Types
What is commonly called a clarinet is actually a soprano clarinet. There is also an alt clarinet and a bass clarinet, along with many other less common clarinets. Bass clarinet is a common instrument in many of the same musical ensembles as soprano clarinet.
Sound
Just as a soprano voice is much higher in pitch than a bass voice, a soprano clarinet is much higher in pitch than a bass clarinet. The role of the bass clarinet is often to strengthen the bass instrument in the ensemble.
Construction
Bass clarinets are usually made of plastic or African hardwood with keys, bells and rods of nickel, silver or other composite materials metal. The nozzle, which holds the ass, is made of plastic, resin, hard rubber or other composite material. Reed is made from sugar cane.
Keys and Holes
The arrangement of the keys and holes on the bass clarinet was developed by Hyacinthe Klos & # xE9; in 1839. The holes and keys can be placed in any number of different combinations, but the developed standard system that is still used today proved to be the most logical system to learn.
Learning
All bass clarinet players begin to study the soprano clarinet. The most common place to start studying the clarinet is in school during the fifth or sixth grade. The clarinet is a common instrument in orchestras, school bands, marching bands and Dixieland bands. While many people know what a clarinet looks like and sounds like, few people know about the bass clarinet.
Source:danspela.com