 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: tdufka
Date: 2020-03-07 23:13
I am starting to search for a non-wood bass clarinet to low Eb that can accompany me on my travels. I want to continue to play, and carrying an expensive low-C wood bass into uncertain conditions such as very hot or cold climates and rustic destinations, makes little sense.
Ideally this would have a decent, resonant tone, even intonation, speak clearly through all registers, have a LH Eb/Ab key, and be of a two-piece design for ease of carrying.
What are the current options for a durable instrument that meets these requirements?
Thanks for any ideas!
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Author: bradfordlloyd
Date: 2020-03-09 02:51
For non-wood bass clarinets to low Eb, if you're buying new I'm partial to Ridenour Lyrique 925e or the Kessler Custom.
Used, you have a few more choices. The Yamaha 221II, vintage Vito Reso-tone, or vintage Bundys are all good instruments if kept in good repair.
There are other rarer options worth considering including metal bass clarinets, greenline basses and other configurations as well.
Good luck!
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Author: Grabnerwg
Date: 2020-03-10 18:10
Best non wood bass clarinet is the Greenline Buffet 1193. Period. Not cheap - but best. Wish I had bought one.
Walter Grabner
www.clarinetxpress.com
847-266-8644
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2020-03-10 18:31
I second the Greenline 1193, but if you get one have a tech drill out the upper register to 3mm. For some reason the vent is way too small from the factory.
Otherwise there’s currently a metal bass on “that auction site”
-Jdbassplayer
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Author: Max S-D
Date: 2020-03-10 22:55
If you want a "beater" that you can travel with and not worry too much about, just get an old Bundy/Selmer USA. They're solid horns. Certainly good enough to play and have fun on.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2020-03-11 08:40
>> I second the Greenline 1193, but if you get one have a tech drill out the upper register to 3mm. For some reason the vent is way too small from the factory. <<
The ones I've seen had a 3mm hole, though none were from the last couple of years. The exact best size for that hole depends on the player and their preferred compromise. Smaller than 3mm has its own advantages but almost no one prefers them. I use a 3.5mm hole while I drilled it for others mostly to 3.2mm to 3.4mm diameters. You can read more it in my post in the Keepers section of the forum about this exact topic.
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Author: Erez Katz
Date: 2020-03-11 14:48
I only have experience with my Yamaha 221-II.
I have had it for 11 years and I like it a lot. I tried a Vito once and there are not similar.
I recently tried a Buffett 1180 side by side next to mine.
In my opinion the Buffett sounded *slightly* better, mainly at the bottom notes.
Even if it is non wood, it is still hand made and there could be considerable variation between samples.
The Yamaha is said to be tuned to 442, and it can be on the sharp side if your embouchure is tight.
If you pull out the neck and middle tenon it is in line with 440.
As with any instrument/brand - try before you buy.
Bring a tuner.
Post Edited (2020-03-11 14:49)
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2020-03-11 15:45
Thanks Claribass, you were right the number I was thinking of 1/8” which is just under 3.2mm not 3mm as I had originally thought.
-Jdbassplayer
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