 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Kontra
Date: 2010-01-18 21:46
Im a freshmen in high school who needs a new bass clarinet. Im currently using the schools wooden Buffet, but its very old, cracked, in need of repairs. I got it repaired but within a couple of weeks it needed another repair, so Id like to to just have my own since I plan on going into college on Bass Clarinet and hopefully professionally. I'm stuck between these two brands. I havent heard a single bad thing about the Yamaha, but it is only a student model. The Tom Ridenour one seems to have a double register key, and an Ab/Eb key and an adjustable neck, but Ive only heard one person mention this horn and he said it was a good horn. I do have two solos this year, one of them in the high register. (The highest note being G above the staff) Also, anyone recommend a good mouthpiece? Thanks.
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2010-01-18 22:03
G just above the staff should be no challenge, how little or how many register keys the bass has.
A good student model like the Yamaha will still be an excellent backup, should you ever find yourself forced to upgrade (eg to a low C model).
--
Ben
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Author: USFBassClarinet
Date: 2010-01-18 22:21
Call every music store in a reasonable driving area. Find out what instruments they have. Go play them. Call Ridenour and get a trial for one of his bass clarinet. Take it with you to all the music stores and play them against each other. I think that would be the best option.
As well, you might find a quality used wooden bass somewhere as well.
What mouthpiece are you using now? Something wrong with it?
Personally, I use a Walter Grabner (clarinetxpress.com) which several others here with recommend as well. Fobes, Garret, and Behn are good too I have heard.
If you don't want a fancy custom made one, I personally always like the vandorean B44. The selmer C* is another good one but you have to try many of them. I gave away the one that came with my bass clarinet to my high school since they have unmarked mystery mouthpieces.
If you don't have a local music store, I suggest getting a trial through one of the big music stores. I think the advantage of local stores is you might find some top of the line basses hanging around you can compare with.
The Yamaha 221 is a good instrument in my experience too though. I have never played the Ridenour. At FMEA here in Florida, I just played a Jupiter bass clarinet. I didn't have much time with it, but I found the keys quite comfortable. I will not comment on the sound since about 50 other people were playing other instruments in the exhibition hall.
Good Luck! and happy bass clarineting.
Just curious, what solo's are you playing?
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Author: Kontra
Date: 2010-01-18 22:29
Thanks, Ill call in to see which ones are available. The mouthpiece Im using is a used Bundy, so a new mouthpiece wouldnt hurt. The solo I'm doing is the Bassoon solo from Carl Strommen's Prairiesong. Like I said, I'm only a freshmen in high school and have been playing bass for almost a year now, so this solo probably wont seem as difficult to players on the forum.
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Author: USFBassClarinet
Date: 2010-01-18 22:37
Quite a decision to decide to go to college on it already. But for all clarinets sake, play Bb too. Very few colleges accept "bass clarinet" majors. USF being the lone one in Florida. (that I know of, maybe FSU?) Keep in mind, music majors practice quite a few hours a day usually as well.
I for one am usually not concerned about the "difficulty" of the piece but rather consider the musicality of it.
I also think I forgot something in my last post. Take your music teacher, clarinet teacher, or clarinety friends or even others to listen to the instruments as well.
as well, a lot depends on your budget.
Post Edited (2010-01-18 22:39)
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2010-01-18 22:37
Do not just toss the Bundy mouthpiece away (provided it's yours) - if it's a signature hard rubber model it's of very good quality and can be refaced at a fraction of the cost of a comparable new one.
--
Ben
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Author: Kontra
Date: 2010-01-18 22:45
Thanks for the advice, Ill look at my local music stores and check the mouthpiece when i get a chance.
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Author: Bobby McClellan
Date: 2010-01-19 03:58
I know that you will get several replys, but here is mine:
I currently have and love the YCL 221II it is a great horn, have not had any issues what so ever. It was suggested by many of the members here and on other lists.
I DO NOT and HAVE NOT played Tom's bass clarinets that he currently offers, though I own and play the Basset A clarinet and I am the person that purchased his BBb contra that he was offering on his web site. Both play very well and have great sound and intonation. I currently use the BBb in 2 community bands in MS.
I would be hard press to tell you not to try the Ridenour. butthe Yamaha is offered in WWBW for something like 1700.00 delivered. Tom's are around 1900 +shipping.
I plan to tryout one of his Basses when I am in his area in April for the ACB, it I like it I might have to take it home with me. (don't tell the wife about my plans)
But at this point and on a budget I would have to say the Yamaha over the Ridenour if you are looking for a solid Eb bass
Remember that is just my 2 cents!
Bobby M. McClellan
Flowood, MS
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2010-01-19 11:48
Hi,
I had a Ridenour Low Eb on trial and played the Yamaha 221II at WWBW and when my standmate got a new one. I did not care for the Ridenour at all and sent it back right away. The ergonomics were not right for me at all.
The Yamaha is a great BC but had a few intonation problems but a huge low end. However, I stayed with my old Reynolds Emperor (aka Vito) one piece that Eric Satterlee at Meridian Wings in MI has tweaked. This BC plays great and as a one-piece stays in adjustment; it's perfect for pit work, wind ensemble, and chamber work.
I could not see any advantage of spending about $1700 on the Yamaha or the Ridenour.
HRL
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Author: Ed
Date: 2010-01-19 12:39
I have not played the Ridenour.
The Yamaha is a great horn. I would not have any hesitation about having one, even to use professionally. It is well built, well designed and plays beautifully. If I were you I would use that until the finances are available and you have a need to upgrade.
I like the Fobes mouthpieces very much. Grabner also makes nice ones.
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