@@aidan4473 dont get a leblanc bass clarinet. I have had an extremely bad experience with my leblanc l60. The tone is nice, but the key work is absolutely terrible. I constantly have to make adjustments and certain notes are always out of tune. I'm also generally flat on the instrument and I cant adjust it any farther. Also the upper and lower joint dont connect right, so the 1 and 1 e flat simply dont work. Also the trill key e flat is also extremely stuffy, so that one doesn't work well either. So I only have 1 e flat that sounds good, which is a problem more often that it's not. I really wish my band spent the $6k on an instrument that actually worked well. The only positive I have for the instrument over a heavily used Yamaha is the tone. Other than that, I would chose the $2k Yamaha any day. This would be acceptable, but still kinda bad if the instrument had been heavily used for years, but for an instrument that is only a year old, its absolutely terrible. I would chose a Yamaha for a third of the price any day over a leblanc. Maybe others dont have this problem, but me and the other bass clarinetist in my band hate them.
********WARNING!!******** PLEASE READ: Over the past 18 hours I've received 25(!) comments from people who own these instruments who have had long-term problems with keys bending, and the instrument becoming unplayable after just a short time. I had the same concern when I was looking at the instrument-THE METAL USED IN THE KEYS WAS INDEED VERY SOFT. This appears to be the case for many people, and I wanted to issue this warning from those people to you people.
I mentioned in my comments (above) that the earlier versions are not as robust as the newer versions and also beware of buying the so called RCP 925 Bass direct from China - there are cheap copies - buy from respected dealers and make sure they are from RCP not a rip off.
Les, this is a new version bought from a dealer who works directly with Ted. And I can say that the keywork is definitely not to the standard of pro instruments. It was indeed soft, and it did bend (the bridge key was bent when I got the horn and I bent it back - it is quite soft metal)
Well, I've owned on for about five years now, and I don't have "very soft" keys. In fact, I tried to bend one to put it into better position for a finger, and couldn't do it without tools. I suppose "very soft" varies from person to person, but as an occasional bass player, I haven't had problem and I like the horn. Sure, I'd prefer a $10K Buffet, but that isn't going to happen on my budget.
My 2 cents: I bought a 925c last year...Michael’s review was the deciding factor for me (and that I am a sucker for that grunty round chalumeau). Played absolutely wonderful out of the box. Day or two later began to have problems crossing the break or playing above high G. Got it adjusted...didn’t last. Dropped it, adjusted. Adjusted again, and again, and again..,each time it would go out worse than before. I was trying to play the bass clarinet solo in Blue Shades. By concert time I didn’t trust my horn, I blamed myself, and I hated playing. Finally was told about Tenor Madness in Waterloo, Iowa. $1100+ later I have a totally new horn. The entire keyword was way too loose. Tightened it up, replaced the bent rod fom that fall, got the action faster. Plays like a dream, sounds amazing, but big unknown is how long the adjustments will last. With the adjustments that were done before the overhaul, I have $1600 into it on top of the $2,900. My advice: go to Woodwind/Brasswind and get a payment plan. Yes, you can buy a car for what you pay for a Buffett or Selmer, but won’t have the headaches. (I did try to have Tom diagnose it, but he hates to ship.)
I happened upon this comment and i'm wondering if you have an update on how well the horn has held up after the TM overhaul? I also own this bass and I haven't had as many issues as you, but I also don't play a lot of bass and I bought an aftermarket (BAM hightech) case that is much better than the stock case...that said, I love Randy's work (and I own a TM custom sax that I love), so I might invest in some mods on my bass if you think it was worth it?
I played bass clarinet many years ago and was curious how much it might cost me to get back into it (I always played a loaner when I was in band). I am happy to say that I found this review to be extremely instructive and objective review, and will try to remember this if I come across the funds to purchase a new instrument (particularly since I've never played a Low-C clarinet before). You've earned yourself a subscription, sir!
College student clarinetist here planning to invest in a bass clarinet "just for fun." This review was very helpful, especially because it gave me an idea of what to listen for when play testing horns myself! Thank you!
