Contrabass Digest
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1998-08-11

 
list                           Tue, 11 Aug 1998           Volume 1 : Number 58

In this issue:
 

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Mon, 10 Aug 1998 19:15:47 EDT
From: <LeliaLoban@aol.com>
To: list@contrabass.com
Subject: Bass Theramin?  The horror, the horror!

Just returned from 5 days with 5000 fellow lunatics at Bucconeer, the 1998
World Science Fiction Convention in Baltimore.  At one of the late night hotel
room parties, someone set up a Theramin.  (The strange "wooooo-eeee-ooooo"
music in many science fiction movies such as "The Day the Earth Stood Still"
comes from a Theramin.)  People eagerly lined up to play (with) it.  On a wire
stand about 5 ft. tall sits a black oblong box, roughly the size of a shoe
box, with a metal loop (about a foot long, like a giant version of the
business end of an old- fashioned bottle opener) projecting horizontally out
one end of the box and a metal rod (also about a foot long) sticking straight
up from the other end.  The little black box is wired to a bigger box that
seems to contain an amplifier along with some other electronic doodaddery,
possibly an oscilloscope--flashing lights and dials and so forth--plugged into
the wall.  To make music, you stand near the Theramin (named for its inventor)
and make "abracadabra" passes in the air with the hands.  You can also dip and
sway and duck your head into range, or wiggle your fingers for vibrato or
tremolo.  One hand controls volume near the loop (close=silent; far away=loud)
while the body and the other hand control pitch  near the rod (close=treble;
far away=bass).

Word spread; musicians soon began to ooze in from the other parties.  The
musicians were easy to spot, because they immediately began trying (in some
cases with a fair degree of success) to work out how to play scales and tunes.
Several people showed no interest in squealing and whining.  Instead, they
backed off, as I did, to turn the contraption into a Bass Theramin.  When my
second turn came around, I began some street theater in which the Theramin
growled and rumbled when I tried to approach it.  Another fellow joined this
act, then another.  As we circled round and round, muttering protective spells
in arcane languages better left unspoken while the Theramin menaced us, we
collected a Sinister Bass Theramin Players Guild, until people who wanted
their turn told us to quit Bogarting the Theramin and go away.

So we clotted (near the table with the cookies) to talk about music.  We soon
learned that several neophyte Bass Theramin Guild members play low-pitched
instruments: a bass sax, a doubler on bass clarinet and bari sax, a tuba, a
pipe organ, a piano (not counting 3 others of us who play piano and/or organ
along with other instruments), and a cello.  One guy sings bass.  We also have
something else in common.  I was wearing my "Cthulhu for President--Why Settle
for A Lesser Evil?" button on an Edgar Allan Poe t-shirt.  The organist wore a
Phantom of the Opera t-shirt.  Another person wore a shirt from one of those
dead teenager movies; another wore ordinary clothing along with a discreet set
of prosthetic fangs; and another wore an "X-Files" t-shirt.  (No, we don't act
this way all the time.  Heh-heh.)  We soon established that most of us are
horror/dark fantasy fans and some of us write the stuff, too.

That's remarkable, considering that the Worldcon attracts mainly science
fiction folks and that horror is now suffering through one of its periodic
Dark Ages.  I've also been corresponding with a bass sax player on this list
who's a horror fan.  (I'll leave it to him whether he wants to identify
himself.)  When I told a bari sax e-pal from CSOL that I planned to attend the
Worldcon, he wrote back that he's a fan of "The X-Files."  So I wonder if
fondness for low pitch goes along with subterranean interests in the other
arts.  Have we got that in common along with stereo photography?  Any other
horror fans out there?

BWAAAAA-hah-hah-hah-hah-hah-hah!!
Lelia
LeliaLoban@aol.com

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 10 Aug 1998 17:29:44 -0700
From: Grant Green <gdgreen@contrabass.com>
To: list@contrabass.com
Subject: Re: Composition No.1 for Bass Saxophone

At 05:48 PM 8/8/98 -0400, you wrote:
http://www.contrabass.com/contra-archive/basspce.mid.
if Mr..Green gets the time.
<<<<
I found the time: it is now available.

