I just ordered the new Kessler low C bass

[Merlin]

http://www.kesslermusic.com/KesslerCustomSax/bassclarinet/bassclarinet.html

I'll fill you in on how well it plays when I get it.

[Gandalfe]

Do you prefer that neck angle (more sax like than clarinet)?

[Merlin]

Looks like the same angle as the Selmer neck I'm used to.

I'm not all that enamoured of steeper angle bass necks. I prefer to angle the horn to get it where I like it.

[Gandalfe]

I really didn't think I'd like the steeper one that comes standard with the Selmer Privilege bass clarinets. I'd heard it was designed for clarinetists and I'm primarily a sax player. But I really have come to love it. And I can adjust the angle down by pushing the bell away from me if need be.

[Merlin]

I like to angle the bottom of the bass towards me, rather than away. If you've got slightly shorter arm like me, angling the bell away just isn't possible.

[Gandalfe]

I like to angle the bottom of the bass towards me, rather than away. If you've got slightly shorter arm like me, angling the bell away just isn't possible.Well, I am 6' 4". 8-)

[Merlin]

I like to angle the bottom of the bass towards me, rather than away. If you've got slightly shorter arm like me, angling the bell away just isn't possible.Well, I am 6' 4". 8-)

Wow. You probably need to use a peg with a low C bass.

Mine will likely sit right on the floor.

[Ed Svoboda]

What is it with all of you tall guys?

Jim and Pete are both over 6 foot tall.

Hi, I'm Ed and I'm 5' 6".

[Merlin]

What is it with all of you tall guys?

Jim and Pete are both over 6 foot tall.

Hi, I'm Ed and I'm 5' 6".

I'm certainly not tall.

170cm, or about 5'7"

[Ed Svoboda]

Merlin,

Do folks up in Canada talk about their weight in stones or is that just an Australian thing?

[Merlin]

Merlin,

Do folks up in Canada talk about their weight in stones or is that just an Australian thing?
It's more of a UK thing, IME. My folks still think of their weight that way.

[Gandalfe]

Wow. You probably need to use a peg with a low C bass. Mine will likely sit right on the floor.Yes, the peg is usually pegged out to it's full (but safe) extension.
What is it with all of you tall guys? Jim and Pete are both over 6 foot tall.I seriously wonder if I get the jobs and advances through life because I so tall and handsome. ;)

[Merlin]

OK, I promised a report back on the Kessler bass.

So far I'm very pleased. The acid test on any bass for me is if I can play it in tune in the confines of a professional pit. Everything I played at today's rehearsal worked very well.

My Selmer bass is set up so that the middle B is dead on, but the low E is quite flat. The Kessler splits the difference on the two, making the B a bit more work, but the low E a lot easier.

The neckstrap lug that's on the horn is useless - it needs to be on the upper joint, and centred on the horn.

Keywork is light and fast. I showed it to another player whose opinion I respect, and he commented on how nice the action is.

I'll keep the updates coming. Today was a partial run and rehearsal; tomorrow's a dress, so if there are any pitfalls, that's when I'm going to find them.

[Ed Svoboda]

How's the horn behaving?

[Merlin]

How's the horn behaving?

Very well!

I have the first preview performance today, and I'm using the Kessler.

[Merlin]

The only thing I'm really disappointed in with this bass so far is the neckstrap location. It's down to the left of the thumbrest. It needs to be centred on the body of the horn to be usefull, and there should be two lugs, one on the upper joint, one on the lower.

The tuning is really good. I just have to get used to having a more in tune low E and Eb and a slightly sharp middle B. The Selmer has a very in tune middle B with a very flat low E.

[Ed Svoboda]

How hard is it to relocate the neckstrap location?

[Gandalfe]

Why are you using the neck strap? The peg works so much better. Am I missing something here? Every bass clarinet player I know uses the peg.

[Ed Svoboda]

Peg
It will come back to you
Peg
It will come back to you
Then the shutter falls
You see it all in 3-d
Its your favorite foreign movie

:-D

[Merlin]

Why are you using the neck strap? The peg works so much better. Am I missing something here? Every bass clarinet player I know uses the peg.

I'm not using the neck strap right now.

1. the lug is in a useless location

2. I'm playing a pit show where I'm seated all the time and have to make fast changes.

However...I do have to play a bass clarinet feature with a big band fairly often, and for that I have to stand. Ergo, I need a workable neck strap setup.

Either that, or a Steve Fox custom peg.

[Gandalfe]

I'm not using the neck strap right now.

1. the lug is in a useless location

2. I'm playing a pit show where I'm seated all the time and have to make fast changes.

However...I do have to play a bass clarinet feature with a big band fairly often, and for that I have to stand. Ergo, I need a workable neck strap setup.

Either that, or a Steve Fox custom peg.There's one other option--don't stand for the bass clarinet solos. 8-)

[Merlin]

There's one other option--don't stand for the bass clarinet solos. 8-)

Yeah, but then you wouldn't be able to see my face in my avatar!! :twisted:

[Gandalfe]

Merlin, I just got done going through your clips on your web site. You should add them to your signature. Nice stuff. Is that CD that you performed on available publicly?

