 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: bigfry
Date: 2011-02-07 17:03
Please excuse my intrusion here, but my son is a bass clarinet player whose needs have grown. We are trying to decide what to buy him to replace the high school's worn out instrument. He plays in the school marching band as well as its symphonic band, and has qualified for state-level honor bands, all as a 15 year old freshman. I'd welcome opinions/advice, especially as they relate to cost vs value.
Would a new, good quality plastic instrument, like a Yamaha, be worthwhile, or should we try to find a good condition used wooden one (like a Selmer)? Is it important to spend the money on a 'low-c' attachment? I read a thread here regarding the Kesslers with interest, but am unsure whether it is a re-worked Chinese copy or a genuine US made item. We've saved up enough to buy him one instrument only, and want to optimize its usefulness both in quality of play for him as well as versatility in the differing bands he's in.
Thanks in advance for your knowledge.
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Author: Eric V
Date: 2011-02-07 18:16
Hi Bigfry,
The Yamaha 221-II is a great instrument for your son's needs. Tough enough for marching band, sounds plenty good enough for orchestra work. If he ever comes across a note below the low Eb he can play it up an octave and nobody will notice. I picked one up on Craigslist for $900 and have been completely satisfied with it.
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Author: SteveG_CT
Date: 2011-02-07 18:36
A low-C bass clarinet probably isn't necessary for a high school player especially if they aren't playing in an orchestra.
I would suggest trying to find a good used bass clarinet with a range to low Eb. A new student level bass clarinet (Selmer USA, Leblanc, Yamaha,etc.) will cost somewhere around $1500-$2000 depending on model and where you get it. I would suggest that you should be able to find a good used bass clarinet that would have equal or likely superior playing qualities for around $1000. I'd suggest contacting Dave Spiegelthal and see if he has anything available.
Also, if you end up buying a wooden bass clarinet do not let your son march with it. Marching with any wooden instrument is never a good idea.
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2011-02-07 18:56
What they said. One of the retailers in my area usually has expertly-overhauled plastic basses for $900-$1000. They look like new horns and play better than when they left the factory.
As with any clarinet, the place to really splurge is on a good mouthpiece.
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Author: davyd
Date: 2011-02-07 20:40
No intrusion at all! That's what we're here for.
If your son is committed to marching band, I would suggest getting him a cheap plastic Bb clarinet (or a cheap alto sax, if he fancies himself a doubler) for that purpose, and an intermediate-level wood bass clarinet for serious use.
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Author: William
Date: 2011-02-07 20:47
"high school's worn out instrument" hmmmmmm........
School bass clarinets usually do not "wear out" but rather simply go out of adjustment making them play sluggishly, at best. I would consider having the school bass put in "playing condition" by their repair service and then decide if spending your own money is really worth it.
As for "plastic" low Eb basses, it doesn't get any better than the Selmer Bundy Resonite and used is just as good as new, given it's in good playing condition. The major auction site usually has many listed for less than $500.00. Their is little advantage in buying a brand new plastic bass clarinet unless it's important to be a first owner--you know, bright & shinny, etc. Used bass clarinets play just as good.
If you decide to buy a "wood" bass clarinet, be careful to select one with a double octave mechanizm--something not common on the cheaper plastic basses. The double octave makes it much easier to play those problem notes, G#5 & A5 and above. And again, much more "bang for your buck" will be realized by buying used rather than new.
Best scenario: a used, pro-level wood bass to low C (good for the rest of your childs life & appropriate for band or orchestra) AND a cheap, Selmer Bundy Resonite bass for marching band. All used to maximize your dollar.....
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Author: Alex Eich
Date: 2011-02-08 08:11
Good well laid out question Bigfry.
I would also recommend a plastic instrument if he wants to do marching (due to the stresses being too great for wood). You would probably not want to get a low C for this reason also, as it would be just that much heavier and more difficult to carry + operate.
Would highly recommend the Ridenour Low Eb bass clarinets - they have the tuning neck and double octave key usually only found on Low C horns that make them much easier to play and come at a great price with great service. If you're quick, you may even still be able to cash in on their current special: http://www.ridenourclarinetproducts.com/2010christmas.html
Or, alternatively, Yam's are great too. Great quality reliable horns.
All the best and let us know how you get on
Alex Eich
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Author: gsurosey
Date: 2011-02-12 13:05
I have a Selmer Bundy bass. It plays fairly well, especially for how I got it. The tuba player in orchestra GAVE it to me (woohoo!). He doubles on low reeds (more tenor sax than anything), but doesn't double much anymore and wanted someone to play it. I'm not sure how long it sat, but it is a little out of adjustment (it plays sharp overall especially in the throat, but the overall is getting better, so that may just be me). I can play up to altissimo C comfortably (I've never been able to get that high on a bass). I especially like how the chalameau range speaks.
Rachel
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Author: bigfry
Date: 2011-02-13 15:07
Thanks for all the responses. We have narrowed things down to a good quality plastic instrument, either the Yamaha or a Selmer USA. Is there anything - besides personal taste/preferences - that makes one a better choice over the other? Pricing seems close on both. Thanks again for your insights.
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Author: BartHx
Date: 2011-02-13 21:03
Let me add BRAVO for an involved parent. Though I did not teach music (I was the entire science department in a small high school), I am a retired teacher. Parents who take the time to do research and to ask experts (there are a lot of them on this site) in order to support their children in an area like music are far, far to rare in this world. Well done. While I am NOT an expert, I have never seen anything on this site but a positive and supportive reaction to anyone who is honestly looking for information and is willing to do leg work on their end.
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