Author: Max S-D
Date: 2021-05-17 19:12
I haven't played the Royal Polaris, but I would love to someday. I did have a chance to play the Kessler low C back in late 2019 (feels like a lifetime ago!) and was very impressed by it, especially for the money. jdbassplayer's advice seems very solid to me.
I am very accustomed to my old Selmer Model 33 that I've had customized to my liking and may never give up that instrument, but playing that Kessler for the better part of an hour, I had a hard time really saying that it was holding me back at all. I think my Selmer sounds better, but I didn't have the chance to play them back to back since I was in Vegas for a business trip and didn't bring my bass clarinet with me, just a mouthpiece.
It was clear that the Kessler is quite a good instrument, at least in initial quality. Others can speak to how well it holds adjustment and what it's been like to own, but in good adjustment, it seems to be an excellent instrument.
As for whether you should save for the more expensive instrument, I think it really comes down to how big a difference that $4,300 is for you to save up. If that's a couple of months of saving and the money isn't a big deal, then I would say just play both and see if you like the Polaris more. If that's a few years of saving and the Kessler is accessible to you now, then just get the Kessler and see if you can try a Polaris later to see if you want to save up for it. In that price range, you can often find used Selmers and Buffets as well, so you will have options that, in my opinion, are worth exploring.
Not playing until you've saved up for the dream instrument inevitably means you won't be ready for the dream instrument when you get it, though.
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The Clarinet BBoard
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