Re: Learning to play bass clarinet

it is easy soft reeds are best.you need lots of puff. good luck

RSL,
I know that at least changing fingerings will be pretty difficult at first. i tried to learn tenor sax quickly because it reads the same as a bass clarinet, but I couldn`t do it because I kept wanting to play the bass fingerings. Turns out they didn`t need me on tenor anyway. So practice, a lot!!!

Also, for those learning bass, I found that it helps to start on middle notes such as below the staff B-flat to on the staff C, then work your way up and down.

I`m 12, grade 5 sop clari, & want to learn bass. Should I get a wooden or plastic one, &, is it worth it. I know bassline can sometimes be a bit dull, it bass clari any better?
Could you please reply to this quick - thanks

I can`t really help you on which kind to get, I just use the school`s. However, I can tell you that, yes, the baseline is sometimes dull, but it supports the rest of the band and occasionally you get the melody. I was a lot happier switching to bass clarinet, so I say go for it, especially since the fingerings and key are the same.

as far as reeds go, I`d say use Vandoren if you are gonna play higher notes, but I have noticed that Rico Royal give you a very nice rich, deep sound in the lower octives well good luck!
john

I find the Vandorens quite flat and hard. They don`t really give you a good tone. They support well, but don`t feel well. The Rico Royal reeds are quite flexible. They may not last long, but produce great tone, and are very controlable.