from UK pro player Alastair Penman for switching to Bass Clarinet. You may play the Bb already, or indeed play Saxophone, but have always fancied the bass. Check out his tips to make the transition.
SHOP: Bass Clarinets available for sale: https://www.dawkes.co.uk/clarinets/bass
RENT: Get started with low monthly payments: https://www.dawkes.co.uk/rent-a-bass-clarinet
#Top #Tips #Switching #Bass #Clarinet
Originally posted by UCjMP2lkCsCFprGZ6edsGckw at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezC0eeNsH-Y
is it normal/will it effect how my high notes over the break will come out if my mouthpiece slightly slides off the neck? im using a student bass clarinet form yamaha i believe.
I'm a bari and a bassoon and this embouchure is soooo haaaard ????????????
Thank you so much for the intro and outro music since there is not really that much bass clarinet music out there that is easy to find as kind of a demo. I will be switching from a Bb clarinet to a bass clarinet and because I just love lower, reedy tones.
What brand is the bass clarinet?
This is an interesting and helpful video. I played bass clarinet in school –some 55 years ago, having taken it up in addition to the soprano clarinet I had already been playing. I hadn't played for many years until I picked up my clarinet again a couple years ago, just shortly after I decided to take up brass instruments (and now I have the whole range of them from cornet to tuba, many of them made by Conn). As one who likes the challenges, I bought an Albert system soprano clarinet and a "contra-alto" clarinet (Selmer-Bundy), the latter, of course, essentially being an oversized bass clarinet. Nearly all these instruments are used models from eBay except my original LaMarque soprano clarinet which was bought new. When I played bass clarinet (a school-owned instrument), I found that the upper register had an inferior sound compared to the lower one–and in no way comparable to the wonderful, clear sound Alastair Penman gets from his bass clarinet. I find my contra-alto sounds reasonably good in the upper register, but the very lowest couple notes don't sound as "musical" as the low written G and the notes above that point which all sound fine. I've never played sax, but I have my mother's old Conn New Wonder alto sax for which I would like to get new pads and learn to play it.
As a clarinetist and a saxophonist, I would say I didn't struggle much. Only thing is I squeak starting at high g-b (it also needs adjusting, so that might be why it's doing that).
What was the piece you played towards the end of the video.
Most modern bass clarinets have an extension to low Eb and many professional horns go down to Low C. The bass clarinet is more of a doubling instrument. Also Eric Dolphy was one of the first jazz musicians to use the bass clarinet as a soloist. Many jazz saxophone players would follow his footsteps. David Murray, John Surman, James Carter, John Purcell, Chico Freeman and Bennie Maupin are examples who use the bass clarinet often. It has a rich dark low sound. Many professional musicians can play the extreme high register as well.
Another reason for switching to bass clarinet is … can’t make it even as 2nd clarinetist! OK, that was just me, but I hit my stride with the bass clarinet. That was MANY decades ago and now I’m musing about buying a bass clarinet and learning all over again.
Hi there! I’m researching how to switch to bass clarinet. I’m a soprano clarinet and alto sax player, so I’m really struggling with the bass. I can hardly get the high register at all. I’m playing a Bundy from 1970 and it’s been serviced last week. Help! Any videos on that?
Hi .. a nice video. If the term “embouchure” was a little more descriptive, perhaps it would be easier for people learning woodwinds. A heavy, whole long deep sound from the bass clarinet needs more volume but less pinch to create a reed noise. It is the warbling effect created by pinching the tip and the volume. The term should be the “pinch-a-chure” … or something like that. French is always confusing. lol :):)
5:58 ????
I played Bb clarinet, then Tenor sax, and now bass clarinet. I love them all, but bass clarinet is the hardest to get used too.
What reed brand & reed strength do you use on bass ?
Thank you! I usually play the Bb clarinet, and I have a performance on 2 days. I was kind of struggling with lower notes, so thank you
Beautiful Tone. ❤️❤️????????
Your low tones are incredibly full and resonant.
What's the piece played at the beginning called?
Great stuff, Alistair! I'm going to be in touch soon with some questions for a lesson with you!
What was that final piece played? Beautiful! I have made the move to a bass clarinet and love it.
Top
I was thinking about doubling on the bass clarinet and then BANG here’s video on it! Thanks
Yes!