 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: bassclgirl92
Date: 2016-04-22 08:04
Hi everyone,
I'm graduating college and going out into the real world now. I still plan on playing bass as much as possible (orchestras, pit bands, clarinet choir...)
However, I don't plan on sticking with my Yamaha 221 II. Intonation issues are the main thing, but I've also had the horn for a while and I'm considering an upgrade.
Anyone have any good horns in mind that are a step up from student basses without costing as much as the newest professional Buffet or Selmer?
Post Edited (2016-04-22 08:04)
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2016-04-22 14:44
Uebel Emperior (wood, low C), or maybe one of the Ridenour models.
Or just a good mouthpiece. :-)
(You will want to keep the Yamaha for outdoor gigs where you don't want to take the risk of your "good" instrument being stolen or damaged)
--
Ben
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2016-04-22 16:07
I agree with Ben. Get a mouthpiece from Grabner or Fobes. That will make a bigger difference than switching instruments. Also, spend some money on getting your Yamaha sealing tight as a drum, and treat it like a baby, putting it down and picking it up gently.
Ken Shaw
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Author: bassclgirl92
Date: 2016-04-22 16:28
What about older wooden pro LeBlanc or Noblet models? Finding lots of those on eBay.
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Author: CEC
Date: 2016-04-22 17:05
In my opinion, none of the Leblanc or Noblet horns are particularly good and aren't good values even at used prices. Depending on your budget, I'd recommend a used Buffet Prestige 1193 (nothing before that model, though - and also avoid the Buffet 1180) or an older Selmer (The model 37 is my favorite and is what I play - but the 33 is great, too!). The low Eb versions of all those are also excellent horns.
If those are too spendy, check out the newest version of the Ridenour basses.
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2016-04-22 19:21
Ditto what CEC wrote. Be aware that all Leblanc bass clarinets (Vito, Normandy, Noblet, Leblanc-Paris) are mechanically and acoustically identical, except for body material (plastic or wood), variations in neck tenon type (metal sleeve or corked tenon) and minor variations in register mechanism. There was one double-register-vent Leblanc model (the low-C model 430) that could be considered professional grade, but you hardly ever see those. The rest of the line are intermediate instruments at best.
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2016-04-22 19:46
I absolutely love my Ridenour bass clarinet. Plays very well in tune and the keywork is superb. Far better than the Kolhert I keep as a backup and the Selmer I use to play.
-Jdbassplayer
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2016-04-22 22:55
Christa -
As an ancient relic of days gone yonder, I find certain trends fascinating. I think it wonderful that you wish to pursue the Bass! I've been a "name-brand" player for decades, being first a Buffet, then a Selmer, then Leblanc and Yamaha player. In a wee bit over a year, the horns I still play (from the past) are my Buffet R13 Eb, and my Yamaha Bass. I've fully converted to Ridenour for my C, Bb and A. At first, I went with his Bb Libertas to help "save" my wood clarinets from evil and wicked theater pit environments. But the excellence of the Ridenour won me over to full-time use. The Yamaha Bass gets retired next year, when I will order the Ridenour Bass. His instruments are of extreme quality, possess fabulous playing characteristics, are wonderfully in-tune, and have singing-quality tone that is to die for. But then - Tom Ridenour is one of the top Clarinet Acousticians on the scene! Do not let what may seem like student-level instrument prices fool you. I don't think you'll score a better instrument (in value or performance) than the Ridenour.
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
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