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Bass Clarinets

Author: asb
Date: 2014-12-17 21:11

I want to buy a bass clarinet. I've read the archives, and the most discussed clarinets in my price range are the Yamaha YCL-221 ($2168 from wwbw), the Ridenour low-C ($2850) and the Kessler low C ($2295). The Yamaha is a low Eb instrument with a single register key, while the other two are low-C instruments with a dual register key. Since I intend to play some transcribed cello music, I'd like the instrument to play down to a low D (concert C), which rules out the Yamaha.
The Ridenour and the Kessler are both are made in China and set up by the US dealer. Ridenour describes his as being his own design, while Kessler describes his as being "based on a Yamaha bore with Selmer based keywork and neck". In the photos I've seen, the instruments look the same. Ridenour's website (http://www.ridenourclarinetproducts.com/lowcbasspage.html) shows three photos of the instrument which show the right hand pinky keys, the left hand pinky keys, and the right hand thumb keys. Kessler's website (http://www.kesslermusic.com/kesslercustom/clarinet/lowc_bass.htm#) shows 11 photos, three of which show the same parts of the clarinet shown on Ridenour's website. I don't see any differences between the instruments.

I've found several detailed reviews of the Ridenour, but none of the Kessler. Has anyone played the Kessler? Has anyone played both, and can describe the differences?

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