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Contrabass list Tue, 14 Apr 1998 Volume 1 : Number 46
In this issue:
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 1998 12:47:36 -0600 (MDT)
From:
Shouryu Nohe <jnohe@nmsu.edu>
Subject: Re: list V1
#45
> I'm still wanting to move up (big time) from my plastic
> Buffet bass clarinet (where playing above a G is difficult!)
> to a Low C model. How do the Buffet's, LeBlanc's, Amati's,
> and other Low C bass clarinets compare on tone and playability?
Buffets are great as far as playability goes...LeBlanc's have a decent tone, but the tuning is downright horrible. Genreally, when it comes to basses, the two names you look for are Buffet and Selmer. Recent years has seen an increased competition between these two makers as to who can build the best basses:
Pros - Tuning is the best you'll find on any bass - it's consistant from the chalameau through the throat to the clarion. Tone is great, and the Prestige bore gives it great projection.
Cons - Lots of mechanisms. Requires a little special attention, but is well worth it if you are a performer.
(I think, that's the low c one):
Pros - great sound, good projection, low maintenance. Keywork is fantastic, and it responds like a bass should.
Cons - Tuning tuning tuning....not as inconsistant as Leblancs or Vitos, but once you hit the throat, it tends to go notably sharp, requiring you to do not only finger shading, but some serious lip work, especially if you're juggling the throat and the clarion registers (the clarion is a tad sharp, but not as bad in comparison to the throat).
My advice? If you are a REAL bass fanatic...get a Buffet Low C model. Then purchase a LeBlanc bass bell. Why? The Buffet bass puts all the keys on the body of the horn, where most other companies, including LeBlanc, place the lowest note, be it an Eb or a C, on the bell. By placing the LeBlanc bell on the Buffet Low C, with some footwork, you can play low Bs! Woo hoo!
Shouryu Nohe
Professor of SCSM102, New Mexico State
Univ.
http://web.nmsu.edu/~jnohe; ICQ 6771552
Coffee
Drinker, Musician, Otaku, Jesus Freak, Admirer of Women
(Not necessarily in that order)
--------------------------------------------------------------
"HEY! Get back to your work!" - Suzuhara
Toji
End of list V1 #46