[SOTSDO]

I have a Model 33 to low C, and for short standing work (say eight bars or so) I'll just play it off of the thumb hook. For something more substantial (say the Doris Day version of Sentimental Journey, which is just one long bass clarinet obligato), I use the stock peg with a stool, or a peg from a low Eb horn with something shorter.

[Merlin]

Merlin, I just got done going through your clips on your web site. You should add them to your signature. Nice stuff. Is that CD that you performed on available publicly?

Sure thing.

Jim Galloway's Wee Big Band - Blue Reverie. It's on the Sackville label.

[Merlin]

I have a Model 33 to low C, and for short standing work (say eight bars or so) I'll just play it off of the thumb hook. For something more substantial (say the Doris Day version of Sentimental Journey, which is just one long bass clarinet obligato), I use the stock peg with a stool, or a peg from a low Eb horn with something shorter.

I was thinking of trying that. I'm just concerned the low Eb peg I have is too flexible.

[Gandalfe]

Merlin, isn't there an after market long peg some where? Can't remember where I heard about that.

[Merlin]

Merlin, isn't there an after market long peg some where? Can't remember where I heard about that.

Steve Fox makes one. You can get it with a super-special endpin thingie too.

[WoodwindDoubler]

Hey Merlin, I'm thinking about getting one of those Kessler Bass Clarinets. I had a couple of questions for you...
1) Are you still liking it???
2) Did you order it off the Kessler website???
3) Did you get charged a big duty at the border???
4) How much did it cost including all shipping etc.?

[Merlin]

1) Are you still liking it???

Yes

2) Did you order it off the Kessler website???

I spoke to Dave on the phone

3) Did you get charged a big duty at the border???

I paid PST/GST, plus the UPS shipping/clearing charge

4) How much did it cost including all shipping etc.?

$2500 CDN

[Gandalfe]

Dave and his dad Chuck stand by his Kessler line of instruments as they do with everything they offer. If you talk with them in email or on phone mention Merlin's name, it would carry some clout too.

I probably have about 10 horns I've bought from him if you include the ones for my kids and grandkids. All are keepers and played flawlessly, to my tastes from day one. And if you are ever in Vegas, you should swing by the shop. It is nice to buy these and if you are in the states not pay shipping or taxes.

[WoodwindDoubler]

That's cool.

Ya I'm ordering it Today. I think they are back ordered right now, but Andy Ballantyne said I could borrow his bass clarinet which is the kessler for Beauty so either way I'll be playing a Kessler ... I'm excited!

[tjontheroad]

Merlin, besides the low C, do you like the Kessler over the Yamaha YCL-221 ll? I remember you speaking highly of the Yamaha before.

[Merlin]

Merlin, besides the low C, do you like the Kessler over the Yamaha YCL-221 ll? I remember you speaking highly of the Yamaha before.

Yes. The Kessler has a full double register key system.

[DaveKessler]

Just wanted to update on one issue.

We have had the factory reposition the strap hook on the bass. It is now centered on the body. We still use just the 1 hook hole above the thumb rest on the lower joint (just like Selmer Paris does) but at least now it is cenetered rather than to the left.

[DaveKessler]

Just wanted to update on one issue.

We have had the factory reposition the strap hook on the bass. It is now centered on the body. We still use just the 1 hook hole above the thumb rest on the lower joint (just like Selmer Paris does) but at least now it is cenetered rather than to the left.

Here is a picture of the new placement of the strap hook.

I just finished uploading a new set of more detailed photos of the instrument than we had before as well. http://www.kesslermusic.com/KesslerCustomSax/bassclarinet/bassclarinet.html

[Merlin]

Since Dave's updating things, I will too.

I added a Wolf Super Endpin Bumper (http://www.sfoxclarinets.com/Accessories.html#bass clar acc) to my bass. I'd heartily recommend those as a worthy addition to just about any bass or contra clarinet.

My Kessler bass is presently being used in my third season at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. It's also seen action in numerous other theatre gigs, big band work, and I used when I played with Dame Shirley Bassey.

I was thinking of trying out the Kessler bassoon too, but I'm kind of attached to the Ab/Bb trill key on my Kohlert.

[pete]

I want to hear a review of someone trying out the Eppelsheim contrabasson (http://www.eppelsheim.com/kontraforte.php?lang=en) -- for that matter, his contrabass clarinet, too.

Any chance we can get you to buy one of these, Merlin? :D

[tictactux]

I want to hear a review of someone trying out the Eppelsheim contrabasson (http://www.eppelsheim.com/kontraforte.php?lang=en) -- for that matter, his contrabass clarinet, too.
Reminds me - I inquired at Inderbinen's (http://www.inderbinen.com/) about a bass clarinet, i.e. if they'd make one if one popped by, waving a wad of money. Unfortunately, they don't.
Then again, my wad wouldn't have been thick enough anyway.

