 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: asb
Date: 2014-12-17 21:11
I want to buy a bass clarinet. I've read the archives, and the most discussed clarinets in my price range are the Yamaha YCL-221 ($2168 from wwbw), the Ridenour low-C ($2850) and the Kessler low C ($2295). The Yamaha is a low Eb instrument with a single register key, while the other two are low-C instruments with a dual register key. Since I intend to play some transcribed cello music, I'd like the instrument to play down to a low D (concert C), which rules out the Yamaha.
The Ridenour and the Kessler are both are made in China and set up by the US dealer. Ridenour describes his as being his own design, while Kessler describes his as being "based on a Yamaha bore with Selmer based keywork and neck". In the photos I've seen, the instruments look the same. Ridenour's website (http://www.ridenourclarinetproducts.com/lowcbasspage.html) shows three photos of the instrument which show the right hand pinky keys, the left hand pinky keys, and the right hand thumb keys. Kessler's website (http://www.kesslermusic.com/kesslercustom/clarinet/lowc_bass.htm#) shows 11 photos, three of which show the same parts of the clarinet shown on Ridenour's website. I don't see any differences between the instruments.
I've found several detailed reviews of the Ridenour, but none of the Kessler. Has anyone played the Kessler? Has anyone played both, and can describe the differences?
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2014-12-17 22:28
It is my belief that they are basically the same Chinese-made instrument, the design of which is sort of a hodgepodge of Yamaha and Selmer features, then tweaked or slightly modified by the sellers. You can find outwardly identical instruments all over That Auction Site, sold under many brand names, some by US-based sellers and some from China.
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Author: ErezK
Date: 2014-12-17 22:32
The marketing material on the respective websites is, well, marketing material. Take it as that. Don't spend too much time reading between the lines or pixel peeping the images.
Unless there is a testimony from a professional artist, that you credit, and that manufacturing consistency has been established (which is critical) - there is absolutely no way of knowing what you are getting before you get the chance to play test the instrument (don't forget a tuner). Even with Buffett/Selmer/Yamaha you still need to play test their instruments - so this goes without saying when it comes to the above brands.
Ridenour has a simple return policy. Check Kessler's. If your credit card can handle it, get both and return the one you like less.
Since you did mention the Yamaha. Yes, unfortunately it only goes to Low Eb. But those are consistent and speaking from experience, the build quality and overall design is very good. Who am I to say so? should you take my word for it? nope. But if your local dealer has one in stock, you can go check it out and at least get a frame of reference to compare the low C instruments you are considering.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2014-12-17 23:06
You could always have a low D extension made to fit the Yamaha which is operated by a RH thumb key.
Another option is the Jupiter bass which has all the keywork on the body and an open bell vent for the low Eb which will give you a low D if you cover it, so making a low D extension for that is much simpler as it means adding a thumb key and a bell key.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: dibble
Date: 2014-12-18 01:50
Be careful of cheap glue on the ridenour. Had to have mine overhauled to be playable.
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