 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Kurt
Date: 2000-01-16 00:37
Lets say I'm considering a new (or newer) bass. The question is this: Do I settle for a less expensive model like Vito 7166 or Yamaha 220 (around $1000) or do I try for a more advanced (used) instrument (Selmer, Buffet, etc.). I can't really justify a new pro instrument or even an "intermediate" Selmer. An article posted here did recommend the Vito (and you can't beat the price). But will I ultimately be unhappy? On the other hand, is a used instrument perhaps like taking on someone elses problems. My current instrument requires a lot of fudging around with to play and I don't want to get into that again. Any suggestions or opinions about this or even specific instrument recommendation would be nice. Thanks.
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Author: Alec Thigpen
Date: 2000-01-17 03:41
Depending on your playing level, you may ultimately be less than thrilled with an entry level horn, but if you are in the earlier stages, those horns may be quite adequate for several years. You will ultimately want to move up to one of the top level instruments, so you may want to take that possibility into account before making your decision. Buffet, Selmer and Leblanc all make good top line horns, but I would suggest the same make as your soprano if you double, as the keywork typically is very similar among same manufacturers. I found the Selmer keywork to be awkward compared to my R-13, whereas the Buffet 1183 and 1193 were very comfortable in the transition. (The problems were mostly in the spacings of the little finger keys.)
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Author: Dave Spiegelthal
Date: 2000-01-17 13:40
I'm what I suppose you'd call a semi-pro bass clarinetist (at least in my own mind!), and the b.c. has been my best and favorite instrument for more than 20 years, and for the last two years I've been playing on a new plastic Vito 7166 (with the leather/kid pads, NOT the bladder/fishskin pads -- this is important!). As I've posted before, I believe that with a little bit of professional regulation after purchase, a new Vito plays 90% as well as a top-of-the-line wood Buffet, Selmer, or Yamaha, but for 1/4 to 1/5 the price. I would love to own a low-C Buffet 1193-2, for example, but I simply can't afford such a luxury with a growing family to support. If value for money is important to you, than I suggest you try a Vito, and while it has its flaws, most can be corrected readily by a good technician. If you must have, and can afford, the very best, then by all means shop around for a used professional-model wood instrument. But try out as many as you can, because many supposedly top-line instruments out there actually play like refried doggy ca-ca, despite their reputations and appearance.
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Author: Don Poulsen
Date: 2000-01-17 18:35
If it has been taken care of properly, a used pro instrument can be a good choice for less money. My old Leblanc is 40+ years old and probably plays as well as it did new. And, I have seen ones similar to it going on e-bay for a little less that $1000.
I will admit though that last year I bought a new Buffet. I figured I deserved it after playing my old one for nearly thirty years. But, if I hadn't been able to afford it, I would still be happily using my Leblanc.
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Author: Joanne
Date: 2000-01-18 02:56
I was asking the same questions last summer. I decided to rent a bass until I knew how seriously I was going to take it. I tried out the Yamaha 220 and Selmer 1430P, which are similar in price, both have leather pads, and are a step up from the Vito & Bundy. The intonation was slightly better in the Yamaha, but I decided on the Selmer because of a better rental agreement in that shop.
I'm always on the lookout for a used pro horn, but will definitely hold out for a low C model. I don't want to spend lots of money, and still miss out on those low Cs!
After 6 months on the Selmer, I'm getting used to the inconsistencies in intonation and response. This was frustrating at first, after playing on the same R13 Bb for 10 years! But now I will appreciate that shiny new Selmer 33 or Buffet 1193 much more when I can afford it, and have greatly improved my listening & playing abilities in the meantime!
Good luck in your search!
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