 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Clarimeister
Date: 2016-06-24 01:59
Re-posted from my posting in the ICA Facebook page:
Hey, fellow clarinerds. So I am looking into bass clarinets (low C models). Obviously, I would love to own a Selmer or Buffet, but for many, including myself, it is waaay out of my price range. I have been looking into and trying to research more into the hard rubber low C basses like the Ridenour and the Kessler Custom. I tried searching through previous postings on here and elsewhere, but can't find anything too recent other than just a couple reviews from David Spiegelthal and Josh Johnson from 5+ years ago. I am curious if anyone out there has tried or owned either one of those two models or any others out there worth considering. I know many in the past say you get what you pay for. I get that, but just curious about any recent experiences. Thanks!
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Author: tucker ★2017
Date: 2016-06-24 02:56
Check out Uebel Emperior. Much less than Buffet/Selmer.... slightly less than Yamaha 622ii.
http://woodwindwonderland.blogspot.com/2014/08/clarinetfest2014-all-laughter-all-smears.html
Post Edited (2016-06-24 03:22)
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Author: CEC
Date: 2016-06-24 03:54
While I have not played the Ridenour, I have played the Kessler. In my opinion, it is not a good horn.
The Ridenour has a good reputation.
Chris
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2016-06-24 03:56
I play a 2013 Ridenour low C bass clarinet. Very nice instrument for the money. Despite what others have said I find the keywork to be strong unlike earlier models. My only complaint would be that the left hand low D key is far too stiff to use alone, the thumb key however is fine.
-Jdbassplayer
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Author: JazzmanJohn
Date: 2016-06-24 06:33
The ridenour, the tempest and the Kessler Custom are basically the same instrument. I bought from kessler because I have a history with them. The instrument plays relatively well. My repairman said that the mechanisms are a little "rickety" compared to the big names but it's an ok instrument.
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Author: CEC
Date: 2016-06-24 07:19
The Kessler shares the same bore geometry with the awful Chinese brands. The Ridenour has a different bore of Tom's own design (according to the company). Build quality isn't my issue with the Kessler. My problem is that it blows and sounds a lot like a knock-off of a Yamaha pro horn and I dislike those, too - pale, thready, small, uptight sound. All that said, I like Chuck quite a bit. A very nice, fair man.
Post Edited (2016-06-24 07:20)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-06-24 13:24
Is the Kessler, etc. based on the Yamaha bore/tonehole design?
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: CEC
Date: 2016-06-24 17:12
I cannot say with absolute certainty that the Kessler, el al, are stencils of a pro Yamaha design, but they sure feel and sound like it.
And to the OP's original question, the Ridenour seems to be the only game in town between the Bundy/Vito/Leblanc student horns and the Uebel/Selmer/Buffet pro horns. While I have not tried a Ridenour, several players I respect have given it an overall thumbs up - in terms of value for dollar.
Post Edited (2016-06-24 17:26)
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Author: Mojo
Date: 2016-06-24 18:30
I play a Dec 2014 Kessler low C. I have been quite happy with it. The left pinky low D key is useless to me but the thumb D works great. The left pinky Ab/Eb is really useful. The low C# is very flat but I have never had to use it in performance yet. The low D and C are in tune for me. I find the rest of range well in tune except for typical issues at either end of the bore. Altissimo speaks well.
MojoMP.com
Mojo Mouthpiece Work LLC
MojoMouthpieceWork@yahoo.com
Post Edited (2017-10-25 18:07)
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Author: Merlin_Williams
Date: 2016-06-24 21:31
I've been using a Kessler Low C bass professionally since 2008.
Jupiter Canada Artist/Clinician
Stratford Shakespeare Festival musician
Woodwind Doubling Channel Creator on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/WoodwindDoubling
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Author: BflatNH
Date: 2016-06-24 21:59
I've played Ridenour since 2009.
Check out this thread:
http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=439541&t=439288
It needs some mechanical tweeks, but has great intonation and plays upper registers well,
and set aside money for a Grabner mouthpiece.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-06-24 23:10
The problem with Chinese workmanship is its shortcomings will sooner or later rear their ugly heads (just like loose point screws), so it can often be a false economy buying a cut-price instrument as the repair costs mount up and up, provided you find a repairer willing to take a screwdriver to one.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Steven Ocone
Date: 2016-06-25 18:50
If you get a Chinese instrument plan to put some bucks into it right away. Correcting the minor issues at my shop could be $200. My choice would be to buy a solid low Eb model.
Steve Ocone
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Author: Mojo
Date: 2016-06-26 17:23
Kessler, and I suppose Ridenour, sets up their BCs before they sell them. You might just need to do an adjustment if something gets knocked out of whack during shipping. I also had to put some Loctite on a couple of regulating screws that kept moving.
MojoMP.com
Mojo Mouthpiece Work LLC
MojoMouthpieceWork@yahoo.com
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Author: fromsfca
Date: 2016-06-27 05:33
Another vote for the Ridenour.
I find the upper register to be thin above high B...but excellent horn for the money. I do not like the case at all, nor do I like the action on many of the keys...but it works fine for doubling.
I would probably not consider it if I was specializing in bass clarinet professionally, but for community band, should be just fine.
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