 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: clarinetguy93
Date: 2018-07-27 19:40
Hello!
I have a question for you bass clarinet players out there.
I have decided to buy myself a bass clarinet but cant decide whether to get a Low-C instrument or a low Eb-instrument. I do not play in a symphony orchestra at the moment so the extended range isn't really something I really need but it is of course nice to have.
The professional Low-C clarinets are completely out of my price range, so I would go for the Ridenour low-C. Is it a good choice? I have tried one once and liked it very much, but I wonder how the keywork holds up.
So the main question is: Should I get a ridenour or a Eb-bass clarinet? Which low-Eb bass clarinets would you recommend?
Post Edited (2018-07-27 19:55)
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Author: dorjepismo ★2017
Date: 2018-07-27 20:17
Contemporary composers now expect sub-Eb notes in chamber music as well. David Bruce's fun piece "Gumboots" has a prominent low D, for example, and there really isn't a good substitute for having the note on your instrument. If that's the kind of thing you're interested in. Haven't played a Ridenour, so can't answer that question. Do save yourself around $400 for a really good bass mouthpiece, though, because it can make up for a so so instrument. Love my Grabner, but some of the others are no doubt great as well.
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Author: johng ★2017
Date: 2018-07-27 20:19
As the low C basses become more available, more music is written for it. In my own arranging for clarinet choir or clarinet quartet, I use the lower notes a low C has but give an alternate an octave higher. The lower part is always better!
For that reason, I bought a Ridenour low C bass so I can record my music and I am very pleased with how it sounds, its intonation, and the quality of the build.
Go for the low C if you can!
John Gibson, Founder of JB Linear Music, www.music4woodwinds.com
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Author: Filettofish
Date: 2018-07-27 21:07
The low-C has not only become an expectation in band, symphony, and chamber music contexts, but also in musical theater. It may not be as pervasive as the low-A on a baritone sax, but more and more composers and orchestrators write for the bass clarinet with sub-Eb notes in mind.
If you expect to play in any semi-professional setting these days, the low-C has become a standard.
Post Edited (2018-07-28 06:10)
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Author: Steven Ocone
Date: 2018-07-28 03:03
I would a low Eb clarinet. I have worked on the Ridenour low C.
Alternatively:
I haven't seen this one yet, but the soprano clarinets are well made.
http://www.royalmusicalinstruments.com/product/legend-low-c-bass-clarinet/
Steve Ocone
Post Edited (2018-07-28 03:05)
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Author: Grabnerwg
Date: 2018-07-28 23:59
In the past ten years, I have seen the lowest three semi tones appear in scores for Broadway musicals, some band music, clarinet choir music, and chamber music.
Personally, I think that the low Eb instrument is obsolete. Save your pennies and buy a low "C". That's my advice.
Walter Grabner
www.clarinetxpress.com
Clarinet mouthpieces, for now and the future!
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Author: donald
Date: 2018-07-29 01:59
I love my low E flat instrument, and if I was a jazz soloist would be perfectly happy. However on a weekly basis I find myself wishing I had a low C bass due to both the pieces I HAVE to play, and the pieces that I want to play. Fortunately I have easy access to several "borrow a low C bass" options, it helps that the main orchestra I sub for owns 2 plus I have 2 close friends who own low C basses that they don't play that often.
I approve of the Ridenour option in theory, but really just don't know what/WHO to believe about the key reliability. I really wish Buffet or Selmer or Uebel made a hard rubber bass.
dn
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Author: jordan.1210
Date: 2018-07-29 02:40
I think it really depends on what you will use it for. If you want to play bass clarinet in a more serious role, like symphony or theater, you might want to save up for a low C like suggested above. If you want to use it for less serious things, like recreational playing or smaller gig groups, a low Eb should suffice.
Short personal anecdote: I was in a similar situation last year. I've played Bb for about 10 years but have never touched a bass clarinet before I got one for a small clarinet ensemble that me and a few friends were interested in creating. I got a dime-a-dozen Bundy low Eb and it has definitely sufficed for all the things I've needed it for, keep in mind that my playing is nothing serious and I would consider myself to be mostly a recreational player. I also have a low A bari sax and I enjoy playing the same parts but ran into the occasional low A (low D on bass clarinet) so I worked to create extensions to extend the range to low C. They aren't perfect, but they are fun to play with from time to time.
Granted I come from a different background than a lot of people here, I would say that which one you get really depends on the type of playing you expect to do and the repertoire. If it's for professional type playing, maybe saving for a low C would be better but if it's for more laid back playing, the Eb should be sufficient.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2018-07-29 16:43
Low C - you'll be covered for any eventuality and more besides.
Don't listen to the ones that say stuff like "What do you need a low C bass for when there are only two pieces that use it?" (similarly with flutes with a low B footjoint) - there are more uses for these extra notes than just music that includes them.
Be creative and inventive and use these low notes in situations that will benefit from them, such as strengthening the bass line if the other bass instrument players are a bit weak, filling out/adding extra substance to the overall texture and especially the thing that bass clarinets can do much better than most other bass instruments is the ability to play such low notes starting and sustaining them at pp levels. Bassoons and bari saxes can't do that with the same ease.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: ClarinetRobt
Date: 2018-07-29 18:17
The heart wants what the heart wants. Buy the Ridenour Low C and don’t look back.
~Robt L Schwebel
Mthpc: Behn Vintage
Lig: Ishimori, Behn Delrin
Reed: Legere French Cut 3.75/4, Behn Brio 4
Horns: Uebel Superior (Bb,A), Ridenour Lyrique, Buffet R13 (Eb)
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Author: oian
Date: 2018-07-30 09:29
I was in the same situation you're in and got a Ridenour low C about three years ago. I've seen the comments about key work etc. but I've never had a problem. It plays very well in tune, and even though the low notes are not needed that often, it's really nice to have them when they do appear. The only problem I've had, and it has nothing to do with the instrument, is that even though I'm 6 Ft tall some folding chairs are too low. The solution though is very simple, an inexpensive throwable boat cushion, it also makes it a lot more comfortable during long sessions! I'll add my vote for the Ridenour. Their no interest payment can also be helpful.
John
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Author: sax panther
Date: 2018-07-30 18:10
mine only goes down to low E - the bell is from a completely different make and the low Eb mechanism doesn't work! No floor peg either so I have to have it on a sling and play it like a tenor sax. Very tempted by the Ridenour low C.
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