The Bass Clarinet has a much longer tube than that of the regular Clarinet; the top and bottom of the instrument had to be bent so as to make it possible for the player to cope with its length.
The upper end of the Bass Clarinet is curved backward and towards the player, and the lower part ends in an upturned large bell.
The most popular Bass Clarinet is the one in B flat. It is interesting to note that the Bass Clarinet sounds an octave lower the regular Clarinet, and functions as a very effective bass for the entire woodwind section. As it is in B flat and sounds an octave lower than the Clarinet, the Bass Clarinet sounds a ninth lower than written.
The lowest notes of the Bass Clarinet can be played very softly and produce rich and full tones. The Bass Clarinet is much more powerful than the regular Clarinet; its tones are less reedy.
