Alto, Tenor, Soprano, Bb & Eb Clarinet - so MANY SET-UPS. How to stay balance?

[A Greene]

I've been getting into Bb Clarinet so I purchased an Eb further my clarinet adventure - so now I have to experiment with a set-up and get going. Meanwhile, I lightened up by tenor set-up which makes my soprano set-up feel stuffy. My alto thing is OK but if I change my soprano thing - my also set-up might start to be a bit heavy.

It's seems as I add more instruments my set-ups ALL need to be fine tuned. How do you professional doublers keep all the set-ups working? Do you have to schedule a practice rotation or just work on what's needed for the next show? How does Oboe and Bassoon work into this mess?

Tony

[saxfreak]

It's seems as I add more instruments my set-ups ALL need to be fine tuned. How do you professional doublers keep all the set-ups working? Do you have to schedule a practice rotation or just work on what's needed for the next show? How does Oboe and Bassoon work into this mess?


It's interesting that you added Eb clarinet instead of bass clarinet. Eb has probably the most extreme embouchure requirements in your list.

You're right - it seems like a juggling act at times. Eventually, the various embouchures and setups seem to settle in as you gain experience. It's a good idea to practice switching from one horn to the others.

As far as pit gigs, I often have breaks of a couple months between runs. When I have a show coming up I work on the horns needed for that show. Most of my time is spent on flute/piccolo, no contest. I don't play double reeds, but I expect that they would be very demanding.