The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Vallemar2
Date: 2009-03-04 17:50
Hi; I am a visitor from the oboe BB wondering if someone could tell me what the better entry level bass clarinets are? And if I should go new or used?
My son started on bass clarinet (doesn't like the soprano at all) and we are renting an instrument but he's shown enough interest at this point we are ready to get him one of his own.
I tried the search function on this BB to try to find an answer without posting; it wasn't easy to tease out so I am sorry if this post is something that has been discussed ad nauseum here in the past.
I will also be getting some input from his teacher but I like to have as much information as possible. Even too much.
V2
I got a great oboe off ebay but I have some idea of what I am looking for there and it came with a return policy AND I had someone who could check it out for me in case it was a dud. When it comes to clarinets I am lost in the woods (or most likely, plastics)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-03-04 18:00
Bundy/Buescher/Selmer USA, Vito and Yamaha are your best bets for a plastic bass, all go to low Eb. Even better if you can get one with a floor spike already fitted, but these can always be fitted if you need one.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: LarryBocaner ★2017
Date: 2009-03-04 18:20
"Bundy/Buescher/Selmer USA, Vito and Yamaha are your best bets for a plastic bass"
Not all are created equal -- most people find the current model Yamaha (not the older ones) to be a standout in this class.
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Author: William
Date: 2009-03-04 18:58
The best bet is to try before you buy. But if this is not an option, I would recommend chosing a Selmer Bundy Resonite as it is difficult to find one in good repair that does not play well--in fact, almost as well as the expensive pro models available from all the top brands, Selmer, Buffet, Leblanc & Yamaha. Bundy's are durable, reliable and affordable entry level bass clarinets and used is just as good--and a lot less expensive--as new. A good mouthpiece is also a "must" and I would recommend you do a search of our BB sponser mouthpiece makers. Personally, I play a Walter Grabner CX_BS and prefer it over any Vandoran or Selmer bass mouthpiece I have ever tried. You may think a custom mouthpiece to be a little expensive, but they are worth every penny in terms of response and tone quality and will make beginning bass clarinet much more successful and rewarding.
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