Excellent review, Jared. It still blows my mind when I read comments saying stuff like $3000 is too much for a low c bass clarinet. I wish they could see how much material and work goes into producing and setting up a clarinet, let alone a LOW C bass clarinet, that plays well in tune. You will always get what you paid for (if you’re dealing with honest and competent dealers) and if you invest little in the beginning, you will invest even more than the cost of an expensive instrument in the long run due to repairs/ modifications.
@@nandocordeiro5853 Interesting comment, Nando. I don't know your expertise but I make my living as a woodwinds technician at a music store, have dealt directly with customers, clients, instrument companies, and I have some idea what I'm talking about. Now, what did you mean by your comment?
@@nandocordeiro5853 Getting a well-built instrument sounds better and saves cash over time. This isn't a toy. You're wondering why it's so expensive, but I'm wondering why it's so affordable.
Hi Jared - great video! The natural comparison would be the Kessler Custom Midnight Model bass clarinet vs the Yamaha YCL-211 II Student bass clarinet. That would make a great video as they are similarly priced.
I'm glad theres a company in the wood wind world doing what MACK brass is doing. Chris, Tom and Jodi have been working with chinese factories for years to produce high quality horns for low prices, my first new tuba I plan to buy is probably going to end up being a MACK. Its really nice seeing companies show that nice instruments dont have to be overly $$$
Nice review, it is really good to have the opinion of a repair tech! How do you think the Kessler Custom compares against the Ridenour Lyrique 925C Bass clarinet? I am thinking of acquiring a low C bass, and after seeing many reviews these two are the contenders, but I can't decide, both are apparently well made for the price, and have good reviews. The Ridenour apparently has adjustment screws, so I guess that would be a plus. Thank you!
In my experience the Ridenour is slightly better in tune but the Kessler plays better. I personally prefer the Kessler. It still has adjustment screws where you really need them.
@@Jared_De_Leon thank you for your reply, I really appreciate it. I like the looks fo the Kessler better, and if in your experience it plays better, then perhaps I should consider it as my first choice. It's also ~200 less than the new Ridenour. I am also considering used instruments, do you have a website or catalog where you advertise the basses you prepare for sell?
Hi Jared, I love your videos. I have a question on how the height of the Kessler low c is when placing the mouthpiece in your mouth. I am 5’7” and was wondering how tall you are. Is it easy to sit in a regular folding chair and have the mouthpiece at the correct height?
It’s almost a carbon copy of the Selmer Paris Black Bass Clarinet, a slight difference in the plating with Selmer having Matte Black and the Kessler having Shinny Black. A huge price difference as well.
I have an odyssey bass clarinet with that basset mechanism and I always worry that I’ll be too heavy handed with it one day. As for the LH low D I find it impossible to play. Not only is it so stiff to press, but it’s located really far back and I have to dislocate my little finger to use it so I never use it.
Something for me to look into in the future... Although I'm trying to talk to must universities DOB into looking into getting some new BCLs to replace some of our old ones due to us having 4-8 and one year 10 BCl players the last couple years.
Really curious to see what you think of the Royal Global Max, which is 4k and essentially a copy of the Buffet Prestige (keywork and design, composite materials)
The best way to explain the difference is that the Ridenour has better intonation but the Kessler has better response. Both are great but I give the Kessler the edge due to the price.
@@vacuumlover1 There's a little slot for it under where the upper joint goes. I'm not a huge fan of the design as you have to make sure your peg is clean otherwise dust builds up in there.
@@vacuumlover1 Nitwit... I believe what Michael is referring to, is that Jared kindly inferred that there "are cheaper options" than the American-made Kessler. We all know Kesslers are American, and Michael was encouraging Jared to SAY IT!! (that the cheap horns are Chinese). Maybe the ignorant comment, was indeed yours. Feel free to delete.
@@vacuumlover1 Maybe you should see if it was implied that Kesslers are Chinese made. (It wasn't) Maybe you should realize that the CHEER from those who know that the Chinese copy and manufacture inferior products, were ENCOURAGING Jared to SAY that that garbage horns are most likely made in the PRC. (because they are.) And maybe you might brush up on your grammar / punctuation.
If you’re just a casual player a low C bass in general is probably more than you’ll ever need. For a cheap bass I would just recommend a Bundy with a B50 or other good mouthpiece. These basses are more ideal for college students or pros on a budget.
3,000 is where low c basses start. With professional models easily four times that. The only basses that are cheap that work are old used bundy or vito basses. Which are fine and for the money are great.
Excellent review, Jared. It still blows my mind when I read comments saying stuff like $3000 is too much for a low c bass clarinet. I wish they could see how much material and work goes into producing and setting up a clarinet, let alone a LOW C bass clarinet, that plays well in tune. You will always get what you paid for (if you’re dealing with honest and competent dealers) and if you invest little in the beginning, you will invest even more than the cost of an expensive instrument in the long run due to repairs/ modifications.
Still is too much. You don’t know what you’re talking about.
@@nandocordeiro5853 Interesting comment, Nando. I don't know your expertise but I make my living as a woodwinds technician at a music store, have dealt directly with customers, clients, instrument companies, and I have some idea what I'm talking about. Now, what did you mean by your comment?
@@nandocordeiro5853 Getting a well-built instrument sounds better and saves cash over time. This isn't a toy. You're wondering why it's so expensive, but I'm wondering why it's so affordable.
true but im poor what am i supposed to do
Thanks for the review Jared!
Hi Jared - great video! The natural comparison would be the Kessler Custom Midnight Model bass clarinet vs the Yamaha YCL-211 II Student bass clarinet. That would make a great video as they are similarly priced.
There's no comparison, the Kessler blows the Yamaha out of the water! The new owner of this bass actually bought it to replace a 211ii.