I looked into the Ridenour clarinet and considered purchasing. I chose to go a different direction. What I can say was that Ted was very helpful and easy to deal with in my instance. I had concerns about the key work strength knowing the reputation of Asian built instruments (Yamaha being the exception) and the case was very old fashioned. Both of my concerns were highlighted in this review. Michael, Great RU-vid channel! Thank you for sharing your passion and skill with us and also for improving the learning atmosphere for clarinetists in general. It is much appreciated by me and I'm sure all of your subscribers. Brian
Excellent review. Glad you didn't fluff anything and were frank about the flaws. Scientific pitch notation is indeed your best friend when it comes onto tuning accuracy! 😎
Nice review! I have one of these, and people frequently mistake it for a much nicer instrument. I use the original case, and I was able to just hot glue a little extra cloth into the slots for the upper and lower joint and get rid of that play.
While I was visiting my dad in Vegas, I tried out one of the Kessler Custom Low C Bass Clarinet from Kessler and Sons Music Store. According to the repairman, Kessler and Ridenour bass clarinets are both manufactured at the same place. I think it was in China or Taiwan. According to the repairman, the difference between the two horns are how Ridenour and Kessler do their own final adjusting and customizations. I agree having a repairman at the shop makes a huge difference in playing for proper adjustments. It played very well for a horn at a price of $2500. It was free blowing from the G above the staff to the altisimo range. Intonation throughout the instrument was solid except for few notes especially that low B is very sharp.
Great comments. Thanks for taking the time to do this. I had a student a few years ago that looked at these and I did not like the keywork for the lowest notes. Perhaps they have addressed that as you did not make a mention of it in this presentation. I will corroborate the soft metal of the keys being a problem and this is badly compounded by the case fitment. The case seems designed to push the instrument out of adjustment. Regards, Steve White
On October 17, 2017 I purchased my Ridenour Lyrique 925C bass clarinet directly from RCP. Like Mike, who will travel to Paris to take delivery of his Selmer Paris bass clarinets, I drove four hours to Irving, Texas to take delivery of my 925C directly from Tom's shop. Although I've owned it for less than a week at the time of this comment, I've had absolutely no problems with this bass. Yes, when the case is open, I can slip both joints back and forth as Mike demonstrates in his video. But when the case is closed and shaken enough to cause movement inside the case, none occurs. I do believe the instrument is tucked away snugly in its molded spaces. My keys seem to be as sturdy as any others I've encountered on Selmer and Leblanc products I've owned. That's not to say that there's been no problems with flimsy keys in the past with Tom's basses. That's saying that what I have is fine. My 925C's intonation is great, just as demonstrated in Mike's video. Speaking of Mike's video, his review is largely responsible for my decision to purchase Tom's 925C bass clarinet. Mike's other advice about purchasing one's instrument from a shop where you can play test an instrument and have it adjusted if needed was taken by me, but I took it one step further by doing what he does. I went to the source, Tom Ridenour in my case, to purchase my bass and take delivery of it. Doing that, making that effort is paying off for me in spades. Now I feel like I have a relationship between the Ridenours and myself that I wouldn't have if I had just been another faceless internet transaction. It feels old school. And we can use a lot more old school in our lives.
Hard rubber was used in vintage instruments, also called Ebonite. I have a flute with a mouthpiece of ebonite from the 30's. A bug excretes shellac after eating a certain tree sap. This shellac is then mixed with the tree sap and sulfur, then heated. So it's a more natural material than plastic.
Have to admit the first thing I did after watching was go to the basement, dig out the Lyrique 925e I bought in November 2008 and give the case a good shake. Nothing rattled or seemed to budge.
Hi great series of video . What bc low to c can suggest for 2/3000 usd also used if worst the money ? The kessler you have demo or there is something better for more less? (Can't afford tosca or Selmer stuff 😅) ty
Any suggestions for a mouthpiece and reed combination for this horn? I have purchased one and got a general alignment on the horn right after unboxing it and realizing some keys were very much out of alignment. I still have some trouble getting a round sound on clarion high G-B flat on top of the staff. I can sound them, but it’s not as nice of a sound that I used to get out on my old Vito bass clarinet.
