 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Djudy
Date: 2020-03-01 13:34
I want to get into playing the alto because I think it has a lot of 'blend' potential in group playing and also might be interesting for jazz arrangements backing a soprano Bb, but it is such a rare instrument that I've yet to get my hands on one to even try it. I have the possibility to purchase a reasonably priced old Selmer alto now. My other option is to order a new one and wait 6 months and pay the price of a good used car (or that nifty new electric Citroen). The few other used instruments I've seen are too far away to test and too expensive to take the risk. Is buying the old Selmer as a spring-board still a bad idea or might it work to get me going? Thanks for your advice !
Post Edited (2020-03-01 13:35)
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2020-03-01 18:09
You don’t necessarily need to go all out to get a serviceable instrument. Despite all the hate they tend to get Bundy altos are decent if you don’t have small hands. With a good mouthpiece and an instrument that’s been overhauled recently they can play almost as well as a pro model. In fact there are several pros using Bundy altos, Alex Simu being a good example:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tPqj3pQyL6s
This way you could get into the world of alto clarinet playing without a huge investment. Personally I think Selmer Paris instruments are not worth it for the price, they are just too resistant for my liking and the intonation is not perfect. If you do want to get a pro instrument look for one with a true fully automatic double register mechanism. I would recommend a 1950s-1970s Buffet “PROFESSIONAL” model. These are IMHO some of the best altos ever made and the price on the used market is about the same as Selmer.
Good luck with your search!
-Jdbassplayer
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Author: Djudy
Date: 2020-03-01 18:31
Thank you for these comments, I had not thought about looking at a Bundy. I need to find a picture of what the automatic double register looks like (sellers often don't know), if anyone has a link. Again, thanks !
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Author: r small
Date: 2020-03-01 20:22
I'd like to see Selmer come out with an alto that had the same design as the Privilege bass, i.e. double register vent, articulated G#/C#, left hand Eb/Ab, etc. Now that would be a player.
Post Edited (2020-03-01 20:23)
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2020-03-01 23:04
That is a double manual register vent. They have been obsolete for quite a while and while they offer some advantage when playing multiphonics they take a lot of time to get use to. I would avoid any instrument with this setup.
-JDbassplayer
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Author: bradfordlloyd
Date: 2020-03-02 00:10
I'm a fan of Selmer Paris altos. I find their tone and intonation superior to Bundys, Kohlerts, Noblets, and other similar horns. Yes, they need a good mouthpiece and overhaul (and a lot of practice). But they are worth the investment in my opinion.
I agree that Bundys are an overlooked alternative, however.
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