I have recently started to play clarinets again after a gap of err........some 55 years. I find my bass clarinet incomparably easier to blow than the Bb. Is that to be expected?

What strength reed have you got on both instruments?

quote name='barry-clari' date='Aug 21 2009, 09:32 PM' post='866121']
[quote name='oldromola' post='866115' date='Aug 21 2009, 09:23 PM']
I have recently started to play clarinets again after a gap of err........some 55 years. I find my bass clarinet incomparably easier to blow than the Bb. Is that to be expected?
[/quote]

What strength reed have you got on both instruments?
[/quote]

Strengh 2 on both. If I use a softer reed on the Bb it is definitely easier to blow but the higher notes are flat and the sound is poor.

I have devoted most of my energy and time on the Bb. I have not had a single lesson on the bass, yet I can blow it from bottom Eb to top C without difficulty and in tune. I find the Bb not so easy to play so probably I need more lessons on it. The course in Harrogate next week should help.

I wonder then if it's one of these things :

* you've got a slack embouchure, which you use for both instruments. Great for the bass, not so good for the standard Bb.

* there is a leak on your standard Bb instrument somewhere - meaning a pad or two may be wearing out.

* the mouthpiece on your standard Bb is either unsuitable or broken in some way.

* there is gunk in some of the toneholes of your standard Bb that needs cleaning out.

Thank you for all those ideas Barry - most helpful. I hope I haven't got any leaks but I shall ask a professional player to try the instrument next week. I am DEFINITELY going to try a range of new mouthpieces though!