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Kessler Custom Low C Bass Clarinet – 2nd Generation
Retail: $3,595.00
$2,179.00
Financing Starting at $49.57 per month
Based on 60 months and 12.99% annual percentage rate
Sold Out – Now Taking Deposits for July Batch!
Our latest batch (what we call a “Free For All” batch – see our release schedule here for details) is already sold out! However, the next batch is due around the end of July and it is available for pre-order with a deposit! If you would like to reserve one from this next batch, please send Dave Kessler an e-mail for further instructions!
If you do not want to reserve one from this next batch, but would like to stay updated on information about the next batch, please use the notification form below.
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Kessler Custom Artist Series Low C Bass Clarinet
2nd Generation Design | Synthetic Body | Improved Keywork
As a business, we have always sought to provide excellent quality instruments at affordable prices. Many times though the music industry as a whole does not offer instruments that are both affordable and high quality for the customer’s needs. Our Kessler Custom Low C Bass Clarinet was one of the most popular products in our line as a result of this philosophy. However, while we loved that instrument, there were several things that we felt could be done better on it. So in 2016, the decision was made to improve this product to fix those items that were “OK for the price” with an instrument that was all around excellent. That instrument is our new 2nd Generation Kessler Custom Artist Series Low C Bass Clarinet!
2nd Generation – Artist Series Low C Bass Clarinet
Our Artist Series Low C Bass Clarinet maintains all of the positive elements of the 1st generation design and improves upon them. The improvements made were to the mechanism, lower note intonation stability, body material, and case. Furthermore, this improvement in design was done by focusing on a 1 factory sourcing. Our previous instrument used parts supplied through 2 different factories.
By sourcing all parts through 1 factory, our new 2nd Generation Artist Series Low C Bass Clarinet is able to see a price reduction compared to the 1st gen model! While most companies would simply pocket the savings, our goal is to provide the customer with the best value always, so when we save, we pass those savings on!
But how does it REALLY play?!
Check out the review done by Michael Lowenstern (@Earspasm). Michael is known for his fantastically in depth bass clarinet reviews and we were finally able to send him one of our 2nd Gen Low C Bass Clarinet models for him to review. He even does a blind side by side comparison of it up against his Selmer Paris Privilege Low C Bass Clarinet (he has the cool one with all the black metal finish too)… you might be shocked at what you hear!! Take a look & listen:
Michael was not compensated for this review and received no personal gain for it. He does his reviews because he loves to do it! We did not have any input in to his review and saw it for the first time when it was posted live on YouTube. A big thanks to Michael for taking the time to do the review! Go check out his website at:
Mouthpiece, Ligature & Case Add-On Options
Mouthpiece Add-On Options
Our low C bass clarinet does not include a mouthpiece with it (since most people buying a bass clarinet already have a mouthpiece). However, if you do not have one, or perhaps you want to upgrade your setup, take advantage of our discounted mouthpiece options. Generally, we recommend looking at something with a slightly larger tip opening on a low C bass clarinet since the body tube is much longer than an standard low Eb bass clarinet. We offer options from Clark Fobes, our own Kessler Custom, Vandoren, Selmer Paris & Backun!
Our low C bass clarinet does not include a mouthpiece with it (since most people buying a bass clarinet already have a mouthpiece). However, if you do not have one, or perhaps you want to upgrade your setup, take advantage of our discounted mouthpiece options. Generally, we recommend looking at something with a slightly larger tip opening on a low C bass clarinet since the body tube is much longer than an standard low Eb bass clarinet. We offer options from Clark Fobes, our own Kessler Custom, Vandoren, Selmer Paris & Backun!
If there is a mouthpiece that you are interested in that is not listed here, please feel free to send Dave Kessler and email and he will be able to help you out.
Mouthpiece Add-On Options (pricing valid ONLY with purchase of bass clarinet)
- Fobes Debut: $45.00
- K.Custom: $115.00
- Vandoren B45: $135.00
- Vandoren B50: $135.00
- Vandoren Black Diamond: $145.00
- Selmer Paris Focus (smaller): $235.00
- Selmer Paris Concept (larger): $235.00
- Backun MoBa Bass Plus: $300.00
- Backun CG Crystal: $300.00
Ligature Add-On Options
Your ligature has a huge impact on the tonal presence and overall response of your new instrument setup, and especially on the extended length of the Low C bass clarinet, can make an unbelievable impact!
