[prezden]

Hi
Is there such a thing as an intermediate bass clarinet. By that I mean something like the wooden Selmer Signet horns.

Thanks!

 

[lomaserena]

There generally isn't enough demand to justify middle line bass clarinets. Buffet used to make one, the 1180, I think. Yamaha 221 II is a very good student model I suppose you could consider intermediate. There are some second-tier pro horns that could be considered intermediate, like Malerne, Noblet, Kohlert, etc. Those manufacturers also produced stencils, so you might be able to get a Malerne labeled as a Conn, etc.

 

[David Spiegelthal]

Based on their design and how they play, I'd consider the entire Leblanc line of wood bass clarinets to be 'intermediate' instruments, even though they're marketed and priced as 'pro' instruments. Larry Bocaner (retired Washington National Symphony Orch. bass clarinetist) will take offense to this, as he has played Leblancs for 50-some years, but that's my opinion.

 

[lomaserena]

I agree. Some people that know basses much better than me consider Noblet a better horn than Leblanc.

Based on their design and how they play, I'd consider the entire Leblanc line of wood bass clarinets to be 'intermediate' instruments, even though they're marketed and priced as 'pro' instruments. Larry Bocaner (retired Washington National Symphony Orch. bass clarinetist) will take offense to this, as he has played Leblancs for 50-some years, but that's my opinion.

 

[David Spiegelthal]

The Noblet bass clarinet is practically identical to the Leblanc, other than a slightly different register mechanism (if I recall correctly) and corked-tenon neck rather than metal sleeve. Acoustically the same, and in my experience plays the same. Which means, some are stuffy and out of tune, some are just OK, a few are pretty good, but none are great.

Here's another thought: A used Amati, if you can find one. The fairly recent ones (post-Communist era) are pretty decent, and are priced in the Noblet range. Plus, they made low-C versions as well.

 

[bandmommy]

The school system where I 'borrow' a bass clarinet for pit work has a few newer (~4 years old) Yamaha, a few older (~15 years old) Yamaha, and a whole lot of ancient Bundys. I've played every one of them looking for a personally 'suitable' instrument.
The Yamaha clarinets were the worst of the lot. I always end up taking home an old Bundy.
Not the 'best' horn ever made, but the one that I usually get speaks clearly throughout the range and doesn't have any major tuning issues.
Student, Intermediate, Pro.... Who cares about it's 'classification' as long as it plays well.

 

[prezden]

Thanks for all your comments. I really appreciate it.