I really liked this I'm looking at becoming as repairist as I love taking things apart and fixing. I was wondering if you could if you haven't already do a video on articulation. I have trouble with my tonguing and not being able to catch up with my fingers if this makes sense. Do you have and exercises. Thank you for your videos.
I enjoy the Bb clarinet from ridenour but I did have to make a lot of adjustments. The case could definitely be better. But the cost is so good it's hard to complain.
Great Review but what about the low Eb version? Most or the shows I'd be doing don't need a low C and it just seems like the extra keys and long rods makes the instrument too fragile? Do you think the Eb model would be sturdier? What's your favorite used low Eb model ?
Those interested in the app I used to "look" at the sound: it's called iStroboSoft, and you can find it (for iphone/pad) here: www.petersontuners.com/products/istrobosoft/
Hi, is it possible to play czardas by V. Monti on the bass clarinet? I been looking all through the internet but have no luck on finding a version of it in the bass clarinet. If you can can you please make a video of you playing it? Thank you!!!
Where can I finda fingering chart for this instrument? Would like toknow all of the alternate fingerings for this horn as I am having trouble figuring out how to adjust the lower joint. I am a repair tech.
Hav ethe Lyrique and yes, the low notes do tend to be sharp which is opposite of wood based clarinets, but it's really easy to blow and, no need to bore oil for maintenance. Don't play bass clarinet but it does sound well. Edit: Oh yeah; did purchase another case for my Lyrique (forgot to mention that earlier). lol :)
Between this and the YAMAHA YCL221, what do you recommend? I am a sax player at church and want to give bass clarinet a try. Thanks again for a GREAT channel!
The YCL-221 is a student instrument and plastic, not really recommended if you can get the better option of the Ridenour. I play the 221 in marching band and works reliably but I can guarantee the Ridenour will do better in almost all situations except that due to consistency outdoors. Stick with the Ridenour if you can afford it.
aqui no Brasil não tem ninguém que dicas e ensine técnicas no clarinete baixo igual ao senhor professor sou músico iniciante pena q sei pouco o seu idioma abraços e parabéns seus ensinamentos e dicas
I play on this exact bass clarinet for chamber music & have had no problem with it except the ligature. It makes my sound so cheesy & it doesn't let me resonate that well. :/
Are new Leblanc bass clarinets any good? Are the vintage ones any good? They both seem to go for relatively cheap and my soprano clarinet friends say vintage Leblancs are top-notch horns.
Why haven't the Ridenours reacted to this video? Did keep the horn or did you return it? Did the Ridenours at least thank you for your thorough and honest review?
Have you ever thought about doing stuff on the alto clarinet. I think they have a very special sound , and i feel as though you could make some really sweet tunes on one.
I communicated with Dave Kessler about their Low C bass (Jan 2017)... hoping to try one out in May 2017 when I'll be in Las Vegas. He said he has an updated model coming soon... I am hoping it will be available by then so I can try it out. I did manage to try out this Ridenour Low C bass (yesterday in fact) that a friend recently bought (from Tom). In my quick test I found the low octave tended sharp with the low D & C quite stuffy; the mid range pretty free blowing and close to in tune; top octave (E and up) tended to be quite flat. I could easily pop out G above the staff, but above that did not speak easily. The C above was thin (and very flat). Overall, it spoke pretty well. The throat tones were pretty solid. The lay of the R-hand keywork was more of a 'challenge' for me (challenge = different). It is closer/tighter than my Selmer (Eb Bundy), so the feel was a bit different - I think it is built to try to feel closer to a Bb in finger spread. The R thumb keys felt pretty good and functioned fairly well - again, getting used to them would be a learned thing - though they did feel a tiny bit softer/squishy than I'd probably like - the long rods probably being on the softer side than I am used to (on my bass cl and tenor and bari saxes too). The Low C key was a stretch to reach and keep my other RH fingers properly placed to keep the pads sealed. Maybe a longer lay of the R-hand keywork would better allow this? Could be hard to bring that C key closer to the thumbrest without reducing the D & Db key touch size which is nice. The alt. LH low D key seemed a real dog to close to seal (I think it was D... or maybe Eb? - the outside-most key...). As I only had a few minutes to noodle with this horn, this is the best I could evaluate. Didn't have time to try different mouthpieces with it either, and that could certainly make a difference for speakability. For the price (and my limited budget) I could certainly make this work as I think it would be a step up from my Bundy. Now I really want to try out a Kessler Low C to see what I think of it...
