Bass Clarinet

JazZz · Bass Clarinet

I got bored today and I decided that by december I will be playing bass clarinet in jazz band because I need something to entertain myself with in band this year. We have 3 clarinets, so when I suggested I play bass clarinet my band teacher got happy and said 'all good sax's should know how to play clarinet, thanks for volunteering'.. What I need to know:

*Is it in Bass Clef?
*Is it at all similair to sax?
*What mouthpiece should I get for it?
*Is there any other info I need to know?

Thanks

JPSaxMan

Well uhh...

You will have to get used to reading clarinet music and probably should learn clarinet first...then go on to bass clarinet. But clarinet music goes past the normal Bb max out note on sax all the way down to E (and on bass it might go even further). No bass clef, still in treble by all means.

Just try using the stock mouthpiece and see what happens. That's about it...good luck! Mr. Green

JazZz

I don't feel like learning clarinet first...

there is no stock mp

I can read music all the way up and down, I played piano for a while so I can read pretty good...

Thanks

JPSaxMan

Ep!

Try a Selmer C85/115 (I think that's how it works?)...that would probably be a good bet for a mouthpiece.

OK, the only reason I said to learn clarinet first is because of the music involved, but obviously you wouldn't have that problem.

Good luck!

JazZz

Thanks for the help..I'm assuming that the fingerings will be pretty much like regular clarinet because I already have a fingering chart for it...it will just have a few odd keys as it gets higher/lower like the difference between an alto and baritone or soprano.

Can't wait to start learning!

JPSaxMan

Yes, the fingerings should be the same. And actually, don't quote me on this, but I do believe that the bass utilizes plateau keys (which prevents a lot of squeaking for newer players) Cool

Louis Scuderi

You do not need to learn bass clef, and do not need to know soprano clarinet first. You will probably find it easier to play bass clarinet than regular because the embroshure is VERY similar to sax on bass clarinet. If you are using the school's clarinet, you will have to get your own mouthpiece. If you are renting it yourself I would highly recommend you don't get a new mouthpiece. It's uneccesary for a beginner to worry about that. Also, Clarinet takes LOTS and LOTS of patience.

Good luck,
CR

saxfreak

Have fun learning the bass clarinet - it's a wonderful instrument. If you already play sax, the bass clarinet embouchure will be easier than soprano clarinet. For a mouthpiece, you might look for a Vandoren B45 or B46.
Bass clarinet normally plays treble clef in band parts, but some orchestra music is written in bass clef (Wagner, Strauss, Mahler, etc.). That shouldn't be an issue for you for quite a while. Also, there is a lot of orchestral bass clarinet music written for bass clarinet in A, so you'd need to transpose the part by 1/2 step to play it on a Bb bass clarinet. There are even bass clarinet parts written in bass clef for A bass clarinet - instant headache! Again, these issues won't affect you for a long time.
Bass clarinet fingerings are virtually identical to soprano clarinet except for the extreme low and extreme high notes. The big difference you will find with soprano and bass clarinet compared to sax, is the octave key on sax is a register key on clarinet, and the instrument overblows a twelfth instead of an octave. So, the same fingerings with and without the register key are a twelfth apart instead of an octave. This might be confusing at first, but you'll get used to it. Also, going over the break is a big deal on clarinet (maybe a little easier on bass because of the plateau keys).
Hopefully your instrument will be in good adjustment, as the mechanism is really complicated and it will have playing problems if there are any leaks.
I was originally a clarinet player and added sax, flute and recorders over the years. I've played bass clarinet for a few years, and recently bought a new low-C Buffet. I've been taking private lessons with a major symphony orchestra bass clarinetist, and it has been very interesting.
If you learn the bass clarinet, that might be an entry into soprano clarinet, which will require a firmer embouchure (plus there might be issues with the open holes). Clarinet or bass clarinet will require a serious commitment and lots of patience. Have fun and good luck!