I have just acquired a bass clarinet after having played a soprano for some time. I have noticed that, unlike the soprano, the bass clarinet has a hole in the middle of the left hand index finger key. Can anyone tell me what this is for and explain how to use it. Mny thanks.

Alan

you know how in the altissimo range, above C, soprano clarinets often require the left index finger to half hole? obviously with the covered keys of bass clarinets, it is impossible to half hole. that's where the small hole comes in. the key probably also has a bit of key at the bottom almost like a tumor. for those high notes, you slide the finger off the small hole onto the "tumor" area. (it probably has a real name, but i don't know it.) if you look at a specifically bass clarinet fingering chart (as opposed to a generic clarinet one), it ought to show this.

Oh my goodness, I have to show even more of my ignorance now ! I have never heard of using a half hole for the left index finger. What does this do ? You will no doubt gather that I am wholely self-taught, never having even spoken to a clarinet teacher, or read a book about the instrument.
Alan

erm, i have to say i don't actually know what exactly the half hole does, i think it's either for tone or making the notes come out... i learned that register on bass clarinet first, so when i transfered it over the half hole was kind of automatic. i do know that soprano players often use it too though.
you pretty much have to use the tiny hole on bass, though, as far as i know. my friend couldnt consistantly cover it when she played alto, so she taped over it, but then the notes above C wouldn't come out at all.

It's basically a second register vent. the register key lets the horn overblow to the 12th and the left index finger lets it overblow another 6th up.

guys, i read in other forum that its the register vent. u know, i played my instrument for 2 1/2 years. now i'm interested in the bass clarinet- (entry level). some say entrylevel bassclars have no registervent, which makes the second register more difficult to play. really true?? is the difference very minimal??
guys, they say professional bass clars are the best. But Pls tell me the merits of purchasing an entrylevl one. can i buy a decent one from my budget of US$350.? i'll be very glad if u can give me adddress of stores selling bassclars. thank you..

The cheapest you will find something that is worth your time is going to hover around 1000 with the lowest level yamama.

I picked up a nice second or third hand(not sure) vito resotone bass for US$400
Its in great shape.

It sounds great and I can't play it enough.

For $350 should be able to pickup a bundy or similar or better.
But be prepared to get it serviced and adjusted straight away - in case any leaks or dodgy pads etc.

there are a few bundy's, vitos and others going on ebay at the moment.

The vitos are almost a one piece (not designed to be dismantled all the time).
The bundys (the ones I've seen) are a one piece.

^ im under the impression that most lower-level bass clarinets are one-piece horns. its easier for them to stay in adjustment if they arent being taken appart/put together all the time.

Well im just like you. I just got a bass clarinet as well

basses are so darn expensive!

Ahaha, a fully new professional bass clarinet is about $10,000. Cheapest Contra Bass I've seen online was $23,000 xD

i have seen a new contra bass on wwbw.com for under 4000, it may have been like 3400 or 3700