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Ridenour Lyrique Low C Bass Clarinet

Author: 252clarinet
Date: 2013-08-22 02:04

I own a Ridenour Lyrique low C bass clarinet and I'd like to take this chance to say that I'm happy with my purchase and it's an excellent alternative to the more expensive Buffet and Selmer low C bass clarinets.

Financially, the Ridenour low C is much more accessible for most people at $2,850. Plus, they offer a payment plan. The horn that I own plays in tune, including the lower extensions. The lower altissimo (C-sharp to E-flat above the staff) is especially nice because I can use the short fingerings without having the notes slip the octave (if I have a reed that's appropriate, that is!) and they're usually in tune. The sound is big and dark but it's a composite material (not grenadilla) so it doesn't quite have the rumble and presence of a Buffet or Selmer. None of the notes sound particularly fuzzy. The right thumb keys are fine for me, I don't have a problem with them. The only mechanism that is unplayable is the left pinky low D--the amount of pressure required to play it is huge and with my pinkies being double-jointed there is no way I can ever play that note with my left pinky. When I need a low D I just use my right thumb and it's no problem.
If you're going to buy one I would definitely try at least 2 or 3 before you buy. When I went to the Ridenour shop to buy one there were 2 for me to try and I knew right away which was mine. The difference between the two horns was definitely notice-able right away with the sound. One of them had a bigger, more resonant sound while the other was less resonant.
Overall, I'm very happy with my bass and am glad I purchased it. Is it as wonderful as a Buffet or Selmer Low C bass? Not quite...if I was aspiring to be a symphony orchestra clarinetist I would wait and save up for a Buffet or Selmer Low C. BUT for $2,850 it is a really good deal and this horn will be with me for a long time. I have a friend who owns a Buffet Prestige low C bass and she was pleasantly surprised at how well my Ridenour plays. She actually came to help me pick out my Ridenour low C when I went to the shop. I use my Ridenour low C for pit work, recording, chamber music, and jazz and it sounds great!

If you're looking for a good alternative to the Buffet or Selmer low C bass clarinet, the Ridenour Lyrique low C is the bass for you. I'm happy to recommend this horn.

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