 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: clargal
Date: 2019-08-31 20:54
In my search for bass clarinets, I've now come across several older unmarked/brandless wooden basses. Anyone have any idea what company would be putting out something like this? Anyone have any experience with these no-namers? I'm attracted by the promise of a wood clarinet, but I'm scared to buy something I know nothing about. Any help is appreciated!
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Author: kdk
Date: 2019-08-31 21:34
Wood isn't always an indication of quality. Brand names aren't, either, but they're more reliable than the material. I have no idea what the instruments are that you're seeing, but I'd be more inclined if I were on a tight budget to go with a well-designed composite bass clarinet from a reputable manufacturer..
Karl
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Author: bradfordlloyd
Date: 2019-09-01 00:42
Many many bass clarinets were made by Malerne, an aggressive stenciler for many years.
Names such as Marigaux, Linton, Penzel Mueller, Olds, and dozens and dozens of others were made by Malerne. They are made of lovely grenadilla wood and are distinguishable by their distinctive keywork. Several of the unbranded basses I've seen are definitely of this manufacturer.
FWIW, I owned an Old Special bass clarinet of this make for a while and it was a solid player. Not outstanding, but not bad. The biggest issue was the lack of a register vent. I'd say it was a step up from a plastic Bundy, but wasn't especially satisfying to play. I moved quickly onto a vintage Selmer Paris horn and haven't looked back.
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Author: clargal
Date: 2019-09-01 01:23
It's funny- I spoke with someone selling one of these, and, although he was a brass player dabbling with the instrument, he really liked it. Not much to go on, unfortunately, but it just makes me wonder why a company wouldn't put their name on an instrument if it's halfway decent.
Thanks for the response!
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Author: kdk
Date: 2019-09-01 02:55
bradfordlloyd wrote:
> Many many bass clarinets were made by Malerne, an aggressive
> stenciler for many years.
>
> Names such as Marigaux, Linton, Penzel Mueller, Olds, and
> dozens and dozens of others were made by Malerne.
Were they not stamped with the names - Marigaux, Linton, Penzel Mueller, Olds? I've seen a couple of Malerne clarinets - they were clearly marked "Malerne."
I suppose if you know what you're looking at and only want the instrument for occasional spot use in a commercial band or a community group of some kind, you might find something serviceable among the ones clargal has seen, but she says "...I'm scared to buy something I know nothing about."
To clargal, I guess it matters whether you meant that you know nothing about bass clarinets, or just that you know nothing about these particular unmarked instruments. If your experience with bass clarinet is limited, buying a "pig in a poke" may just cause you frustration when you can't tell if any problems you have with it are caused by the instrument or faulty technique.
What kind of prices are you seeing?
Karl
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Author: clargal
Date: 2019-09-01 05:28
Karl- I meant I know nothing about those particular unmarked instruments. I'm looking for an intermediate or even professional bass, so seeing these on the lower end of the price range is just another red flag to me.
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2019-09-01 20:17
Clargal, you might also look into a new Ridenour bass. They're quite good sound wise, are made of hard rubber, so they won't crack, and would come with a new instrument warranty. All this from a company where the designer finishes the instruments. Check www.ridenourclarinetproducts.com.
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
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Author: Steven Ocone
Date: 2019-09-02 15:42
I recently worked on a new Royal bass clarinet. It is a Chinese instrument but is a very well made wooden instrument. I can't recommend the other Chinese instrument mentioned above.
Steve Ocone
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Author: tdufka
Date: 2019-09-03 00:59
Are these Royal basses available again? Last time I checked with them, it was explained that the instrument was going through a re-design.
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Author: Steven Ocone
Date: 2019-09-03 03:19
I don't know their availability. I worked on the previous model which seemed fine. There is a newer model on the web site.
Steve Ocone
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