I'm suspicious of all of the "budget" low C basses that are out now. The Lyrique, Berkeley that Mike reviewed earlier, Kessler, Allora, etc., all seem to have a similar look and keywork to them (ex: all of the thumb keywork looks exactly the same). I've not tried any of them, but I would wonder if they may all have the same intonation/mechanism/key alloy issues.
To those in question of the new Kessler 2nd generation bass, I bought mine just before they ran out of stock (a bit under a month ago) and I am beyond impressed. Not only has the price been dropped to only $1999, but so many improvements in strength and playability of the instrument. The left hand low d is nearly effortless and all registers are very clear and pronounced with excellent intonation. My only complaints is the resistance (not to the point of being necessarily "bad" or uncomfortable) and the low c is a out of tune however it isn't terrible but still about 10-15 cents sharp. I recommend the Kessler 2nd gen low c bass to ANYONE of ANY skill level looking for a quality instrument. I will probably have a review of the new model Kessler out soon! P.S. (The 2nd generation keywork feels just as strong/sturdy as the Selmer and Buffet I have played in the past 😊)
“Because I don’t think Tom likes me very much” Bboard posts suggest this is a severe understatement lol. Somehow, I’m sure he is going to interpret this as an attack on his product as opposed to a review.
Earspasm, I'm trying to buy this bass clarinet but the biggest issue is convincing my parents that getting a good instrument is important. I'm a junior in high school and I was really wondering if I could get your help. Thanks for the time reading this😄
Well, I'm not sure how I can help Isaac. But let me try: Dear Mr and Mrs Isaac's parents: If Isaac promises to practice 2 hours a day-minimum-for the next 6 months (with no days off unless he has a fever of 102 or higher, and/or is throwing up, and/or is on fire) perhaps that is an indication that he's serious about the bass clarinet. If so, I'd have to agree with him that a good instrument is crucial to his continued growth. But since I can't know the specifics of your situation (and frankly, this is none of my business whatsoever), I will just have to say...yeah, this really is none of my business.
Is there any possibility for a new gear wars, featuring cases? I don't know many brands that make bass clarinet cases, except for BAM, Soundwear and Wiseman.
There are several companies who make bass clarinet cases. Due to a lack of demand they are all super expensive! I have an older Eb Selmer Bass and the joints are a different length etc.. than what the BAM was molded to fit. There in lies the issue. As Michael pointed out in the video the case HAS TO FIT the instrument well. My solution was to go to a local dealer of Pelican Cases. I bought the case, Pelican Air 1555, and had a custom interior cut by Pelican. The total cost was less than the BAM case (2/3) and in my opinion the case is significantly more durable and protective. It doesn't include fancy pockets and is more industrial looking. As well it does take some time to get the custom cut interior and I'd recommend airing out the foam due to the VOCs involved in the manufacture. The other choices I gave serious consideration to were MB cases but it is suited to a low C bass (themusicsource.org had them in stock) and the HumidiPro from Lomax which is where I took my idea of making a Pelican case work. Theirs is set up to hold both Low C bass and a set of Soprano clarinets and is expensive. It does have the advantage of using a Boveda humidification pack to keep the humidity stable inside the case. Again, I expect their case to be extremely durable and protective above and beyond anything else on the market (military spec). Hope that helps!!!!
