 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Clarsax
Date: 2023-09-02 20:11
Hi all,
I'm looking for an inexpensive bass clarinet made out of synthetic material to play it occasionally but with a decent even sound, as much as possible, and good intonation
I had a Selmer Paris low Eb years ago so I look for a low Eb again because as a doubler I found it better to handle and play (I now play mainly alto saxophone and also play soprano clarinet which was my first instrument)
I see there are 2 options: Yamaha type (like YCL-621 with double register key) and Selmer type, don't know which model copy it is because the trill keys are not like the Privilege
Because I can't decide which one is the best in terms of keywork and sound I ask here
Some tech say that Selmer type is better for keywork while the Yamaha type is better acoustically (in what sense?)
What you think?
I appreciate very much your replies BUT please give me an advice!
I have to decide soon
Thanks!
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2023-09-02 20:35
The Yamaha type as it definitely has the better mechanism on the lower joint - especially the LH low D lever which is far better pinned to the linkage and infinitely more reliable than the Selmer type which as a slot for the pin to locate into and the pin just slides around in the slot before doing anything or more likely, doesn't do anything.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Clarsax
Date: 2023-09-02 20:54
Thank you Chris,
you're talking about the low Eb version, right?
Is the Yamaha also better in terms of even sound and overall intonation?
Which one is better in terms of stuffy notes, especially those in the middle register, I mean from D (4th line) to G?
Post Edited (2023-09-02 20:54)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2023-09-02 21:01
I'm talking the low C version - I don't think the low Eb versions have the fully automatic double speaker mechanism and chances are they're just cheap versions of Vito or Bundy basses.
Models with the double speaker mechanism will have a better upper register from B-Eb that uses the lower vent (as well as throat Bb using the lower vent), then from E upwards using the upper vent on the crook. Single speaker mechanism models (eg. Bundy, Jupiter and Vito) use the lower vent for throat Bb, then the upper (smaller) vent for the entire upper register.
Have you got a link to the low Eb models?
The Yamaha YCL-622 style ones (to low C) wold be a better buy compared to the low Eb models as they have the same sort of mechanisms as you'd find on pro level basses (Buffet, Selmer, Uebel and Yamaha) and I'd advise you to shop around as the exact same ones can be bought for as little as £1000 or as much as £4000 depending on where you buy them from.
In any case, factor in the cost of having the instrument fully serviced from the outset and replacing the natural cork used throughout with far better and more durable materials where durability is of importance, as well as using sound deadening materials where mechanical noise can be a problem. While many companies will say their house brand model basses are sold fully set up in their workshops, the proof often says otherwise. If you see natural cork everywhere, then they're as they were the moment they left the factory in China and if you're paying over and above what they can be bought for, then you've been done.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
Post Edited (2023-09-04 01:35)
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Author: Clarsax
Date: 2023-09-02 21:19
Yes,
the low Eb version has a double-register key,
see the one from Kessler
https://kesslerandsons.com/product/k-custom-low-e-flat-bass-clarinet/
Their supplier say it is a Yamaha copy, so I think based on the 621
I'm still undecided between the Yamaha or Selmer type
Post Edited (2023-09-02 21:20)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2023-09-02 21:34
Have you got a link to the Selmer type?
If it's based on the Selmer USA/Bundy one, then it'll have the single speaker mechanism.
If it's based on a Selmer Paris bass, then it'll have pro style keywork.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Clarsax
Date: 2023-09-02 22:11
I do not have a link about the low Eb Selmer type
but it has the neck register key
I see only low C versions with adjustable screws on lower pads
I was told Copeland sells the Selmer type ( low C only)
The supplier say that the bore, keywork and neck are different between Yamaha and Selmer copy
so I wonder what these differences produces in terms of sound
I looked at youtube about the yamaha 621 or 622 but found nothing useful to have an idea how they sound
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Author: Julian ibiza
Date: 2023-09-04 00:21
As far as I have been able to establish, there don't seem to be any clear winners and losers among the range of these Asian bass'. Some have nicer keywork designs and ergonomics, but that is somewhat a matter of personal preferences and something one can largely establish from stock photos. Sound/playing performance seems to be very similar between them and providing the model has double register mechanism, they will out-perform the old Bundys quite significantly in my opinion.
I would describe them as being like those bottles of wine which you can take to a dinner party a they will go down fine ( The dinner parties I'm likely to get invited to at any rate....Ha-ha! ) Whichever one you buy, you can expect it will require a good deal of fiddling about with initially to get it playing properly. After that they should be pretty trouble free.
As Chris pointed out, the more expensive options in this range are by no means necessary better than the cheaper options. It's just that some sellers seem to take advantage of the fact that we are inclined to assume that they will be.
Julian Griffiths
Tel. 34 696 798 853
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