Thanks for the very scientific and yet easy to understand review.
Great vid, very helpful 👍🏻 thanks.
I'm glad theres a company in the wood wind world doing what MACK brass is doing. Chris, Tom and Jodi have been working with chinese factories for years to produce high quality horns for low prices, my first new tuba I plan to buy is probably going to end up being a MACK. Its really nice seeing companies show that nice instruments dont have to be overly $$$
Please rethink paying money to a country attacking us at every angle. :)
Just ordered mine can't wait for it to get here
Carl, did you get your new Kessler yet? Did you get the Midnight edition, or the regular 2nd Gen? What are your thoughts?
How much is the instrument
Beautiful
Nice review, it is really good to have the opinion of a repair tech! How do you think the Kessler Custom compares against the Ridenour Lyrique 925C Bass clarinet? I am thinking of acquiring a low C bass, and after seeing many reviews these two are the contenders, but I can't decide, both are apparently well made for the price, and have good reviews. The Ridenour apparently has adjustment screws, so I guess that would be a plus. Thank you!
In my experience the Ridenour is slightly better in tune but the Kessler plays better. I personally prefer the Kessler. It still has adjustment screws where you really need them.
@@Jared_De_Leon thank you for your reply, I really appreciate it. I like the looks fo the Kessler better, and if in your experience it plays better, then perhaps I should consider it as my first choice. It's also ~200 less than the new Ridenour. I am also considering used instruments, do you have a website or catalog where you advertise the basses you prepare for sell?
Pio Colmenares not really, I mostly just list them to Facebook marketplace or on Instagram. I don’t usually sell Low C basses though.
@@Jared_De_Leon oh I see, I will keep an eye open anyway. Thank you!
Hi Jared, I love your videos. I have a question on how the height of the Kessler low c is when placing the mouthpiece in your mouth. I am 5’7” and was wondering how tall you are. Is it easy to sit in a regular folding chair and have the mouthpiece at the correct height?
You should have no problem, I dont believe that the issues start until about 5'2"
It’s almost a carbon copy of the Selmer Paris Black Bass Clarinet, a slight difference in the plating with Selmer having Matte Black and the Kessler having Shinny Black. A huge price difference as well.
Apples and oranges Jeeves. The only comparison they share is a similar cosmetic theme.
Excellent video
I have an odyssey bass clarinet with that basset mechanism and I always worry that I’ll be too heavy handed with it one day. As for the LH low D I find it impossible to play. Not only is it so stiff to press, but it’s located really far back and I have to dislocate my little finger to use it so I never use it.
Something for me to look into in the future... Although I'm trying to talk to must universities DOB into looking into getting some new BCLs to replace some of our old ones due to us having 4-8 and one year 10 BCl players the last couple years.
Also what mouthpiece and ligature combo do you reccommend?
Hi great video...which mouthpiece do you have in that video?
Vandoren B50 with a 2.5 reed.
I want one of these so bad but I have no place to play one.
Really curious to see what you think of the Royal Global Max, which is 4k and essentially a copy of the Buffet Prestige (keywork and design, composite materials)
What cheap mouthpiece would you recommend for a student?
Vandoren B50 with a 2.5 reed is by far my favorite setup.
is it available for purchase? and could you link it ?
You can purchase these at the Kessler and Son's website. They are out of stock now but they are getting more soon.
Do you have an opinion on Ridenour clarinets?
The best way to explain the difference is that the Ridenour has better intonation but the Kessler has better response. Both are great but I give the Kessler the edge due to the price.
@@Jared_De_Leon Do you think the Ridenour's keywork is reliable?
@@levi1852 Yes, but so it the Kesslers. The Kessler is a bit more ergonomic, the Ridenour feels maybe a bit more solid but it's hard to say.
Where do you put the peg in a bam case?
Below the upper joint
Or in one of the outside pockets
@@Jared_De_Leon how
@@vacuumlover1 There's a little slot for it under where the upper joint goes. I'm not a huge fan of the design as you have to make sure your peg is clean otherwise dust builds up in there.
@@Jared_De_Leon OHH thank you! I just pushed a little harder and the peg sunk in LOL. I’ve been putting it in the big pocket of my Bam trekking case
Jared, SAY IT!! The "cheaper" horns are Chinese garbage. :)
The Kessler aren’t made in China :))))) maybe you should ask the sellers instead if making ignorant comments
@@vacuumlover1 Nitwit... I believe what Michael is referring to, is that Jared kindly inferred that there "are cheaper options" than the American-made Kessler. We all know Kesslers are American, and Michael was encouraging Jared to SAY IT!! (that the cheap horns are Chinese). Maybe the ignorant comment, was indeed yours. Feel free to delete.
@@vacuumlover1 Maybe you should see if it was implied that Kesslers are Chinese made. (It wasn't) Maybe you should realize that the CHEER from those who know that the Chinese copy and manufacture inferior products, were ENCOURAGING Jared to SAY that that garbage horns are most likely made in the PRC. (because they are.) And maybe you might brush up on your grammar / punctuation.
Bruh $3K is way too much for me.
If you’re just a casual player a low C bass in general is probably more than you’ll ever need. For a cheap bass I would just recommend a Bundy with a B50 or other good mouthpiece. These basses are more ideal for college students or pros on a budget.
3,000 is where low c basses start. With professional models easily four times that. The only basses that are cheap that work are old used bundy or vito basses. Which are fine and for the money are great.
You're probably not ready to become a serious bass player. 3K is entry level. Good news, Bb Clarinet is where most people start.
@@krane15 I agree. I think I'll stick to the smaller clarinets. Guess I gotta hunt for an Ab!
@@leotard2536 That’s even more money, sorry