Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2008-07-27 22:42
The good points about a low-C bass clarinet are that you can play an extra 3 semi-tones down if you need them, you gain some alternative long fingerings to the throat tones and the extra length often improves some of the notes around low Eb - F and clarion B - C.
The bad points are that the instrument is heavier and longer, sometimes making it a nuisance to schlep around if you are also carrying a soprano clarinet or two and/or a sax or two. It also has a lot of additional plumbing and, even the good ones can be fussy to keep in adjustment.
I expect that the way you are planning to use the instrument will rarely, if ever, call for any notes below Eb (and, in a pinch, there is a way to get D on a low Eb bass). In my experience, only a very few modern works for band (which are rarely played by community bands) call for extended range and even then, don't use it extensively so it's easy to work around. I suspect the same is true for clarinet choir because most composers deliberately write for a low Eb bass to maximize sales potential. Since I've had my low-C bass, I don't think I've ever used the alternate long fingerings for the throat notes. So, I suspect that a low-C instrument won't be much benefit to you unless you join an orchestra.
I would recommend you give some consideration to whether the additional cost (I see that the Yamaha is listed at $1,642 new at Woodwind and Brasswind) and potential inconvenience of a low-C bass is worth the limited benefits you will get. Without seeing the Kessler model, I suspect the Yamaha is a better-made instrument. Yamaha is a reputable company and, since I have played one, I can say that the 221 II plays very nicely. My guess is that the Kessler is a Chinese stencil model. It's too bad Kessler apparently doesn't carry Yamaha so that you could try the two basses side-by-side.
With the money you save, you could buy yourself a good custom-made mouthpiece and ligature and perhaps a lifetime supply of reeds. (Though I get the feeling that money is not a major consideration in your case.)
Best regards,
jnk
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