 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Connor1700
Date: 2023-03-23 06:03
I'm in the market for a bass clarinet.
I've watched hours of videos that Michael Lowenstern has posted (now a dealer of most brands) as well as read many strings on this site about which is the best, which is this or which is that.
I guess I'm directing this to bass players and techs like Chris P, claribass, and other folks who seem to be familiar with bass clarinets.
I'm looking for opinions on which brand has the fewest issues with intonation, mechanics, "free blowing/resistance", ergonomics, and overall quality.
I'm leaning toward, Selmer, Uebel, and Buffet. Buffet and Uebel are apparently very similar, but the price difference is substantial.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2023-03-23 13:24
As far as keywork goes, I find the Buffet bass has the best designed and balanced keywork - that same design keywork has since been copied and used on Uebel and Royal Global basses. As this keywork has been rationalised in that it uses far fewer parts instead of one key being comprised of several separate keys all linked together to act as one single key, that means there's less to go wrong and less friction as well as being able to balance the spring tension better.
I haven't had a close look at Selmer's Privilege bass keywork as I don't know anyone that has one, but it's definitely an improvement over older models in they've changed the leverages of some keys to make the action feel better under the fingers.
If you do have the chance to try as many different makes and models all at the same time to make a direct comparison between them all, then that's the best way to find which bass suits you best.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2023-03-23 13:40
I've tried many Buffet Prestige/Tosca and Selmer Privilege bass clarinets and they are all very good.
I can't say any of them have any intonation "issues". I mean, sure some players might like one over anther in that respect, but there isn't a specific glaring problem.
The keys are mostly best made on the Buffet, but Selmer isn't too bad (the Privilege is a significant improvement over previous models anyway).
As far as feel of the keys, it's just too personal. I like the Buffet best, but others like whatever they like. I'd say most people would get used to either of them.
As far as build quality, pretty much all of these, as expensive as they are, have some issues from factory. I can't remember seeing a new one without any issues, but usually nothing that major that would cause serious problems.
Something I've seen on several Buffets and Selmers is when a rod binds the key tube when fully tightened. It is a bit of an annoying problem to repair... and new clarinets should definitely not have that.
I've seen two Selmers where a solder joint on the neck suddenly came apart, but so far zero cases of this on Buffets (but that's just what I've seen).
Tone is a little different. I mean, they are much more similar than different, they are still bass clarinets, but diving deeper in this little world, each has its own character. I suggest to form your own opinion rather than listen to vague or less vague description of tone by anyone else.
As far as I know the Buffet still uses a 3mm diameter neck register tube and the Selmer is larger, I think 4mm or even 4.5mm (a rough simplification, they aren't necessarily a straight bore). Each has a different compromise on how part of the range respond in different situations. I play a Buffet and use a 3.5mm diameter tube. I prefer the stock Selmer compromise over the stock Buffet, but prefer my modification as the best compromise. I think the Buffet could be enlarged close to that (or maybe about 3.3mm) without replacing the tube (the wall would be too thin).
A few nitpicks...
The Buffet larger bell and angled peg holder can make it a bit more annoying to put into some cases. In an old regular (non-carbon) Wiseman it just barely fit, and I removed the large star thumb screw each time. In a R&S Compact it's the same, fits but a little cramped (no need to remove the screw though). Both might have changed the design a little since I've got mine so it's just all too specific to say. It can also look a little weird with a long standing peg if you use that but it works fine.
I flew 12 hours and then drove about 15 hours to buy mine. I know it's maybe a bit much for most. At the very least I would find a way to try both before choosing, even if not the exact ones. I chose mine from about ten of the same model, but not sure if that's realistic anymore.
Bass clarinets of the same model are pretty similar to each other, Buffet even more so than Selmer, but they are not completely identical to the point that it doesn't matter if you try the specific one you buy. If you buy from Mike Lowenstern then I would make the effort to go there to try them (if he has a few in stock).
As far as the others, I tried a Uebel but only played it for a bit so can't really compare. It was... fine. It seemed very good. I can't say if I liked it less than my Buffet. The price difference is large enough that I would strongly consider it, but I would want to try it for longer before deciding.
Can't comment on build quality since I only played it.
All of them are nice. Whenever I try a Selmer I find things that I like better, it's just that overall I still prefer the Buffet.
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