Bass Membrane Clarinet BY BRAS

So bassy, so simple to play

The Bass Membrane Clarinet BY BRAS is a soft-reed wind instrument based on a membrane acoustic system, combining the physical depth of long air columns with an extremely simple and intuitive way of playing.

Unlike traditional clarinets or reed instruments, this instrument does not require embouchure technique. You simply blow: the membrane responds naturally, producing a stable, rich, and expressive sound.

Its acoustic system and overall form are unique, both in sound behavior and in physical design.

The membrane is made from a vinyl glove. The instrument comes with two gloves, giving you plenty of spare material to replace the membrane when needed.

An accessible bass instrument

At the heart of the Bass Membrane Clarinet is a very long air column (over 120 cm), giving the instrument its deep, grounded bass voice.

Despite this length, the instrument is designed to remain easy to hold and play for all hand sizes, without keys, pads, or complex mechanisms.

The fingerings are direct and logical, allowing:

• Immediate sound production

• Natural control of dynamics through breath

• Expressive phrasing without technical barriers

This makes the instrument approachable for beginners, while offering a wide and expressive sound palette for experienced musicians.

A natural scale designed for musical freedom

The instrument is tuned in E natural minor, with an additional low D accessible with the little finger.

This allows the instrument to be played both as:

• E natural minor

• D Myxolydian

Complete scale:
D – E – F# – G – A – B – C – D – E

The scale layout encourages melodic playing, modal exploration, and sustained bass lines, while remaining intuitive and physically comfortable.

Designed for simplicity, comfort, and performance

The special shape of the Bass Membrane Clarinet has been carefully developed to keep the instrument compact in feel, despite its long air column.

An instrument shaped by experience

Nicolas Bras has been exploring alternative wind instruments and unconventional acoustic systems for over 20 years, combining performance, research, and hands-on instrument making.

The Bass Membrane Clarinet reflects this long-term exploration: a bass instrument that is deep, physical, and expressive, yet stripped down to its essential elements.

Technical overview

Tuning

• Scale: E natural minor

• Additional note: low D (little finger)

• Modal use: D Dorian

• Reference pitch: A440 Hz

Design

• Soft-reed / membrane-based wind instrument

• Extra-long air column (over 120 cm)

• Keyless, no mechanical system

• Ergonomic shape for all hand sizes

Parts (Ø 16 mm)

• Mouthpiece

• Membrane clarinet head

• Membrane clarinet body in E minor (8 holes)

• Connector pipe

• Body pipe

Materials

• 3D-printed parts: PLA

• Body: PVC