Professional Bass Clarinet?

Question

I used to play the clarinet, alto clarinet, bass clarinet, and contra bass clarinet. I quit for awhile and had a family. Now I am looking at getting back into playing. I prefer to play the bass clarinet or the contra. Just looking for some recommendations as to what professional bass or contra bass clarinet I should buy.

Pricing isn't a factor.

Answer 1

I think that you will find that while most soprano players are all about the Buffet but that most professional bass players lean toward the Selmer Paris and most contra players since forever prefer the Leblanc France instruments. For alto and basset, the Selmer Paris (or a custom instrument) is really the only way to go. (just my opinions though - others disagree)

* Eb Alto Clarinet: Leblanc France model L300S or Selmer Paris model 22 (consider a basset horn instead and learn to transpose at sight alto parts)
* F Basset Horn: Selmer Paris model 25 (.621 bore with range to low C)
* Bb Bass Clarinet: Selmer Paris model 65 or 67 (you need the low C extension for orchestral work)
* EEb ContraAlto Clarinet: Selmer Paris model 40 (rosewood) or Leblanc France paperclip [note: the paperclip fits in orchestra pits and can do real justice to a bassoon part in a musical]
* BBb Contrabass Clarinet: Selmer Paris model 41 (rosewood) or Leblanc France model LC340

Answer 2

Professional Bass Clarinet

Answer 3

Selmer Paris Bass Clarinet

Answer 4

Wow, that's great that you are getting back into playing and want to purchase an instrument. First, I would stick with buying a bass clarinet. The bass clarinet is much more in demand than the contra bass clarinet not to mention the price difference.

Now on to brands-Buffet is by far and wide the most excepted bass clarinet on the market. Bass clarinets can either go down to a low e-flat or a low c. If you are a serious player you should invest in a low c bass clarinet.

http://www.buffet-crampon.com/en/instruments.php?mode=productDetails&pid=134

You will find that bass clarinets can get pretty pricey so if you're on a budget look on e-bay or try another brand such as yamaha. I have purchased several student bass clarinets that are very nice instruments. Here is a link to this particular model:

http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/ContentDetail/PressReleaseDetail/0,,CNTID%25253D62893%252526CTID%25253D%252526CNTYP%25253DNEWS,00.html

Finally, any clarinetist will tell you that it is all about the mouthpiece. What ever bass clarinet you end up buying, take the stock mouthpiece and put it to the side and invest in a good mouthpiece like a Charles Bay, Fobes or a Lomax.

Here is a page from a clarinet forum just on bass clarinets. There are quite a few famous clarinetists that post their opinions so hopefully you will have a lot of advice now!

http://www.woodwind.org/clarinet/Equipment/BassClarinets.html


Good luck in your bass clarinet pursuit!

Answer 5

I'm a bass clarinetist myself. I've been playing for 10+ years, and below I'll tell you a little about my horn.

Horn specification recommendations:
*First, I must tell you that I strongly recommend you purchase a horn with a low-C extension. As I've progressed in my professional career, about 50% of the music I play calls for the low-C or low-D.
*Secondly, buy a bass with a wood body and no cracks. I'm not sure if you're buying used or not, so just throwing that out there.
*Must have a double-octave key. This saves a lot of intonation problems.
*Silver keys. This is my personal opinion. It's easier to stratch, but I the silver neckpieces and bells provide a warmer sound.
*Undercut tone holes
*Optional: "Charles Bay" style neck. Most pro models now come standard with this style. The difference? It puts the horn at an angle like the soprano clarinet in your mouth, rather than straight at you. I prefer this style because it helps my embouchure. Experiment!

My horn:
I currently play a Buffet BC1193. I love it to death--the low C extension is a stretch to reach, but manageable. The body provides an amazing tone quality--even someone who's never played bass could produce a beautiful sound on this horn.
The keys are silver-plated. I've had mine for 3 years and little tarnish has occurred with 3+ hours of daily playing. I keep it clean and maintained.

Pros of the BC1193:
BEAUTIFUL tone quality, even in the extreme ranges. Very rich and very warm.
Wonderful response.
Very VERY little key clacking, even in quick passages.
The instrument disassembles near the center, making the case more portable. It comes with a backpack case.
Undercut tone holes.
Double octave key
Tuning hole in the bell
Grenadilla body
Extra G-sharp/A-flat spatula. This is an AMAZING addition, saving much "rolling" when going between low A-flat/E-flat below the staff.

Horn malfunctions from standard age wear were VERY easy to spot and resolve.

Cons to the BC1193:
Throat tone and altissimo intonation. Instead of standard intonation issues, both ranges are very flat. With a little filing on the G and A tone holes, I was able to fix it moderately. After about 1.5 years of playing it, it "broke in" and I was able to adjust using vowel shapes. Altissimo range is still a little flat, but the only time I use it is during solo playing.

Lots of standard trick fingerings don't work on this bass. You have to experiment to find new ones.

The G above the staff sometimes has response problems. That's the only note with delayed response. I can get a double high F out easier than a G on-staff.

My other horn recommendation:
Yamaha YCL-622.
I played this at our local music educators convention. I loved what I heard. The tone was very dark and rich, much richer than the BC1193. From just experimenting, the response was clear and articulate. It shared the same qualities as the BC1193, save the intonation problem. The best part? It's about two thousand dollars cheaper than the BC1193. This is the horn I will be buying once my insurance for the Buffet runs out.


Both brands offer low e-flat versions as well.
My other recommendations include:
1430P Selmer (USA) Bb Bass Clarinet
LeBlanc caters to beginning and intermediate players. My sights lean towards the LeBlanc USA model 400.


Once you purchase the horn, upgrade the mouthpiece to something that is hard rubber. Some brands I like:
David Hite (this is the one I have)
Amati
Fobes (haven't tried this, heard great things about it though)
Yamaha makes good pro models. There are many to choose from, so visit your local shop and ask to try them out. They may have to order them on a trial basis, but that's no problem.



Good luck, feel free to contact me anytime! Bass clarinetists must stick together:)