 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Bani
Date: 2004-09-17 01:17
I noticed that wwbw.com is selling a "Woodwind Bass Clarinet" (Item No 70702, please see: http://www.wwbw.com/Woodwind-Bass-Clarinet-i147985.music
priced at only USD799.
It's got two good reviews so far, but is this too good to be true or what?
Thanks and God bless!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ohsuzan
Date: 2004-09-17 02:10
My husband's stand partner in our community band played one of these (a Woodwind bass clarinet) this past summer, while my husband played a newer Vito bass. (Both instruments are band-owned.)
From listening to the other guy play, and from trying it on several occasions, he concluded that the Woodwind was superior in every way to the Vito (which may not be saying much, but might provide a benchmark of sorts).
The other guy is retiring, BTW -- so my husband will get to play the Woodwind bass next year.
Susan
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: GBK
Date: 2004-09-17 02:40
I once called WW/BW to find out the origin of their house brand instruments,
and to get the question answered directly.
The WW/BW brand of clarinets and saxophones are both of Taiwanese origin (the woodwind retail rep on the phone did not know the exact Taiwanese company).
After a bit of persistance on my part, (and reluctance on hers), the rep admitted that the WW/BW flutes are made by Blessing. I assume that it is not supposed to be public information.
ALL WW/BW instruments come with a 1 year manufacturer's warranty.
The rep was courteous, and very accomodating. I thanked her for her honesty...GBK
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Don Berger
Date: 2004-09-17 14:08
For a bass cl to low Eb, I suggest trying a Ridenour. I was quite pleased with its playability [a good 1/2 hr. session at a Brook-Mays] and a reasonable price! Am hoping for a low C model, might invest in one ! Is it available [yet] ? Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: William
Date: 2004-09-17 14:41
Don, I too have been wondering "for years" why the Selmer company never bothered to develop and market a Bundy Resonite low C model. My own reasoning is that it probably would be more affordable and play good enough to cut into the sales on the more (overly) expensive wooden low C clarinets they already make. And the same for Yamaha, LeBlanc and Buffet. Econ, 101??) According to my friend, mouthpiece maker and excellant bass clarinetist Charlie Bay, a plastic bass clarinet can be customized to sound as good as any wood model. He says that behind a screen, you cannot tell the difference in tone quality between plastic and wood--and that is my experiance as well. Imagine, a Bundy Resonite low C bass clarinet with a double octave mechanizm and other amenities, affordable enough for everyone who enjoys the bass as much as we do. Good bass'n.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2004-09-17 14:50
The Ridenour low-C bass clarinet (hard rubber) should be hitting the streets within the next month or two. From my brief test of the prototype at ClarinetFest and after talking about it for a few minutes with Tom Ridenour, I would expect the production versions to play far better than the typical Bundy. Mr. Ridenour is expecting the retail price to be around $2500. As for his existing low-Eb model, I've neither seen nor tried one. The new instrument is manufactured in Asia (country unspecified) to Mr. Ridenour's design and under his supervision. I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for Leblanc or Selmer USA to market their own 'budget-priced' low-C basses, unless they go the same route as Selmer did with their current "Buescher" saxes and have them made in Taiwain or China. Apparently it is impossible for lower-priced instruments to be made outside of Asia anymore.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Don Berger
Date: 2004-09-17 15:33
Fine comments, Wm and Dave, we'll all keep our eyes/ears open . Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Contra
Date: 2004-09-17 21:11
I wish a bass clarinet would become available for my budget. Although companies rarely like to sell quality bass clarinets for eight dollars...
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Dan1937
Date: 2004-09-17 23:37
Contra:
Have you considered a used bass clarinet? About 18 years ago I got a used (very clean) Bundy 1430P for $375 from a dealer. Still plays very well (I know, it's a Bundy!).
Dan
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Contra
Date: 2004-09-18 04:39
I've tried to find used ones, but the pickings were slim. The local music shops deal more in guitar and drums than classical instruments and I've never seen them allow someone to test out a wind instrument. I've only seen one of them ever have a bass clarinet. I'd try eBay, but I want to be able to at least hold the instrument in my hands and look at it before I buy.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Don Berger
Date: 2004-09-18 14:18
I inquired and found 2 Ridenour [B C] Eb's at Larsen's [Brook-Mays in OKC] and knowledgable/helpful personnel. For tryout I took one of my Pom refaced glasses and reeds, for my own "comfort", and theirs. All went very well. Plan ahead! Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: allencole
Date: 2004-09-20 07:14
I have tried two of the new Yamaha YCL-221's (2-piece body & rubber 0-rings) and have been favorably impressed. Will be renting one in October for extended tryout and possible purchase.
The idea of a Ridenour low-C, though, really grabs my attention. Something like that might be worth another drive up to Weiner's. I will be anxious to hear how people like it, and will similarly report on the Yamaha after getting a chance to work with it.
Allen Cole
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Bani
Date: 2004-09-20 08:05
>I've tried to find used ones, but the pickings were slim.
Picking up from Contra’s point, I do agree on the slim pickings but not only for used instruments. For me, the only ones available locally are the Vito 7166 and Artley 32S. These are new instruments. No used ones.
The other option is to go online (ebay or wwbw.com). Although I’ve bought a very good Bb on ebay somehow I’m hesitant to do the same with a bass cl.
Thanks all and God bless!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Contra
Date: 2004-09-20 15:31
We don't have any choice in new bass clarinets. We have to order it or forget about it.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
