Author: tucker ★2017
Date: 2016-04-26 16:43
Hey Banangerine.....
I've had my Ridenour 925e for just over a month now. I love it. I'm in a 75+ member community band (returning to playing after MANY years of absence). I researched bass clarinets for HOURS upon hours. I was prepared to pay $6K+ for a used Eb horn; I gained a lot of good information from this blog.
I "met" Hank on this blog who suggested I check out Tom Ridenour's horns, which I did. After comparing the cost and features of used horns to Tom's new horns, I thought for the price difference and getting a new horn... this isn't rocket science. (It took me awhile to get past my belief from years ago that a clarinet isn't "real" unless it's grenadilla wood).
My first impression was how easily it played over the break... break? what break? I could zip up and down the scales on this horn unlike having to wrestle a Selmer USA student model (which was loaned to me).
I, too, had a few "issues" when my horn arrived. I complained about my low B# sounding stuffy. A huge advantage is Tom Ridenour is very available to help out with any minor adjustments, questions, and suggestions. He talked me through minor screw adjustment which helped my low B tremendously. I still heard a bit of stuffiness so I asked my teacher to pop his MP onto my horn and play it for me. I was astounded at the tone and clarity of the horn. When he played the low B, it's sounded perfectly in tone with no hint of "stuffiness". He explained that with all horns, it's difficult to "hear" yourself play.... you don't hear it as others do on the other side of the MP..... I do have a couple of keys which are a bit stiffer than others, but I've adapted and don't even think about them any longer.
I'm so impressed with the horn, I talked to Ted (Tom's son who handles the business end of the operation) and have made arrangements to upgrade my horn to the low C model.
I'm certainly not a professional, like many on this blog, but wanted to add my 2 cents, for what it's worth. Chris, Hank, and other on this site were very helpful in my decision making process.... I thank you all again!
Phil
|
|
The Clarinet BBoard
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
