upper range for bass clarinet

    
upper range for bass clarinet    19:22 on Saturday, December 20, 2008          

bassclarinetOWNS
(1 point)

i'm a high school student who recently joined an ensemble who is playing sonatina I by mozart,
and i received first part.
the only problem is the upper range.

i can play the C's and D's above the staff but my problem is i have to do chromatics up to them,
because every time i try to just play them, my instrument kind of growls but doesn't sound the note,
or it won't sound right away.

there is still a few months until we have to perform, but i need help with what i can do to make those notes sound....
not so horrible.

any suggestions would be fantastic


Re: upper range for bass clarinet    16:54 on Sunday, December 21, 2008          

clarinet99
(149 points)
Posted by clarinet99

When your instrument is in good playing condition the problem you describe tends to be due to the reed. Change your reed, not necessarily harder or softer, just a new one. If you continue to have this problem, especially if a technician says your horn is good, try using a Legere plastic reed which doesn't change due to drying, humidity, vibration, etc.
Good luck .


Re: upper range for bass clarinet    09:19 on Monday, December 22, 2008          

contra448
(771 points)
Posted by contra448

If the bass is working well & you have a good reed possibly the problem is not using enough breath support & squeezing the reed too much. It will take practice to get the hang of the difference between the soprano instrument & the bass.


Re: upper range for bass clarinet    21:09 on Tuesday, December 23, 2008          

KLMatheson
(1 point)
Posted by KLMatheson

Might sound a little obscure, but if you can't get the sound right away try smacking your fingers down on the finger pads...I know it sounds weird, but its always worked for me...especially upper register and lower register notes...

Good luck


Re: upper range for bass clarinet    21:11 on Tuesday, December 23, 2008          

Canadian
(903 points)
Posted by Canadian

Most student bass clarinets leak quite a bit. I'd get it looked over by a professional tech.


   




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