The $2,900 Bass Clarinet: Ridenour Lyrique 925c Reviewed

“Because I don’t think Tom likes me very much”

Bboard posts suggest this is a severe understatement lol. Somehow, I’m sure he is going to interpret this as an attack on his product as opposed to a review.

Breath through your nose you will be a better performer. Big gasp of air sssssshhhhhouuuup.True.

are you a saxophobe player?

Thanks for the heads-up on those adjustment screws! Currently borrowing a 925e and had the same issue.

You get what you pay for. These bass clarinets are horrible for any serious musician.

Any suggestions for a mouthpiece and reed combination for this horn? I have purchased one and got a general alignment on the horn right after unboxing it and realizing some keys were very much out of alignment. I still have some trouble getting a round sound on clarion high G-B flat on top of the staff. I can sound them, but it’s not as nice of a sound that I used to get out on my old Vito bass clarinet.

My 2 cents: I bought a 925c last year...Michael’s review was the deciding factor for me (and that I am a sucker for that grunty round chalumeau).

Played absolutely wonderful out of the box. Day or two later began to have problems crossing the break or playing above high G. Got it adjusted...didn’t last. Dropped it, adjusted. Adjusted again, and again, and again..,each time it would go out worse than before. I was trying to play the bass clarinet solo in Blue Shades. By concert time I didn’t trust my horn, I blamed myself, and I hated playing.

Finally was told about Tenor Madness in Waterloo, Iowa. $1100+ later I have a totally new horn. The entire keyword was way too loose. Tightened it up, replaced the bent rod fom that fall, got the action faster. Plays like a dream, sounds amazing, but big unknown is how long the adjustments will last. With the adjustments that were done before the overhaul, I have $1600 into it on top of the $2,900.

My advice: go to Woodwind/Brasswind and get a payment plan. Yes, you can buy a car for what you pay for a Buffett or Selmer, but won’t have the headaches.

(I did try to have Tom diagnose it, but he hates to ship.)

Do you have a link to the sheet music for the piece that you played at the end? I'd like to use it for possible future auditions.

Hi great series of video . What bc low to c can suggest for 2/3000 usd also used if worst the money ? The kessler you have demo or there is something better for more less? (Can't afford tosca or Selmer stuff 😅) ty

If you have purchased it directly from Tom he would have made sure it worked properly.
The case is another thing entirely. I imagine it was an economy move and you might write to him and mention the problem,I know he takes pride in what he makes and sells.

He makes it sound like you can just go get a bass clarinet

Are you able to comment on any of the bass clarinets by YAMAHA???

I just ordered mine yesterday!

What do you think of the Uebel bass clarinet?

Hertz is a measurement of sound. Different instrument are recognized by their harmonics. BTW, you have to get a better mic to avoid those echos. And don't smack between thoughts..

Do you know if the kessler bass clarinet has those adjustment screws you were talking about?

Does this bass clarinet have a single or double register key?

Woah, woodwind timbral perfect pitch

What is the one you have on the left? I like it. It looks sleek.

Did you ever hear back from Tom after you posted this video? lol

What did you eventually do with this bass clarinet that you bought just for fun?

i play the saxophone why am i here

I love that cello piece you played! I played it last year and I loved it and I think I improved my personally playing ability a lot by performing it!

I watched your video about doing your taxes and you don’t earn that much money from your musical career so how can you justify dumping $2900 on a clarinet just to try it and make a video about it? Your wife must be really understanding

Nicely done.

What is that tuner called?

Hard rubber was used in vintage instruments, also called Ebonite. I have a flute with a mouthpiece of ebonite from the 30's. A bug excretes shellac after eating a certain tree sap. This shellac is then mixed with the tree sap and sulfur, then heated. So it's a more natural material than plastic.

Tom Ridenour was designer and manager from Leblanc woodwind and co. from I think about 1989

Idk what repair person you go to where you spend 100 dollars for a leak. I got a leak fixed on my tenor sax for less than 50 bucks

College student clarinetist here planning to invest in a bass clarinet "just for fun." This review was very helpful, especially because it gave me an idea of what to listen for when play testing horns myself! Thank you!

Have you heard of the odyssey premiere bass clarinet? It goes down to low c and costs at around 2000 usd.
It would be cool to see if it plays well

Why not suggest that YOU (the consumer) could put foam or cloth inside the case in those spots where you find movement that offends you? This is of course after buying one. And yes, screws Do come loose in shipment. Perhaps ALL manufacturers and Sellers of Woodwind should use a little clear nail polish on the screw head after adjusting the horn before shipment. IF they adjust the horn before shipment. I think we have lured ourselves into a situation where we (collectively) buy and sell without any intermediate quality control. China pumps out and pumps out, but we must still do our due diligence to assure quality to the NAIVE consumer. My old tech put nail polish on those screws he had adjusted. Sadly, shippers sometimes throw packages rather violently---I worked for UPS out of Edison, NJ for 3 days in 1986---But I think shippers are more sensitive now, and carriers (UPS, USPS, Fedex) are also aware that when items are damaged in shipment, the responsibility might well rest with them, for example less so in the past, with shellac 78 rpm records in the 40s and 50s, where up to 10 % of records might arrive damaged---which was also a way to cheat artists out of royalties, sadly. One hopes that the legal contracts governing such things have come much more up to date. Anyway, my 2c. Peace.

Where can I finda fingering chart for this instrument? Would like toknow all of the alternate fingerings for this horn as I am having trouble figuring out how to adjust the lower joint. I am a repair tech.

If you're in the SF Bay Area, Ingram and Brauns in Pleasanton will work with and order from Ridenour.

Why haven't the Ridenours reacted to this video? Did keep the horn or did you return it? Did the Ridenours at least thank you for your thorough and honest review?

Great video thanks! Love the Tom tshirt!

I actually fixed my flute. It wasn't easy nor fun.

What’s that app you used called

Good👍

You are a very good source!
Also, I have picked up other good “lessons” from you! (Reed balancing and repertoire)
Keep the faith!
Regards,
Richard

I bought a b flat from him. I gave it away.

Dear teacher i m a italian
And play a tenor sax,
I want buy a basso clarnet
Resina , discendente to low c
The waismann bass clarinetto
You know this horn?
His caratteristical and his qualities
His a good horn o a bada horn?
Thank you
I have subscrive on tour Chanel
By

Yes jiggly case is not good

I have a Ridenour 925c bass clarinet and I hate it. It was the worst experience I've ever had buying an instrument. Tom was super rude to me when I called to ask for support. Don't buy one of their instruments.

Please. could you tell me the name of the tuner or the link app? Tank you.

Buying on your recommendation.

What does Ridenour mean? and what is the difference to the other bass clarinets? What is the material of the instrument body? thanks

Very good, tanks

Hav ethe Lyrique and yes, the low notes do tend to be sharp which is opposite of wood based clarinets, but it's really easy to blow and, no need to bore oil for maintenance. Don't play bass clarinet but it does sound well.

Edit: Oh yeah; did purchase another case for my Lyrique (forgot to mention that earlier). lol

:)