Enjoy!

Grant
 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Grant D. Green                  gdgreen@contrabass.com
www.contrabass.com     Just filling in on sarrusophone
Contrabass email list:             list@contrabass.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 10 Aug 1998 17:44:15 -0700
From: Grant Green <gdgreen@contrabass.com>
To: list@contrabass.com
Subject: Re: Bass Theramin?  The horror, the horror!

At 07:15 PM 8/10/98 EDT, Lelia wrote:
***
>That's remarkable, considering that the Worldcon attracts mainly science
>fiction folks and that horror is now suffering through one of its periodic
>Dark Ages.  I've also been corresponding with a bass sax player on this list
>who's a horror fan.  (I'll leave it to him whether he wants to identify
>himself.)  When I told a bari sax e-pal from CSOL that I planned to attend the
>Worldcon, he wrote back that he's a fan of "The X-Files."  So I wonder if
>fondness for low pitch goes along with subterranean interests in the other
>arts.  Have we got that in common along with stereo photography?  Any other
>horror fans out there?

Well, just think: what heralds the monster's approach in the old movies?
If not a theremin, then typically a contrabassoon, contrabass clarinet,
possibly a sarrusophone...  Perhaps we like the horror movies due to the
soundtracks.

Personally, I'm an incorrigible SciFi reader.  Read all the HP Lovecraft
ages ago.  Just finished Niven's "Destiny's Road", now waiting for the next
Greg Bear or David Brin....

Grant
 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Grant D. Green                  gdgreen@contrabass.com
www.contrabass.com     Just filling in on sarrusophone
Contrabass email list:             list@contrabass.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 11 Aug 1998 12:07:28 EDT
From: <LeliaLoban@aol.com>
To: list@contrabass.com
Subject: Mozart's basset horn trios

>Jean Adler wrote:  Does anyone know how/where I can get my hands on music for
the Mozart basset horn trios?

The Mozart trios for basset horns are available, along with a number of other
Mozart pieces using basset horns, on a 1986 2-CD set from CBS with members of
the Chicago Symphony Winds (M2K 42144).  This is an ususually well-presented
set.  The liner notes by James Moffitt give some history of the basset horn
and the music, along with the lyrics to the songs that include vocalists.  At
the back, the notes give specifications of the instruments used in the
performances and also tell who played what on which track.

Lelia
LeliaLoban@aol.com

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 11 Aug 1998 23:54:46 -0400
From: Bob Thomas <thomas@usit.net>
To: <list@contrabass.com>
Subject: Re: leblanc EEb contralto clarinet

Charles R. Zappa wrote:
>   ...what is the typical EEb contralto clarinet gig?  For what type of
>ensemble is leblanc (presumably) still making these instruments?  what is
>the literature for this instrument, or does it normally double another
>instruments part?
>
        The local community band is a great place to get your
chops working. You'll find EEb parts for about half the pieces -
otherwise, you can play bari sax or bass clef parts (add 3 sharps;
pretend you're in treble clef...)
But I suggest you incorporate the new horn into whatever you're
involved in currently.  I'm using my BBb (sparingly) in a jazz
combo (great for latin bass lines) and a folksy string band(!)
(I'm blessed with open minded band mates.)

>finally, does anyone know where mouthpieces can be procured for such a
>horn--the one I have is very closed.  It's a hard transition from my tenor
>mouthpiece.

        A Selmer C* made a big difference for me. Three facings
available, I think. Check http://www.wwandbw.com for big selection.
Their catalog has a facing chart - might be on the web site too.
 
                                                b.

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 11 Aug 1998 12:42:53 -0500
From: Matthew Hanson <mchanson@infohwy.com>
To: list@contrabass.com
Subject: Re: leblanc EEb contralto clarinet

>finally, does anyone know where mouthpieces can be procured for such a
>horn--the one I have is very closed.  It's a hard transition from my tenor
>mouthpiece.

