 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Gardini
Date: 2005-06-07 20:00
My old Boosey& Hawkes Bass Clarinet is tired and leaky. I have finally convinced my wife to let me get a new horn. I can't afford the low C pro models so I am looking at the Yamaha YCL221 and the Selmer 1430P. My local tech loves the Yamaha - he also sells them. So I am looking for independant suggestions. I don't have acess to a music store to try either horn out. My tech would order it and match the WWBW price.
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Author: BassetHorn
Date: 2005-06-07 21:04
Hi, have you tried looking at this board’s classified section? If it’s not urgent, why not post a “want” add on this board’s classified?
Also, have you checked out some of the infamous internet auction sites?
Having a local store “bring in” a new instrument is almost always the expensive option, there are others.
If your ultimate goal is to own a low C instrument, treat this Eb horn as a transitional instrument; i.e. don’t overspent, even at WWBW prices. Basses of good to excellent conditions are not difficult to find.
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2005-06-07 21:13
Another option: Your Boosey & Hawkes is most likely a "stenciled" Robert Malerne (Paris) instrument, which is actually a pretty good student-to-intermediate bass clarinet when put into proper working order (roughly comparable in playing qualities to the new Yamaha and Selmer/Bundy basses you mention). If you email me a photo I could tell you immediately if it's a Malerne stencil. The cheapest solution of all might simply be a good overhaul of your current instrument.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2005-06-07 22:39
Dave says it well. If you have fairly large hands, I'd suggest you at least look at the Ridenour Low C bass cl. Yes, it is intended for the high school trade, but IMHO, with some [pro] adjustments for you , it might be very satisfactory for your uses. I was much impressed by so much good horn for relatively little money, I would have bought one, except that my hands [and me] are small. Brooks/Mays and likely others sells them. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2005-06-07 22:40
I've been buying quite a few used instruments lately and have been so surprised at the quality of the Yamahas. I used to steer clear of them, but am rethinking my evaluation based upon intonation and quality of workmanship on them. In fact, I just bought Sherman Friedland's Yamaha and he tells me the intonation is about the best he's ever found.
So, can't answer about the bass clarinet, but have heard similar good stories about them.
I play-tested several new Selmer bass clarinets and really didn't like them. The fingering felt awkward. I'm sure they're good quality instruments, as they have a reputation for being, but wouldn't buy one because of the way they felt in the hand.
I bought a new Leblanc 425S and found it to be a very good quality instrument. I know this is not Yamaha or Selmer as you questioned, but thought I'd throw in another consideration. I was quite happy with the intonation, quality of construction and sound. Great tone!
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Author: William
Date: 2005-06-09 14:35
Selmer-Yamaha??? I say neither. Rather, I rececomend (and play) the Buffet model 1190-2 and it is, IMHO, as good as bass clarinetting gets. They are also available in low Eb models which are considerably less expensive. The pleasure derived from playing a good "pro" clarinet might be well worth streaching your budget for--much the same as many of us have done for that "cool" set of wheels or that "gotta have it" pro bass boat.
However, if you always liked your old "leaky" bass, perhaps just having the leaks fixed would be best for your wallet. Your old bass clarinet put in good playing condition will most likely perform just as well as any new bass of the same relative model. Unless you want to "move up" to the pros, why waste your money on a new instrument that will play no better than the old one??
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Author: crnichols
Date: 2005-06-09 20:48
Some have told me Walt Grabner does outstanding work on Bass Clarinets. You might check in with him to get it overhauled. Also, if you have your heart set on a low C extension, and the overhaul works out for you, there are people who will add them to your beloved horn.
Christopher Nichols
1st Infantry Division Band
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2005-06-10 19:25
I agree that it might be money well spent to have a good overhaul done on your instrument.
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Author: Gardini
Date: 2005-06-10 21:43
Thanks everyone. As is usually the case when I post, people are very helpful and there are about as many different opinion as there are people that respond. I have one of Walter's mouthpieces and John Butler has worked on a couple of my horns, including the Bass. I trust them both and have asked them for their opinions as well. Partly I think that I have money burning a hole in my pocket and have learned from many years of marriage - When your wife says yes - you go for it.
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