Now with “Gen 2 Plus” Setup!
In late 2021, we began experimenting on a more advanced setup to our Low C Bass Clarinets. While the instruments were already great instruments, we found that some of the most discerning players were seeking even a little more out of our bass clarinet. Our new “Gen 2 Plus” Setup involves more time in our shop of course which led to a small price increase, but the end result is marked improvement in performance in several of the more problematic areas on the bass clarinet.
This new setup includes additional tonehole undercutting & custom key height adjustments to improve tonal voicing and response specifically in the right hand of the instrument helping to further improve the acoustic balance of the instrument. This new setup is standard on all of our Kessler Custom bass clarinet models as of January 1, 2022.
pacifictrailcc (verified owner) –
First off, I want to say I really didn’t expect a $2000 instrument to play at the level of a Selmer. However this is exactly what Kessler and Sons has created. The altissimo register is very easy and clear, the clarion register is very smooth and resonant, and the chalumeau register (low notes) is very controlled. This instrument can be played very quiet or extremely loud while maintaining that sweet bass clarinet sound. It has the professional features of a double register key and an extended range to low C which both perform flawlessly. If you want to save A LOT of money but dont want to sacrifice ANY quality, I highly reccomend this isntrument!
ajkohlhepp0 (verified owner) –
I have had my Kessler Low C for three months now and I love it! I had my professor do a set up on it and there were a few minor leaks but nothing serious. Fixing those leaks did not change the amazing playability of this instrument! The chalumeau range beefy and the clarion register is very smooth. The finish is not the best but this is only cosmetic. I like the worn look so there is a plus for me actually! Overall, if you’re looking for a solid playing instrument whatever level you are because nobody really wants to pay 13,000 on a bass clarinet, this is your instrument.
bassclarinetislife (verified owner) –
The instrument was well packed and no damage was apparent from shipping. Corks did need quite a bit of greasing before the instrument could be put together. The instrument is smooth across all of its register and resonates well. Intonation is really good except on anomaly— the Low E which I have to lip up to bring into tune. Definitely would recommend over any Plastic Low E Flat Bass Clarinet, which are similar in price brand new.
abreed (verified owner) –
This is a great instrument. I was looking for an inexpensive way to get a Low C bass clarinet, and the Michael Lowenstern review convinced me that this instrument was worth a try. Wow! I’m blown away at the quality of the Kessler Cstomer Low C Bass Clarinet , and will likely be letting it replace my Selmer Paris bass clarinet (to low Eb) entirely. It’s exactly as Lowenstern said — maybe better! Highly recommended.
rowdyroberson (verified owner) –
I’ll be frank, this instrument is fantastic! It’s great for those who are beginning the Bass Clarinet. I’ve played on this instrument for a while and it sounds amazing! I already got the fingering down as it’s 99% similar to the Soprano Clarinet (Bb Soprano Clarinets usually don’t go down to low Eb or C). Literally, for anybody who is new to the Bass Clarinet, if the sound isn’t great it’s YOU, not the instrument. Came very quickly (that said I do live in Arizona), and was well packaged. At first, like most instruments, it does require a MEGATON of cork grease to assemble the middle piece, but that’s my only gripe about it. Definitely worth a buy!
Bill Lehecka (verified owner) –
I played bass clarinet in High School 20 some odd years ago. My father gave me a Yamaha YCL-622ii BC as a graduation gift. It was a lovely instrument, but it soon stayed in my closet gathering dust as my passion for music faded. Eventually, I sold it so I could buy a house (As you may know, those Yamahas could cover a nice downpayment). 20 years later, I picked up the bass clarinet again thanks to my girlfriend’s encouragement. I was borrowing horns she had access to and playing in our local community band, but I was missing something. I was missing the feel and the resonance of a low C Bass Clarinet.
On YouTube, I see Michael Lowenstern’s review of this Kessler Custom Low C Bass Clarinet, and I’m like “There’s no way this horn could be a little over two grand and sound this good.” I showed my girlfriend the video to see if this would be a good investment (She is the professional, I trust her judgment) and she was like “Wow, that sounds really good. If you get it, I’m going to have to borrow it!”
Pound for pound, this is a wonderful instrument at its price point. The clarion register is the best I’ve ever heard on a horn I’ve played. It comes out effortlessly. The lower register sounds meaty and tone wise, it’s stellar. I initially bought a Yamaha 4C mouthpiece for this (Since I had it with my YCL-622ii, I figured it would be OK), and Dave Kessler personally recommended that I try the Clark Fobes mouthpiece instead. Of course he was right. This bass clarinet is the best value for your money if you want to explore what a Low C Bass Clarinet can offer you or if you are a doubler. You can’t go wrong with the price point coupled with the excellent customer service.
bekeld (verified owner) –
I had bought Kessler’s bari sax previously and was blown away by the quality, tone, and ease of playing. Michael Lowenstern (if you don’t subscribe to his YouTube channel yet, go now…I’ll wait…) posted a review of the Kessler Custom Low C 2nd Generation. When he did a blind side by side test against his custom Privilege…just wow.
I own a competitor’s low C, which plays fine after over $1000 of overhaul (rods had too much play among other issues). The Kessler’s sound has a darker solid core, an even range from the low C to the altissimo G, and is free blowing. And the price is right. 🙂
annaedwards1 (verified owner) –
I am extremely amazed at how well this instrument plays! The chalumeau notes are nice and beefy. The clarion notes are very smooth! The altissimo notes are amazing!! The keys are sturdy and well thought out. I highly recommend this horn!
yanniswise (verified owner) –
Last week I received my Kessler Custom Low C Bass Clarinet – 2nd Generation!
As I’m not a clarinet player (been playing the soprano saxophone exclusively for 30 years and a bit of alto!) it took me about a week to get used to it’s fingerings and start playing decently in the clarion and altisimo registers and produce a good sound that I can enjoy.
My impressions so far?
I love this instrument!
It has a gorgeous and powerful sound and it looks great! It can play loud but it can also whisper.
The keys and mechanism are solid and working smoothly and without being noisy.
And as for my experience dealing with Dave Kessler was excellent from the very beginning. All his recommendations were spot on. The man knows his stuff and that was the reason I decided to buy from him, oversees with import taxes and extra shipping costs involved. Definitely worth it.
Overall I’m very happy with this instrument and I think it was the best choice considering it’s price.
The only “side effect” I’m having is since I got it I almost stopped playing my beloved saxophones and exclusively playing daily now this beautiful bass clarinet!
Yanni Hatz. Dublin
emmaclarinet (verified owner) –
This bass clarinet has gone beyond my expectations. The tone is absolutely wonderful and the lower register is unbeatable. I was skeptical at first due to the price, but when I received the instrument, I was blown away immediately. It is a joy to play, and easy to play with a solid tone.