Klarinet Archive - Posting 000382.txt from 2004/02

From: "Steve White" <bass.clarinet@-----.net>
Subj: RE: [kl] Bass Clarinets
Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2004 14:40:44 -0500

1. I rarely advise to cheap out, but these horns can be useful as well as
economical. As long as the parts aren't too demanding you should be alright
(These horns typically have a one vent octave mech. that can make notes in
the upper register difficult).

2. Low 'C's are great I loved mine when I had it and recommend them always
if you've got the dough. However it doesn't sound like you are going to
need the extension by the description that you provide. That in mind, more
and more modern band music is calling for low 'D' and low Db' It can't be
that much longer before they pick up the 'C' as well. (something to
consider - then again you may never see it)

3. Mouthpiece is indeed a hairy topic, just pop over to the bass clarinet
list and duck a lot...(just kidding). I like Walter Grabner's mouthpiece
that he made for me. I also have an old Hite from about 1987 that I just
love. Walter offers a reface of a Selmer C* that has gotten rave reviews, I
may try this one next. As for others, Bay has a good product, but I don't
care for his mouthpieces - I love his ligatures though (when you can find
them separate because he won't sell them separately). I hear wonderful
things about Clark Forbes and his pieces. The people saying the wonderful
things wouldn't do so lightly. I have also had a student acquire a Roger
Garret mouthpiece - she loved it, I liked my Hit better but it was a good
piece as well. Play some and decide. Selmer's Model 37 ships with a C* and
its a nice enough piece just stock.

4. Right, well you've got a dilemma. yes I've played the Yamaha pro model.
I liked the Selmer much better. Don't get wrong. The Yamaha was a great
instrument, just not for me. It has wonderful response and great
intonation, I found the sound just a little missing in depth compared to the
Selmer that I played. perhaps it was just the instrument that got sent to
me. I have only briefly played the Buffet 1193. It seemed wonderful, but
it wasn't in a controlled setting with a tuner and sever reeds (just a quick
'blow' before a rehearsal). People certainly like them a lot right now, I
personally would kill for my Model 37 Selmer back...but that's another
story. I've played older Leblanc's that were good horns. They have the
added advantage that you can get them for less $$$ and they will do the job.
I seem to remember Leblanc really moving out of the 'PRO' Bass clarinet war,
but that may have just been an assumption and therefore subject to
dismissal.

I hope that helps give you some guidance in your quest.

Steve White
Whittier, CA

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