 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ukebert
Date: 2006-04-04 19:29
On Steven Fox's site I found this:
http://www.sfoxclarinets.com/C_Clarinet.html
It says "Basset clarinet in C, as above with 3 thumb basset keys". I don't know what Basset keys are, but I assume that the instrument is a C Clarinet that goes down to low C. Am I right? If so, then it would be quite an interesting instrument. a bit pricey at £2.6k though. All it needs is an upturned metal bell with the C# and C keys on it, in a similar style to the old Martin Baritone Saxes...
:-)
Regards,
ukebert
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-04-05 11:00
£2600 isn't all that bad a price for a C basset clarinet (or for any top level pro model clarinet) - considering the discount price of a Buffet Prestige basset clarinet (in A) is around the £4000 mark - and Leblanc and Selmer ones are probably loads more.
The three basset keys are the low D, Db and C for the right thumb - the low Eb touch is next to the RH E/B touch. I can get the same low concert C on my full Boehm Series 9 A clarinet.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2006-04-05 14:49
"considering the discount price of a Buffet Prestige basset clarinet (in A) is around the £4000 mark - and Leblanc and Selmer ones are probably loads more."
Are Leblancs and Selmers in the UK usually more expensive than Buffets? You can see the prices of all three basset clarinets here: http://www.wwbw.com/search/?src=basset+clarinet
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-04-05 16:00
In the UK Selmer basset clarinets are the most expensive of the three (going by John Myatt's list) - the Buffet is the least expensive at £5,220.00 (discount price £3,899.00). The price of the Leblanc and Selmer A basset clarinets is only on request.
[ Chris P. is an employee of Howarth's and did not disclose such until much later. My apologies for missing this and letting Chris P. misuse this BBoard. Mark Charette ]
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Author: cigleris
Date: 2006-04-05 16:55
You have to bear in mind though that the Buffet Basset clarinet is not a good instrument, to weighed down with keys and the pedal C key is rubbish. When I first learn't the Mozart on basset it was with one of these instruments, much prefer the simpler system I have with my basset.
Peter Cigleris
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2006-04-05 17:05
I believe I understand a possible use of those expensive 3 notes for our Bb cl, but dont for a C et al, after all, the alto cl is available and inexpensive for that range extension as the bass is for the basset horn, Heresy?? Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Danny Boy
Date: 2006-04-05 17:24
Peter said:
You have to bear in mind though that the Buffet Basset clarinet is not a good instrument, to weighed down with keys and the pedal C key is rubbish. When I first learn't the Mozart on basset it was with one of these instruments, much prefer the simpler system I have with my basset.
I assumed when I saw your performance with the Leamington Chamber Orchestra that you use a Howarths extension...am I right?
I don't like the Buffet solution either, but wouldn't go so far as to call it a bad instrument. Having played basset clarinets by Steve Fox, Buffet and Howarth I have to say my favourite solution is the Fox.
How is your instrument simpler? E flat and D operated by little finger keys and then D, C sharp and C on the back is how the Howarth joint I played was laid out.
As for being weighed down, buy a Fhred and solve all your problems.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-04-05 21:41
The Selmer basset clarinet has a floor spike screwed to the bell, but it's no use if you're standing up - and the attachment only increases the weight.
I had a Selmer 10S basset about 20 years back and it had a very round, fruity and resonant tone.
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Author: cigleris
Date: 2006-04-05 23:16
Danny Boy, my basset is a Selmer Paris 10s that was extended some years ago by Brian Ackerman. The keywork is near enough identical to the Howarth extensions. I'ts not a heavy instument at all but when your wizing aroung the basset notes I found it easier to rest the instrument between my legs.
With regard to the Buffet I am a Eaton Elite player and did my undergrad on 1010s so the Buffet sound just didn't gel with me i'm afraid.
I hear the Fox instruments are great, not had the chance to try one though.
You should have said said hello in Leamington, would have been interesting to meet.
Peter Cigleris
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-04-06 10:34
Peter,
I saw a Selmer A (I think it was a Series 9) with a basset extension by Brian Ackerman which came into Howarths for some work a while back - he has the low C issue through a tonehole instead of the bell - is your one like this? I never got to try it out as it was all in bits.
I just sold my B&H 1010 the other week - I wanted to do some keywork alterations on it, but I took it along to a performance for one of the other clarinet players to try out and she fell in love with it straight away (and played it on both afternoon and evening performances on that day). I never got much playing out of it as I'd only just overhauled it about a month before.
[ Chris P. is an employee of Howarth's and did not disclose such until much later. My apologies for missing this and letting Chris P. misuse this BBoard. Mark Charette ]
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Author: cigleris
Date: 2006-04-06 11:39
Chris P. I did send my basset to Howarths, John repaded it all with leather pads, it was a mish mash of different pads when I got it. The instrument has a hole below the C so that it vents nicely and is in tune, if you cover it though you do get quite a good B. Someone also fitted a stand to it which I don't use now. The bottom of the monopod collapsed during a rehearsal, so I don't really use it now.
The instrument was in John's workshop for weeks after it was finished, someone had forgot to let me know and it was only when passsing did I eventually get it back. There was no rush. It came back playing wonderfuly.
Peter Cigleris
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Author: Tom Puwalski
Date: 2006-04-06 13:13
If I didn't already have a really nice C, the Fox C, to low D would be one I would get. To have a C clarinet that is capable of playing the fundamental of " The Saddest of all possible keys, D minor" would be a blast!
I've had the good fortune to try his Basset horn in Salt lake City, and it was great. Much better than my Buffet prestige! Who knows I might sell the buffet and get the fox. But the horn I just fell in love with at the ICA fest at U of MD was his Tarogatto!!
So if anyone can come up with 10 good reasons, to help me convince my wife that I really need one of these let me know! For the best excuse,one that works on my wife, I'll send you a CD full of the worlds best loved Tarogatto music!
Tom Puwalski, former soloist with the US Army Field Band, Clarinetist with Lox&Vodka, and Author of "The Clarinetist's Guide to Klezmer"and most recently by the order of the wizard of Oz, for supreme intelligence, a Masters in Clarinet performance
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Author: Tom Puwalski
Date: 2006-04-06 13:32
of course if there is anyone out there that wan't to be like a Medici or something. I'll let you buy one for me. I'll even give you a credit on the CD!!!!
Tom(ain't to proud to beg) Puwalski, former soloist with the US Army Field Band, Clarinetist with Lox&Vodka, and Author of "The Clarinetist's Guide to Klezmer"and most recently by the order of the wizard of Oz, for supreme intelligence, a Masters in Clarinet performance
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Author: ukebert
Date: 2006-04-06 18:07
"All it needs is an upturned metal bell with the C# and C keys on it, in a similar style to the old Martin Baritone Saxes..."
Just realised I was unconsciously referring to the opera bell bass clarinets.
"a bit pricey at £2.6k though"
Pricey for me. Maybe in a couple of years time...
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