 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: mikeyarbulu
Date: 2009-11-17 04:58
What are everyone's suggestions on finding multiple bass clarinets to try? Where should I look? I'm specifically looking for a Low C Selmer in new or like new condition. Thanks so much for any suggestions!
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Author: DougR
Date: 2009-11-18 12:54
Michael Lowenstern has an article on his website about his bass-buying trips to the Selmer factory in France that is a "must-read". He's apparently made the trip a few times and has it down to a science.
Other than that, I seriously don't know anywhere in the US (and I've been paying attention to the topic) that would have multiple examples of a new Selmer 67 to try. I've been watching the famous internet auction site and have only recently seen one late-model low-C selmer bass (believe it's a Model 37; it's still up, by the way). Otherwise, what shows up on said auction site (in my experience) is usually older Selmers (pre-37) that may or may not be good investments, but probably have intonation quirks that I believe Selmer more or less ironed out with the 37 and 67.
The other way to do it is to watch for Selmer-sponsored "Woodwind Days". I attended one such, last year, cosponsored by Wright Music out on Long Island, and somehow Jonathan and the Selmer factory rep managed to come up with THREE Model 67s to try out. I asked Jonathan why multiple examples of new bass clarinets are so hard to find at music stores, and he answered with a lengthy, detailed disquisition on cash flow, overhead, and depreciation issues in the retail music business that explained why stocking high-ticket items like the Model 67 is a large cash commitment that many retailers would rather not undertake.
I also talked to a rep at Weiner Music, who said they had one Model 67 that was currently out on trial; he invited me to come give it a toot if it came back. I asked if players were hesitant about trying out only one example of the 67, and if anyone had ever returned one because it didn't play up to expectation, and he just laughed. (Of course, Weiner preps their instruments meticulously before putting them on sale, as any good retailer SHOULD.)
Frankly, if I had the scratch for a new 67, I'd find a way to do a paupers-budget trip to Paris and visit the factory (but then, I love Paris). Or, I'd find the shops in the US likely to have the lowest unit price on 67s and grab the first one that came up (I think the chances of getting a "bad" brand-new 67 are close to nil, even if it might need marginal tinkering, which I would plan on in any case).
FWIW, I studied for a while with a local symphony pro who evidently was on collegial terms with other orchestral bass players around the country. When it was time to replace his bass, he had a whole network of discriminating players willing to try instruments locally on his behalf (I gather he was willing to return the favor if asked), and the instrument he ended up with truly WAS the "pick of the litter."
Another way to do it, although this only applies to the Buffet 1193, is to buy through Walter Grabner, who's both a discriminating player and a superb technician, and hand-picks and preps the instruments he sells. Amortized over a lifetime of use, whatever premium above retail he charges for his work would certainly end up being insignificant.
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Author: Gandalfe
Date: 2009-11-18 17:01
I just called Dave Kessler at Kessler and Son's Music in Las Vegas and he picked me out a gem. Then he tweaked it and sent it to me. Everyone who play tests it, wants it. He was also able to get it from the Namm circuit so I saved an additional $1000 bucks as it was "used". Sometimes you get lucky.
And sometime I should tell y'all about how he found me an English Horn in time for Christmas last year. Hey, I did give him 5 weeks to do it. :o)
Jim and Suzy
Pacifica Big Band
Seattle, Washington
Post Edited (2009-11-18 17:02)
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