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 selmer bass clarinets from the 1980s
Author: stellaroja 
Date:   2004-10-27 23:35

I have the opportunity to purches a Selmer bass clarinet from around the 1980's (1980-1981 region.) I am aware that the Selmer bass clarinets now are very nice and im sure have been for a long time. I was wondering if anyone knows if these are good bass clarinets though. I am not quite sure what model it is, but i know that it is wood and from the previously mentioned year. Any help would be great. Thank you!

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 Re: selmer bass clarinets from the 1980s
Author: David Spiegelthal 2017
Date:   2004-10-28 14:51

I've tried a fair number of pre-Model 35/37 Selmer basses and I would have to say --- they're highly variable in how they play. There were some good ones that played as well as anything, but many stuffy, dead-sounding ones too. You'll just have to try it and have a professional bass clarinetist or two try it also for some extra opinions. Mechanically they're all pretty good.

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 Re: selmer bass clarinets from the 1980s
Author: Ken Shaw 2017
Date:   2004-10-28 15:08

I've played a number of 1980s Selmer basses and liked them. They're more slender and lighter than most, which makes them easy to handle, and they respond quickly. Also, the key mechanism is reliable. Many professional players use them. The current models are also very good.

By comparison, Buffet basses feel more substantial (if you like them) or heavier (if you don't). The current models are the equal of the Selmers, but with a different tone -- warmer but less penetrating. The tone of the model that preceded the current one was even better, but the keywork design wasn't as good and constantly got out of adjustment.

Few professional players use Leblanc basses, but several use Yamahas, which you should try. If you can stand plastic, Tom Ridenour's bass has also gotten good reviews and has a lower price than wood models.

Best regards.

Ken Shaw

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 Re: selmer bass clarinets from the 1980s
Author: mystery science dieter 
Date:   2004-10-28 15:25

Don't pay more than $2,000 for it under any circumstances.

Try the latest Selmer for comparison and you'll understand why.

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 Re: selmer bass clarinets from the 1980s
Author: Igloo Bob 
Date:   2004-10-28 23:15

Mr. Shaw - Are you talking about the Low-C Ridenour or the original?



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 Re: selmer bass clarinets from the 1980s
Author: Ken Shaw 2017
Date:   2004-10-29 14:07

Bob -

The Ridenour bass that goes to Eb has gotten good reviews here. There's been a good deal of discussion about the low C model, but I don't think anyone has reviewed it, though I'll be happy to be corrected. My impression is that it's advertised on the Brook Mays site but isn't generally available yet.

New products are often advertised before they're available, to build up demand and prime the pump. Those of us old enough to remember the 80s know that Windows was "vaporware" for a long time. I'm sure that some Ridenour low C basses exist, but probably not many.

I've tried Eb and C models of a number of makers -- Selmer, Buffet, Yamaha, Leblanc -- and they play pretty much the same, though some of the low C models have been a bit slower in response, and of course they weigh more, both to handle and to carry in the case.

Best regards.

Ken Shaw

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 Re: selmer bass clarinets from the 1980s
Author: saxlite 
Date:   2004-10-29 14:24

Tom Ridenour has just recieved his first production shipment of ten Low C Bass Clarinets. They will be released in a few weeks after Tom has personally adjusted them. I'll tell you how I liked mine as soon as it arrives!

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 Re: selmer bass clarinets from the 1980s
Author: Igloo Bob 
Date:   2004-10-29 23:20

Ah, ok. Just curious as to if the Low-C was available yet, I've seen it listed on Ridenour's site, but I didn't think it was out yet.



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 Re: selmer bass clarinets from the 1980s
Author: Ed 
Date:   2004-10-30 00:24

I know quite a few people with these models of Selmers. Many are very good.

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 Re: selmer bass clarinets from the 1980s
Author: Reed 
Date:   2004-10-31 14:05

Hello,

I test played the pre-production Ridenour Low C Bass Clarinet in June, 2004. The pro-production model had a full tone, easy resistance, and smooth ergonomics with trill keys similar to Leblanc's jump keys. I live in Dallas, TX, and met with Tom R. about this new horn. Ridenour told me that the mechanism is similar to Yamaha's bass clarinet key works.

I sent an e-mail to Brook Mays on Oct. 20, 2004, asking when the first shipment would arrive. To date, I have received no reply. Sent second request just before I wrote this posting.

I told Ridenour that I would purchase a horn from the first shipment. If you are interested, you can see my other comments, etc., at http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=149591&t=149591 .

Best regards.

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 Re: selmer bass clarinets from the 1980s
Author: Don Berger 
Date:   2004-10-31 15:04

TKS, Reed and others, while I DO love my Selmer 33 [Eb], hard to beat, I look forward to trying out R's Low C, likely at Larsens, OKC, [Brook Mays] and possible purchase, TKSgiving time, as I ?need? one for a couple pieces of comm band music with a liberal [its NOT a bad word] sprinkling of D's and C's, might be able to again play in our local symphony !! An oldster's plans, Don

Thanx, Mark, Don

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 Re: selmer bass clarinets from the 1980s
Author: Igloo Bob 
Date:   2004-10-31 21:25

Quote:

couple pieces of comm band music with a liberal [its NOT a bad word] sprinkling of D's and C's, might be able to again play in our local symphony !!


If you had meant "communist" when you wrote "comm", Mike Savage would tell you that a communist liberal was redundant. :p



Post Edited (2004-10-31 21:26)

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 Re: selmer bass clarinets from the 1980s
Author: Don Berger 
Date:   2004-10-31 23:40

Please be careful I B, with BAND associated with comm[unity], there is little question of my meaning. OK is [in] a quite conservative state. Mark/GBK, please delete if too political! Don

Thanx, Mark, Don

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 Re: selmer bass clarinets from the 1980s
Author: Reed 
Date:   2004-11-03 02:45

[ Deleted - Posting a private email without the sender's consent is not to be done on this board. - GBK ]

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 Re: selmer bass clarinets from the 1980s
Author: Igloo Bob 
Date:   2004-11-03 03:49

I was just kiddin', Mr. Berger! A little political humor away from my AP Government class, where we have learned nothing in the last week due to heated debates between students on both sides of the presidential fun.



Post Edited (2004-11-03 03:51)

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