Bass Clarinet: 10 Reasons Your High Notes Sound Bad (it might not be your fault)

[@djasge3893]

Thank you, actually quite a relief to read the comments and hear your suggestions. I’ve been overhauling an older bass clarinet and am struggling with it. Normally I play baritone or tenor sax so it’s a leap for me. The content on your channel is really practical and super helpful. Thank you again and keep up the great work!

[@joeg46Highlands]

Thank you for turning to the bass! My weekly band rehearsals last 90-120 minutes. Once the neck and reed are waterlogged my sound and control over 2nd register and altissimo disintegrates. I have a drip key fitted, which helps, but I suspect the only solution is to have a second complete neck/mouthpiece/reed set up to swap. One tip I would give concerning the altissimo is that you should always practice going higher than anyone is ever going to ask you to play. This makes your control of the range just below that so much more confident. My altissimo comfort zone extends a full octave above the top C of the clarion and I practice up to the F or, with the wind behind me, the G above that. However a big, conscious, change in embouchure is needed for those high notes.

[@callyclarinet]

This is great advice! Thank you!

[@cbaker1212]

Thank you for this. I’m new to bass clarinet. I’ve been playing B flat clarinet for over 20 years. Making the switch has been frustrating when it comes to playing over the break. I can’t play anything over an E natural without squeaking. Im going to start going through these suggestions.

[@callyclarinet]

Hi! How's your bass clarinet journey going? Did you check your register key mechanism to see if that was the issue with the Clarion register?

[@TomHaley-cy4cc]

Like using "O" on breathing in to engage diaphragm support, I have had good results sing "la" while playing to get my throat to relax. This is handy because I can do it as soon as I notice throat constriction and not have to wait for a break in the music or stop what I'm practicing.

[@ceegee1070]

I don't play the bass, I likely no longer have the air, but that was beautiful! Also, A++ on the earings 😃

[@MrEliasdesa]

Thanks! Best regards from Brasil!! 🤗

[@butterflynursieful]

Impressive!!! What breath and embouchure control!

[@sumudukapuruge8576]

More respect for the advises you given to improve

[@tammit1188]

Thank you, Cally! Great tips!❤

[@callyclarinet]

Thanks Tammi! I hope you're doing well!

[@maryheintjes3295]

Hi. Love your videos!🎶. I have an older bass 1973 King that I dearly love. Still new at playing. Got it for myself as a 65th year birthday present to myself. So many questions...but one is how do I empty the spit from the bass mid performing. There is no exit port. So I usually take off the mouthpiece and tip it toward myself and have a cleaning cloth on hand to do quick catch of spit. But everyone near me are like What??? Is there another way? Thank you so much.

[@callyclarinet]

I do the same thing to empty the neck spit!

[@emjay2045]

“ I’m All about that Bass “ That’s a cool stand, is that custom-made ?

[@callyclarinet]

Yes! One of my students is designing a bass clarinet stand, this one of the first that he has made!

[@anthony-ud4to]

For me it's everything high G and up (bass clarinet, no other instrument gives me this issue)

[@callyclarinet]

Hmm, maybe there something wrong with the instrument?

[@sumudukapuruge8576]

Fabulous !!!!!!