Brian Billings Thank you for posting this! I was just about ready to buy a BAM case for my 1978 Selmer Low Eb, but thankfully I saw your comment. I've been considering the Pelican case option. My friend can get free Pelican cases from a dealer he's good friends with, so I might just go that route.
Adam Wolnikowski A free case is nice! When I purchased mine I received 2 free hours of CAD time. I bought mine with the 'pick n' pluck foam' initially which allowed me to lay out the instrument and use it while the 'medical grade' foam was being cut by Pelican. There were several foams to choose from. I'm currently awaiting the custom interior. With the help of CaseTech, my retailer, we slightly modified the layout after using it for one season of rehearsals and shows to better suit my needs and protect the instrument. I find the case very reassuring and not overly bulky or heavy. I still carry my stand separately but have seen others who've purchased a case large enough to incorporate more items than mine. The case I chose is the exact dimension inside as the original which was lucky. Hope that helps!
Brian Billings Thanks for the info, it's really helpful. Are you just going to use the case with the clarinet laying directly on the medical grade foam? I was going to get the pick n' pluck, pick it and cut it to size, and then glue a velour over the foam.
Adam Wolnikowski, The instrument was traced and a computerized draft was made of the tracing so an exact fit of the instrument can be achieved. That computerized draft, including depth measurements was sent to Pelican. They take and cut the chosen foam using a water jet system and will send me the finished product that should be an exact fit.
Hi Master Lowenstern, I'm currently playing Circus Bee with my band and I'm currently dying... My director told the low brass to double tongue and I heard that clarinet players can fake it (somehow) Do you have any tips or advice for fellow a bass clarinet player on how to suck less? Any help would be appreciated!!!! :) :) :)
Well that's a big question. Double-tonguing happens to be something I can't actually do. (I've tried) but sucking less? I'd have to say disciplined practice...! That's always worked for me.
If you have purchased it directly from Tom he would have made sure it worked properly. The case is another thing entirely. I imagine it was an economy move and you might write to him and mention the problem,I know he takes pride in what he makes and sells.
I was really glad to see your review, Mike, because I know how hard Tom works to make the best instrument he can, and make it affordable. I also know how much opposition he's had from the clarinet establishment (like I got when I started playing my Libertas), and it's not surprising that he finds himself in the position of having to defend his work all the time. I think anyone would find that wearing. Again, great review, and thanks for all the work you do to educate so many people; it's very much appreciated!
Many people play the RCP Bass to low C and I have to admit the earlier versions had key work made of metal that could easily bend but the later versions have been much improved and provided they are treated with care and respect the RCP Bass will last a long time - here is another review from a pro player who is delighted woodwindwonderland.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/the-ridenour-lyrique-925-hard-rubber.html Earspasms review is fair but the warning he later posted is not necessarily relevant to the latest versions and I think many of the 25 people who wrote in would be suprised that several hundred maybe thousands have not written in as they are happy with their horns.
Ridiculous that a "cheaper" case for a low C bass clarinet costs upwards of $400 when I can get a better Eb case for $140. Really don't have that kind of money to throw around right now. Wish I would've sticked with the Eb bass clarinet, low C is truly only for those who have made it a part of their living.
Lots of symphonic band and musical theater parts call for an extend range bass clarinet. It's a shame that Yamaha and Jupiter don't offer plastic extended-range instruments for band programs on a budget.
Dear teacher i m a italian And play a tenor sax, I want buy a basso clarnet Resina , discendente to low c The waismann bass clarinetto You know this horn? His caratteristical and his qualities His a good horn o a bada horn? Thank you I have subscrive on tour Chanel By
That was a valid concern 6 years ago when you posted. Tom has since found a much better manufacturer, and the clarinets he's produced in the past year or so are MUCH better in the keywork department.
I got one and the problem for me was that the keys bend really easily. But the tone is nice. Here is my video playing on a the Lyrique ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-DnhC4VPt1zU.html
Yeah but I chose it out of at least 15 other oboes. Oh well gotta choose what's right for you lol. I'm not sure why they're so expensive. Maybe it is the conical bore and tiny wood that requires precision drilling.