>        A Selmer C* made a big difference for me. Three facings
>available, I think. Check http://www.wwandbw.com for big selection.
>Their catalog has a facing chart - might be on the web site too.
>
                                                b.

For Leblanc contras, A Selmer Bb contra mpc (not Eb) is needed. The
Selmer Eb contra mpc is much smaller than the Leblanc and will not fit
in the tenon.
Matt Hanson

------------------------

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 11 Aug 1998 13:55:16 EDT
From: <NINEWINDS@aol.com>
To: mchanson@infohwy.com, list@contrabass.com
Subject: Re:  Re: leblanc EEb contralto clarinet

If you want to jump into the fray with added gusto. I suggest checking out
Charles Bay's contra mouthpieces. They play very easily and have a full tone.
Vinny

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 11 Aug 98 09:25:54 -0400
From: wwelch@mail07.mitre.org (William Welch)
To: bzslugo@worldnet.att.net (Charles R. Zappa), list@contrabass.com
Subject: RE: leblanc EEb contralto clarinet

I assume you bought a used LeBlanc horn because the one I play (a folded
"paper clip" model with extension to low C) has the number 569 stamped on it
and was bought new about 10 years ago by the community concert band that I
play in.

The EEb contra-alto is primarily used in a concert band. LeBlanc has a free
publication that discusses scoring for contrabass clarinets including what
parts can be doubled, transposed etc. I've been playing the contra-alto for a
year now in the concert band and I usually play bari sax parts if a
contra-alto part doesn't exist. The librarian told me the band has more BBb
contrabass clarinet music than EEb contra-alto music, so next season I'm going
to transpose and play the BBb part if there isn't an EEb part available.

You don't have much choice in mouthpieces or facings. The horn I have came
with the original hard rubber mpc, which is a bit shorter than the plastic mpc
that LeBlanc sells now (made by their subsidiary, Woodwind). Neither mpc comes
with a choice of facings, so you would have to have someone reface the mpc for
you. I've played both mpcs and the new Woodwind produces a somewhat better
sound for me. David Hite doesn't like any of the LeBlanc mpcs; he has an
article about this on his web page. He recommends buying a Selmer contra-alto
mpc and having it refaced to take a bari sax reed. David will do the refacing
for $30. Since the Selmer mpc has a smaller diameter than the LeBlanc mpc, you
will need to recork the Selmer mpc or use string or something to fit the mpc
to the LeBlanc horn. I've tried the Selmer mpc and wasn't too pleased with the
sound, but that was probably because I didn't fit the mpc properly to my horn.

The mpcs I've tried came from Woodwind and Brasswind, which is also the only
source I've found for contra-alto reeds. I've played Rico contra-alto reeds,
Vandoren contrabass reeds, and Vandoren contra-alto reeds. The Vandoren
contrabass and contra-alto reeds are identical in size. The Rico reeds are a
bit shorter and narrower than the Vandoren. The Rico also fit into a bari sax
reed holder, while the Vandorens are too big. So I conclude that the Rico
contra-alto reeds are just relabelled bari sax reeds. I started out playing
Rico reeds, but play only Vandoren now. Marca (a LeBlanc subsidiary) also
makes contra-alto reeds, but I haven't tried them yet.

LeBlanc also has a helpful free publication about playing contrabass clarinets
with fingerings for the extension to low C. This note says the upper limit for
the contrabass clarinets is second-leger C above the staff. The LeBlanc people
tell me that the notes above C can be produced with normal clarinet
fingerings, but I've not been able to play them. I've also read messages on
this list about alternative fingerings for the higher notes, but I haven't
been able to use those fingerings either. I've had the horn adjusted
professionally and it plays well over the entire range, but quits at the high
C. Since I play bari sax parts sometimes, I would like to play up to the E
above high C.

Western International publishes two Wm. Schmidt pieces for contra-alto
clarinet: Sonatina and Variations on a Whaling Song.
 