For performance ligatures, we recommend either a Rovner Versa or Vandoren Optimum ligature to your new mouthpiece setup on our low C bass clarinet to achieve the best performance possible! Of course, if there is a ligature that you want that is not listed (a Silverstein for example), please feel free to send Dave Kessler and email and he will be able to help you out!
Ligature Add-On Options (pricing valid ONLY with purchase of bass clarinet)
- Rovner Versa Ligature: $45.00
- Vandoren Optimum Ligature: $65.00
BAM Case Upgrade
Our new low C bass clarinet has an upgraded case that is an upgrade from the original model. However, if you want the best case in terms of fit, portability & protection, we recommend the BAM France Trekking case for low C bass clarinet. This case fits our instrument perfectly and offers the most superior protection available on a low C bass clarinet’s sensitive keywork. Take advantage of a generous discount when you bundle the BAM case with our low C bass clarinet at the time of purchase!
The cost for this upgrade is $450.00 – While this is not “cheap”, it is the BEST protection you can get in a case for your new bass clarinet. It is well worth the investment. The bass clarinet would ship inside of the BAM case; you would not receive 2 cases.
Of course, BAM makes other models but they are all more expensive. However, if there is a specific BAM model that you are interested in bundling with our Low C Bass Clarinet, please feel free to send Dave Kessler and email and he will build a custom quote just for your needs!
Additional Information
Body Material – 2nd Gen Model
Our new 2nd Generation Artist Series Low C Bass Clarinet saw a major change in the material used for the body. The first generation model used Hard Rubber as it was a low cost way to provide a richer tone like wood, but also provide stability. However, hard rubber still has a good weight to it and can also develop a sulfuric smell over time.
Our 2nd Generation model instead uses a lighter weight synthetic. In addition to the decreased weight (which is very helpful on this large of an instrument), this synthetic provides excellent stability and great tonality! The lighter weight material improves overall response throughout the instrument and provides exceptional tonal balance throughout the registers.
Bore Design
The body design of our bass clarinet is patterned mainly after a Japanese bore concept. This gives the instrument stable intonation and even performance. Our 2nd Generation design further improved on the overall pitch throughout the instrument’s full range over the 1st Generation design.
Key & Neck Design
Unlike the body design, our low C bass clarinet gets its neck design from a French concept. The French neck concept provides for a richer tone and the keywork offers what we believe to be better overall feel. The keywork on the 2nd Gen model provides even better feel & stability over the 1st Generation design. Equipped with a double register mechanism, as well as right-hand thumb D, Db & C keys as well as left hand Eb and D levers (with a significant mechanical improvement on the left hand low D lever over the 1st Gen model), our new Low C Bass Clarinet is an unrivaled value!
Professionally Setup
Every Kessler Custom low C bass clarinet we send out to a customer is not released from us unless it has been completely setup in our shop first. This is because the setup on any low C bass clarinet is of the utmost importance! Sometimes, a clarinet (regardless of who the manufacturer or the price point is) comes in needing 20 minutes of adjustments and then the very next one can require 2 hours!
This is why we perform our setup (in our www.ClarinetRepairs.com ProShop) on your clarinet before delivering it to you. You trust us with your purchase and we want to make sure that you are rewarded by giving you your new low C bass clarinet setup flawlessly!
Shipping Exclusions
Please note that we are currently only offering our Low C Bass Clarinet for shipments inside of the USA or Canada. We are not offering any other international shipping options at this time for this instrument.
Special Note About Alignment
Rotational alignment of your bass clarinet is critical with double register mechanisms such as what is used on our bass. For this reason, we do “scratch” in to the center joint an alignment mark in to the instrument at the back of the clarinet, near the strap ring (not shown in the photos). This mark is intentional and is there to use as an alignment guide for customers to properly assemble their instrument. While this is not the most eloquent of solutions, it is the current solution employed. We will be working on a mechanical solution in the future to prevent the need for this mark, but when that feature is finalized, a corresponding price increase on the instrument will follow.
Financing Available
Financing Available
Click Here for more information on financing program details and to apply!
12.99% APR. Subject to approval by First Mutual Finance.
7 reviews for Kessler Custom Low C Bass Clarinet – 2nd Generation
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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. 🙂