Bass Clarinet Fundamentals: Just the Bass-ics!

Learn about how to manage your airflow on the deceptively large bass clarinet, the variables of finding a comfortable way for your body to play the instrument, how to make friends with the upper register, and the common causes of squeaks!

[@sitarnut]

Steve.. great tutorial.. G, A, B with the octave key were just three squeaks.. maddening. I did exactly what you said and didn't tense up, didn't change embouchure and just kept blowing same speed.. I almost fell out of my chair as they all spoke. I can now, finally start to seriously learn this axe. Many thanks for all your common sense ideas. Blessings from Texas.

[@SteveBecraft]

It makes me happy to read this--I'm so glad that I could help!

[@bootless100]

Thank you! This has been so helpful!

[@SteveBecraft]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joeg46Highlands]

The necks raise an important issue: the old Buffet neck has a drip key, which is not now available except as a technician's modification. If you play only bass clarinet (i.e. not doubling) and play through a 2 hour rehearsal the build up of condensation in the neck is problematic. The down side is that the drip key can leak air.

[@SteveBecraft]

If we look at our colleagues in the brass section, we realize that there is no shame in removing the neck and pouring out the condensation if we need to! Have you watched those horn players go through all their gymnastics to clear out their crooks?

[@heinvanmaarschalkerwaart9799]

Good lesson for budding bass clarinettists. I have playen the German system bass clarinet and basset horn and used an old model Wurlitzer with two register keys and it served me right in my orchestral job.. Now I use a Selmer Boehm system for fun and it plays well with a good sonority in the chalumeau register but the sound of the upper (=middle) register is not so round . What struck me when you played the all nickel colored neck the partials of the low C were not so dominant as when you did that on the golden neck on teh other bass clarinet. It could be that the single register key on the body was helpful in that area.. The expensive Buffet bass play Ok. Very good for moder bass clarinet music. Art Marshall

[@SteveBecraft]

There are so many variables...it could be the single register key, or something else. I imagine someone like Morrie Backun or Tom Ridenour might be able to tell us why! Thank you for watching!