[clarnibass]

I want to hear a review of someone trying out the Eppelsheim contrabasson (http://www.eppelsheim.com/kontraforte.php?lang=en) -- for that matter, his contrabass clarinet, too.
If you can tell me how to isolate only the audio from a video file, I could post the audio of when I tried the Eppelsheim contrabass clarinet. I also tried the Ripamonti contrabass and have a short clip of that one. Both are noisy since they are from an exhibition but you can hear a bit. I wouldn't really judge much from the tone though because of that, plus I'm not really a contrabass clarinet player as I'm just considering it now, leaning towards the Eppelsheim.

Reminds me - I inquired at Inderbinen's (http://www.inderbinen.com/) about a bass clarinet, i.e. if they'd make one if one popped by, waving a wad of money. Unfortunately, they don't.
Then again, my wad wouldn't have been thick enough anyway.
For a specially made instrument I wouldn't recommend buying one unless you can try at least the same model, like is possible with Eppelsheim for example, or with Inderbinen saxophones.

[Chris J]

If you can tell me how to isolate only the audio from a video file......

I have found this free software suite to be excellent. You will find a video to MP3 converter amongst the choices

http://www.dvdvideosoft.com/

Chris

[tictactux]

I have found this free software suite to be excellent. You will find a video to MP3 converter amongst the choices

http://www.dvdvideosoft.com/

Chris

And if all goes wrong, just start both the video player and some sound recorder and record the audio while the video is playing. (often (ab)used to convert some DRM-protected music into MP3)

[clarnibass]

Chris, I tried this program and it supposeldy created the mp3 file but actually only took a few seconds which seemed weird and the file created was tiny and didn't work.

Ben, can you explain how to do this? Can I just play the video file, for example in Winamp, then record with something like Audacity?

[tictactux]

Ben, can you explain how to do this? Can I just play the video file, for example in Winamp, then record with something like Audacity?
Exactly. You may want to play around with the audio mixer (double-click on the speaker symbol in your system tray to bring it up).
Here's a screenshot of recording a Youtube movie with Audacity. All you have to do is select "Stereo Mix" as the sound source and adjust the volume a bit.

http://www.hochstrasser.org/wiki/files/RecordWithAudacity.png

[pete]

Well, in my case, I don't really mind the audio or not, I just want reviews: how good or bad they play, especially in comparison to "standard" horns. What you liked and didn't like. How the intonation and tone are. That sorta thing.

I'm probably never going to pick up those horns, so I'm trying to live vicariously :).

[clarnibass]

Now the problem is that the scroll down menu that you have in your photo to choose Stereo Mix is gray without a possibility to choose anything. For whatever reason the Help doesn't help, doesn't work for some reason. I'm about to give up :)

[tictactux]

Now the problem is that the scroll down menu that you have in your photo to choose Stereo Mix is gray without a possibility to choose anything. For whatever reason the Help doesn't help, doesn't work for some reason. I'm about to give up :)
Er...what Operating System? I can imagine it's different in Linux or MacOS...

[clarnibass]

OK an older version of the same program worked.

Keep in mind I only had a few hours with the Eppelsheim and less with the Ripamonti and this is pretty much the most I've played contrabass clarinet. I also wouldn't give the most significance to different tone because the position of the recorder (camera) was different and their stands had very different acoustics too, plus all the noise from the hall.

http://www.nitailevi.com/temp/eppelsheim_cbcl.mp3

http://www.nitailevi.com/temp/ripamonti_cbcl.mp3

For a review, I can mention some things. Each of those instruments had some advantages and disadvantages, but overall I thought the Eppelsheim was better. Only some notes had slightly better response on the Ripamonti, even with just two register vents. I spoke with Benedikt about some changes to change response of some notes that are possible to make (e.g. different size register holes which I personally prefer, though other players might prefer the standard size).

Tone was great on both instruments IMO. I think people trying them would probably prefer the tone of one over the other, but which one depends on the person trying them. I liked some of the notes better on the Ripamonti but it was a lot more inconsistent too. Basically the best sounding the responding notes of the Ripamonti were especially nice but there just weren't that many of them to be significant overall. Also the better response was worse response depending on how exactly you approach the notes.

The ergonomics and mechanics of the Ripamonti are very problematic. Some keys are not in logical positions and the mechanical design in general can be improved a lot. The eppelsheim is very good mechanically. Really great design and inovative ideas. The position and angle of the neck and fingers feel a little strange at first but relatively easy to get used to. It has an automatic quadruple register key mechanism! Since I'm not used to any contrabass clarinet I felt like I need to get used to both of them.

Intonation seemed (from what is possible playing for a few hours in an exhibition) very good for Eppelsheim. Ripamonti was decent also except a few notes that had problems, like the top couple of notes of the clarion were very sharp.

I also briefly tried the Selmer Paris contrabass another time. It's more similar to Ripamonti but has better ergnomics, though still problematic and no where near as nice as the Eppelsheim. It's also costs about 50% more than either the Eppelsheim or Ripamonti.

I think realistically I'm only considering the Eppelsheim.

[tictactux]

OK an older version of the same program worked.
Yeah, Audacity 1.3.x is still very rough around some edges (no big surprise as it's still a beta version); for Production work use 1.2.6. Fortunately both can be installed on the same machine.