Author: clarnibass
Date: 2023-04-15 15:35
Philosophically or conceptually, the single register bass clarinets are obsolete in a way. In practical terms not really.
For example a school where kids are likely to get instruments out of adjustment all the time. Optimally it would be best to buy used instruments, or educate in a way so those problems don't happen. This is possible, proven by kids having no issues with pro low C bass clarinet in a few music programs here. Sometimes it's not realistic, and because of bureaucracy they have to buy new instruments, so something like the Yamaha plastic bass might still be the best option.
Sometimes it's just a matter of price. There is still a huge difference between a used Bundy and the most basic half decent Chinese low C bass. It's good that someone who can't afford the latter can still play.
There's also weight. Low Eb is significantly lighter, to the point of even some professional using it in preference to low C. This has nothing to do with the register mech and quite a lot of professionals use a low Eb pro model.
But as far as the approach to music as a whole, the plain simple bass clarinets are obsolete. They usually are part of the mind numbing approach of sticking some kids with bass and very basic parts, not really aiming for that much in music. I started with a Vito and upgraded to a pro Buffet a few months later. I like to think bass clarinet would have become my main instrument either way... but who knows, maybe not. It's always preferable to move towards the most inspiring and open minded direction and not mindlessly stay in a loop, but there are a lot of factors.
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The Clarinet BBoard
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