 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: rfunes
Date: 2021-06-08 16:56
After more than 30 years playing only the Bb clarinet, I want to try the Bass Clarinet, just to have fun and expand a little my horizons in this instrument family.
I have seen many cheap used Bass Clarinets for sale. I do not mind if the instrument is made of ABS, in fact I may even prefer it that way, as it would be cheaper to buy and easy to maintain.
I want the instrument to sound "good" and have an acceptable keywork, so definitely I don't want to buy a pro-level instrument, but I don't want a crappy instrument either.
Any ideas?
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2021-06-08 18:48
Hard to go wrong with a used Bundy, the key work is solid and the design is based on the Selmer model 32 so it is a good player in the lower register. Upper register is a bit hindered by the single register vent, but any cheaper bass clarinet will have this and it will help you develop your embouchure in the upper register, a critical skill for low clarinet players. You can usually find these serviced for under $700, they used to be much cheaper but the prices for used instruments have steadily been going up.
If you are willing to increase your budget to about $2500 the Kessler is also a great option and gives you the low C and a double register vent mechanism.
-Jdbassplayer
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2021-06-08 20:04
The two most popular inexpensive plastic basses are Bundy (Selmer USA) and Vito (Leblanc USA) and both are also made for other companies - eg. Bundy made basses for B&H among others and Vito made plastic basses for Yamaha USA before Yamaha began making their own plastic basses.
Both are dependable instruments and can be found at very low prices, but chances are they will require a fair amount of work doing to them which should be expected.
And don't let a low purchase price determine how much (or more usually how little) you want to spend on having any work done or who does the work on it - don't fall into the 'I only paid x amount for it so I won't spend xx amount on getting it fixed' way of thinking.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
Post Edited (2021-06-08 21:59)
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Author: kilo
Date: 2021-06-08 21:08
The Yamaha 221-II is worth looking at as well. If you're in the USA, shoot me an email.
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Author: Max S-D
Date: 2021-06-08 22:12
Yeah, I'd vote (and have voted many times on this forum) for the Bundy as an inexpensive option that is a very solid instrument.
I am not a fan of the Yamaha student basses. They just tune very sharp for me. I have played with a few people who have them and they are always pulled out as far as can be and still lipping down. Since they usually cost significantly more than the Bundy horns, I just don't see why they would be worth it.
It's odd to me, because I think Yamaha generally makes excellent instruments and would be in consideration for me for just about any other saxophone or clarinet at every price range. Their intonation is a major strength on most of their instruments. They just didn't get this one quite right, IMO.
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Author: rfunes
Date: 2021-06-11 23:52
Thanks ! It seems that the Vito and the Bundy are very popular options for the Eb Bass Clarinets.
I wonder if there are any "good/ok" Low C options that are not so expensive ?
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2021-06-11 23:57
"I wonder if there are any "good/ok" Low C options that are not so expensive?"
We'll find out soon when my latest purchase arrives.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/274707243036
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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