Bill
 
------------------------------

Date: Tue, 11 Aug 1998 11:30:12 -0700
From: Grant Green <gdgreen@contrabass.com>
To: list@contrabass.com
Subject: Re: leblanc EEb contralto clarinet

At 12:42 PM 8/11/98 -0500, you wrote:
>For Leblanc contras, A Selmer Bb contra mpc (not Eb) is needed. The
>Selmer Eb contra mpc is much smaller than the Leblanc and will not fit
>in the tenon.
>Matt Hanson

Are you sure the Selmer Bb mpc fits?  The Selmer Bb contra has a much wider
bore than the Leblanc contra (although that doesn't completely dictate the
size of the mpc receiver).

Grant
 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Grant D. Green                  gdgreen@contrabass.com
www.contrabass.com     Just filling in on sarrusophone
Contrabass email list:             list@contrabass.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 11 Aug 1998 15:20:56 -0500
From: Matthew Hanson <mchanson@infohwy.com>
To: list@contrabass.com
Subject: Re: leblanc EEb contralto clarinet

Grant Green wrote:
> >For Leblanc contras, A Selmer Bb contra mpc (not Eb) is needed. The
> >Selmer Eb contra mpc is much smaller than the Leblanc and will not fit
> >in the tenon.
> >Matt Hanson
>
> Are you sure the Selmer Bb mpc fits?  The Selmer Bb contra has a much wider
> bore than the Leblanc contra (although that doesn't completely dictate the
> size of the mpc receiver).
>
> Grant

Yes, quite sure.
I own both Selmer and Leblanc instruments :)

The actual bore size of the Selmer Bb contra is a huge 1.333", but the
mouthpiece bore ends in the same dimensions as the actual Leblanc
instrument's bore, so they are compatable.
Selmer and Leblanc (Woodwind Co.) Bb contra mouthpieces are a LOT more
alike than Selmer and Leblanc Eb contra mouthpieces.

As stated earlier by someone, YES, the Selmer Eb mouthpiece can be
taylored to fit the big bore of the Leblanc Eb contra, but is a bit
awkward and is often very stuffy since the ending dimensions of the
Selmer mouthpiece are much smaller than the actual bore of the Leblanc
contra.
Here's how it works..

ALL Leblanc contras (both Eb and Bb), Vito, Holton (USA) AND Leblanc
(Paris) share the SAME bore size. approx. 1.182"
Thus, they use the same mouthpiece (Woodwind Co.)
A Selmer (Paris) Bb contra mouthpiece can be successfully used on any
Leblanc contra. The Selmer (Paris) Eb contra mouthpieces are smaller, as
the Selmer Paris Eb instrument is .988". The inside bore is smaller and
does not work as well with Leblanc contras when taylored to fit them.
Contra clarinets are weird this way, because manufacturers differ more
here than on higher pitched clarinets.

EASY TO REMEMBER:


LEBLANC uses the same for all their contras.
You can use the Selmer (Paris) Bb contra mouthpiece for any of them,
Especially Bb contras :)

As far as FIT, the only massed produced contra mouthpieces that will not
fit in all of them are the Selmer (Paris) and Bundy, which only fit
themselves due to smaller bore (.988").

There is, of course, the Buffet Eb contra, who's popularity is not
anywhere near as great as the reputation of the Selmer or Leblanc, but
to mention it due to its existance... it is much like the Selmer (Paris)
Eb contra, only with a half hole.

I will add that Selmer (Paris) Eb and Bb contras have all trill keys,
where the ONLY Leblanc contra with trill keys is the curved Eb contra.

ALL LEBLANC CONTRAS plastic and metal: 1.182"
Selmer Eb contra: .988"
Selmer Bb contra: 1.333"

Someone also earlier mentioned Charles Bay's custom contra mouthpieces,
which are fine, but can for some be a bit pricey.
If you are used to playing tenor sax, and the contra mpc seems too
close, use harder reeds. This will at least in some way counteract the
facing, and may be better for you.
In general, a contra clarinet is going to respond differently than a
tenor sax anyway.
hope this helps,
Matthew Hanson

------------------------------

End of list V1 #58
******************

 
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