Top Tips for Switching to Bass Clarinet

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Күн бұрын

Пікірлер: 32

@beesfan 3 жыл бұрын

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

@pinkponcho3 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@bobjacobson858 10 ай бұрын

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.

@ShaneMcFerran_ 3 жыл бұрын

I was thinking about doubling on the bass clarinet and then BANG here’s video on it! Thanks

@BKrystall Жыл бұрын

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.

@rozenaxsax5133 3 жыл бұрын

Your low tones are incredibly full and resonant.

@ntayntay Жыл бұрын

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?

@mikehallsax 3 жыл бұрын

Great stuff, Alistair! I'm going to be in touch soon with some questions for a lesson with you!

@alastairpenman 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mike! Always happy to chat about things! :-)

@leslieaspey2621 3 жыл бұрын

What was that final piece played? Beautiful! I have made the move to a bass clarinet and love it.

@alastairpenman 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Leslie - it's a piece called Fujiko by Andy Scott. Here I'm playing the clarinet version (there isn't a specific bass clarinet arrangement) but I've changed a few of the octaves! (Published by Astute Music - www.astute-music.com/store/p65/Fujiko-Clarinet-Piano.html#/)

@butterflynursieful 3 жыл бұрын

@@alastairpenman Is there a link available to purchase this piece in the United States? Your interpretation brings tears to my eyes.

@ElliotPorterPiano 9 ай бұрын

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.

@dawkesmusic 9 ай бұрын

Glad you like it! Hope you enjoy the Bass when you get one :)

@anthony-ud4to 11 ай бұрын

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).

@robkunkel8833 2 жыл бұрын

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 :):)

@DoubleStuffDD 4 ай бұрын

I'm a bari and a bassoon and this embouchure is soooo haaaard 😭😭😭

@PanAmStyle Жыл бұрын

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.

@willistaylor4077 3 жыл бұрын

Beautiful Tone. ❤️❤️💕🎵

@dawkesmusic 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you like it!

@celinewael7712 2 жыл бұрын

5:58 💗

@freakesax Жыл бұрын

What was the piece you played towards the end of the video.

@emjay2045 3 жыл бұрын

What reed brand & reed strength do you use on bass ?

@dawkesmusic 3 жыл бұрын

Hi - Alastair uses a Selmer Concept M'Piece on Bass + Vandoren Traditional #3 reeds.

@emjay2045 2 жыл бұрын

@@dawkesmusic 👍

@Jxo-th4by Ай бұрын

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.