Alto Clarinet Vs. French Horn Vs. Contra-alto

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Alto Clarinet Vs. French Horn Vs. Contra-alto, doubling instrument (vs. basset horn!?)

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ArchsageVal	May 19 2007, 02:52 AM Post #1
Newbie Group: Members Posts: 2 Joined: 15-May 07 Member No.: 11309	Hello, new here to the forums, and looking for a doubling instrument. I started on the Oboe, and was very good, but for marching, I needed to switch. Now, I play Bflat soprano for my marching band/wind ensemble, have played for about 4 years now, but not quite satisfied with my concert performance. So, I've been thinking about switching to a stranger instrument, my choices are Eflat Alto Clarinet English Horn Contra-alto Clarinet (possibly) Basset Horn I love long, loud notes, slurring, and playing some melody. I don't excessive tonguing, and using an extreme amount of air. I plan on taking private lessons and getting a good instrument. Before I go in a few weeks to try them out, does anyone have any suggestions? thanks -arch (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif)

Robodoc	May 19 2007, 06:48 AM Post #2
Virtuoso Group: Members Posts: 2720 Joined: 30-March 07 From: Chorley, Lancs Member No.: 10431	QUOTE(ArchsageVal @ May 19 2007, 03:52 AM) Hello, new here to the forums, and looking for a doubling instrument. I started on the Oboe, and was very good, but for marching, I needed to switch. Now, I play Bflat soprano for my marching band/wind ensemble, have played for about 4 years now, but not quite satisfied with my concert performance. So, I've been thinking about switching to a stranger instrument, my choices are Eflat Alto Clarinet English Horn Contra-alto Clarinet (possibly) Basset Horn I love long, loud notes, slurring, and playing some melody. I don't excessive tonguing, and using an extreme amount of air. I plan on taking private lessons and getting a good instrument. Before I go in a few weeks to try them out, does anyone have any suggestions? thanks -arch (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif) I don't play a Brass instrument (yet!) so can't help, except by suggesting you post on the Viva Brass section.

Morgan's Munchkin	May 19 2007, 08:36 AM Post #3
Prodigy Group: Members Posts: 1575 Joined: 1-December 05 Member No.: 5432	QUOTE(Robodoc @ May 19 2007, 07:48 AM) QUOTE(ArchsageVal @ May 19 2007, 03:52 AM) Hello, new here to the forums, and looking for a doubling instrument. I started on the Oboe, and was very good, but for marching, I needed to switch. Now, I play Bflat soprano for my marching band/wind ensemble, have played for about 4 years now, but not quite satisfied with my concert performance. So, I've been thinking about switching to a stranger instrument, my choices are Eflat Alto Clarinet English Horn Contra-alto Clarinet (possibly) Basset Horn I love long, loud notes, slurring, and playing some melody. I don't excessive tonguing, and using an extreme amount of air. I plan on taking private lessons and getting a good instrument. Before I go in a few weeks to try them out, does anyone have any suggestions? thanks -arch (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif) I don't play a Brass instrument (yet!) so can't help, except by suggesting you post on the Viva Brass section. Most of those are woodwind instruments though, so posting in Viva Woodwind might be better. Sorry but I don't play reed instruments is meerly a flautist (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

SarahSax1986	May 19 2007, 11:45 AM Post #4
Unregistered	By Bb Soprano I assume you mean clarinet? Well since this is now your primary instrument then stick with single reed instruments. Personally I see little point in the Eb Alto clarinet as it is only a 5th lower than the standard Bb clarinet, so if you are looking for something completely different range then don't go for this. Contra Altos are ace. Never played one myself but they have a mean sound, and I imagine they do require quite a large amount of air because of the size. This is a 12th lower than the Bb clarinet so you can pull off a whole new sound on it and blast out those beasty low notes! You could go for a compromise between the alto and contra alto and go for a bass clarinet. Basset horns are VERY expensive and there's not many around. I don't know much about these. English horns are lovely. End of! Me personally, I'd go for the English Horn but thats because I love the sound of them. Always go for the one you like the most and like the sound of. Try listening to some music with the instruments in and pick whichever you prefer! Good Luck in choosing (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

ArchsageVal	May 19 2007, 11:12 PM Post #5
Newbie Group: Members Posts: 2 Joined: 15-May 07 Member No.: 11309	QUOTE(SarahSax1986 @ May 19 2007, 11:45 AM) By Bb Soprano I assume you mean clarinet? Well since this is now your primary instrument then stick with single reed instruments. Personally I see little point in the Eb Alto clarinet as it is only a 5th lower than the standard Bb clarinet, so if you are looking for something completely different range then don't go for this. Contra Altos are ace. Never played one myself but they have a mean sound, and I imagine they do require quite a large amount of air because of the size. This is a 12th lower than the Bb clarinet so you can pull off a whole new sound on it and blast out those beasty low notes! You could go for a compromise between the alto and contra alto and go for a bass clarinet. Basset horns are VERY expensive and there's not many around. I don't know much about these. English horns are lovely. End of! Me personally, I'd go for the English Horn but thats because I love the sound of them. Always go for the one you like the most and like the sound of. Try listening to some music with the instruments in and pick whichever you prefer! Good Luck in choosing (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Thanks, I started on Oboe when I was 5, so I'm going to go with English Horn when not marching. I love the sound of them (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) -arch (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif)

Sergeant_Chronos	May 20 2007, 12:15 AM Post #6
Advanced Member Group: Members Posts: 203 Joined: 11-May 07 From: ark town Member No.: 11229	QUOTE(ArchsageVal @ May 19 2007, 06:12 PM) QUOTE(SarahSax1986 @ May 19 2007, 11:45 AM) By Bb Soprano I assume you mean clarinet? Well since this is now your primary instrument then stick with single reed instruments. Personally I see little point in the Eb Alto clarinet as it is only a 5th lower than the standard Bb clarinet, so if you are looking for something completely different range then don't go for this. Contra Altos are ace. Never played one myself but they have a mean sound, and I imagine they do require quite a large amount of air because of the size. This is a 12th lower than the Bb clarinet so you can pull off a whole new sound on it and blast out those beasty low notes! You could go for a compromise between the alto and contra alto and go for a bass clarinet. Basset horns are VERY expensive and there's not many around. I don't know much about these. English horns are lovely. End of! Me personally, I'd go for the English Horn but thats because I love the sound of them. Always go for the one you like the most and like the sound of. Try listening to some music with the instruments in and pick whichever you prefer! Good Luck in choosing (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Thanks, I started on Oboe when I was 5, so I'm going to go with English Horn when not marching. I love the sound of them (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) -arch (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif) I would try the english horn.

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