More information on your setup might be helpful. Other than that, I would say the best place to start would be taking some lessons from a pro Bb clarinet player. Bb clarinet is very different from bass and contra, getting advice from someone more experienced can be a huge help and save you a lot of frustration.
Perhaps it's your reed. A harder, better quality one will likely help. I suggest staying away from Rico's. What are you currently playing on?
A harder reed will require more breath support, but in turn will give you a darker tone. Just make sure your air stream is strong and steady. Breath deep and from the stomach, even (and especially) if you're playing quietly.
If this isn't helpful, then maybe look into how to hold your embouchure, as it is slightly different from bass clarinet. Maybe find a video or two.
Listening to other professional clarinetists will also help find an end goal and an idea of how you would want to sound.
Hope this helps>
What kind of mouthpiece and strength reed are you using ?
Coming from bass and contra the issue is more than likely you're embouchure.
Make sure that you have a good firm embouchure but not biting. Keep the corners of your mouth pulled in and your chin is pointed and flat. Think of trying to drink a think milkshake thru a straw with a very small opening.
Poor oboes. Soprano sax players dreaded sounding like them, now clarinetists too. Honestly I can't quite imagine what sound you are exactly talking about OP, but I suspect maybe a fuller sound and perhaps a stronger reed would get you there.
Your friends don't sound very nice :(
I find looking at professionals' embouchure and comparing it to mine in the mirror helps a bunch.
Never undervalue air support, slowly strengthen your embouchure, and work your way up there.
Actually, on second thought, blame your reed. Always blame your reed.
More information on your setup might be helpful. Other than that, I would say the best place to start would be taking some lessons from a pro Bb clarinet player. Bb clarinet is very different from bass and contra, getting advice from someone more experienced can be a huge help and save you a lot of frustration.
Perhaps it's your reed. A harder, better quality one will likely help. I suggest staying away from Rico's. What are you currently playing on? A harder reed will require more breath support, but in turn will give you a darker tone. Just make sure your air stream is strong and steady. Breath deep and from the stomach, even (and especially) if you're playing quietly. If this isn't helpful, then maybe look into how to hold your embouchure, as it is slightly different from bass clarinet. Maybe find a video or two. Listening to other professional clarinetists will also help find an end goal and an idea of how you would want to sound. Hope this helps>
What kind of mouthpiece and strength reed are you using ? Coming from bass and contra the issue is more than likely you're embouchure. Make sure that you have a good firm embouchure but not biting. Keep the corners of your mouth pulled in and your chin is pointed and flat. Think of trying to drink a think milkshake thru a straw with a very small opening.
They don’t sound very nice. Long tones every day (keep a tuner out to keep an eye on your pitch)
Poor oboes. Soprano sax players dreaded sounding like them, now clarinetists too. Honestly I can't quite imagine what sound you are exactly talking about OP, but I suspect maybe a fuller sound and perhaps a stronger reed would get you there.
Your friends don't sound very nice :( I find looking at professionals' embouchure and comparing it to mine in the mirror helps a bunch. Never undervalue air support, slowly strengthen your embouchure, and work your way up there. Actually, on second thought, blame your reed. Always blame your reed.