This video is a UA-cam masterpiece. It’s got it all: Michael’s signature humor and informed opinion, skillfully edited to include Stravinsky with unexpected visual humor.
I got a Firebird about a year ago as a double to my clarinet in my jazz band. Very happy with the instrument! Everyone loves the sound. Deep and distinctive.
Thank you for this review! I’ve been looking for a low C bass clarinet ever since I graduated college, but I simply can’t afford the outrageous prices of the Buffet or Selmer instruments. I’ll definitely keep this brand in mind for those who want a low C bass clarinet for a good price!
Excellent, always honest and to the point commentary. I love the honest information you give and you are one hellava player. My God, your sound and technique on the bass clarinet is incredible. Thanks again for posting
Thanks for the review! I basically take your opinions about these things as scripture, so. If there was one thing that would take these reviews over the top, it would be recording the excerpts with a nice microphone. To hear a player of your caliber with more clarity would make hearing the differences between the horns more obvious. But, regardless, these videos are always incredibly valuable- thanks for making them!
Thank you for doing this review! I have been wanting to get a new bass and I was looking at the Royal Global Polaris and Firebird, but I could not find a review for the Firebird. I am grateful for your professional opinion.
I have been waiting for this review since the Polaris. Sounds amazing that Royal is filling in the gap between 4000 to 12000 dollar range. I would be interested in what your ranking is between all the bass clarinets You have already reviewed for first level: student, college, semi-pro, and pro.
My impression is Michael sells what he believes in: Kesslers for the students (in midnight edition if they want), Royal Polaris for the step-up, then Royal Firebird. The pros should be experienced enough to choose for themselves and both Buffet and Selmer make fine instruments. Michael’s preference between the two is obvious. Everything else I’ve seen him review over the years has fallen somewhere between bad and “meh, there are better choices.”
Hi Mike, Is there any reason that the Tosca isn't mentioned too much on the channel? Usually Buffett is associated with the Prestige, but where does the Tosca fall in this Selmer vs. Prestige vs. Firebird lineup? Thanks :)
The importance of good customer service cannot be overstated! I hope they’re still going strong in this regard by the time I’m in the market for a new bass clarinet. Even though I also prefer Selmers this might make a difference.
My order of preference: 1) Sound-colour-wise the second one, I love the dark low notes, but scratchy 2) The third one, little bit brighter, ligther and cleaner than 1) 3) The first one, to bright and scratchy, not my taste Perspective of a German style clarinet player
Thank you for this review, Mike! I am wondering about the right hand thumb placement of the Royal Firebird? Is it about the same as a Yamaha pro bass or like the Buffest Prestige? The Prestige right hand thumb rest sits slightly lower, making those with shorter arms than average have to twist to use the right hand under the thumb rest. I am also wondering if you have ever reviewed the Ridenour intermediate C foot bass? Thanks!
Hi Mike, question... Is there a video where you tried inexpensive Soprano.clarinets, I think with Mike Notsworthy? I.ask because I seem to recall that video,and that some of these instruments were better than others, and because I'm in the market for a cheap instrument that I can stck in a suitcase and take with me on vacation to keep my chops in good shape.
I correctly guessed the Selmer was number 2, but I was shocked to find I had switched the other two. The Buffet sounded significantly worse than the Royal, to me. Do all Buffets sound that stuffy?
A lot do. But , of course, not all do. However , those D,E,F on the staff notes are STUFFY! Don’t know why Buffet does not fix them!!! 😣 Selmers don’t have that low growl like Buffets but they are even, smooth and supple.
No its about the setup. The Buffet bass clarinets can produce the absolute purest bass clarinet sound you can possible get from any other bass clarinet. BUT you cannot achieve this with the exact same setup you use for a Selmer bass clarinet.
Does this company have a plan to manufacture E-flat and B-flat Contrabass Clarinets? I would definitely be interested! Thanks for this review. Selmer fan here, also!
Thank you!!! I have a question about Patricola instruments. I'm dying to get my hands on a full boehm clarinet. Patricola makes one that is reasonably priced. What's your opinion on Patricola clarinets?
I'm happy to see that the bells are easily interchangeable. I was wondering if Royal was forward thinking enough to included that provision. This unique customization gives you the best of both worlds. Now all I need to do is decide whether to get the new car this summer, or the clarinet?
Can you please do the pros and cons for the firebird and the Kessler midnight model pleaseeee I’m going to get either one but I don’t have the 8000 but I don’t really want to have to waste much more later one in life. Please do a video on this soon I need it 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Sounded like Bach. I bet someone more familiar with clarinet repertoire knows exactly which piece & movement, though. I'm just a 🎷 player who likes to think he's proficient on clarinet & bass clarinet 😆
Kessler is not made of wood, it's a Chinese brand that Kessler overhauls. The Firebird is made of wood, so obviously not the best comparison. The prices are ~9k for the Firebird, ~2-3K for the Kessler, or you can just order the Chinese instrument directly for ~1k and have your repairman work on it a bit if it needs that.
I agree that the Selmer produced the most even sound. That on my computer speakers from a violist, cornettist, and (gasp!) accordionist. Yes, I'm going to hell.
“A gentleman is a man who can play the accordion, but doesn’t.” Quote from my Dad who had to take lessons as a kid. (I hope you don’t mind a good natured poke in the ribs over your multi instrument talent.)
This video is a UA-cam masterpiece. It’s got it all: Michael’s signature humor and informed opinion, skillfully edited to include Stravinsky with unexpected visual humor.
I got a Firebird about a year ago as a double to my clarinet in my jazz band. Very happy with the instrument! Everyone loves the sound.
Deep and distinctive.
Thank you for this review! I’ve been looking for a low C bass clarinet ever since I graduated college, but I simply can’t afford the outrageous prices of the Buffet or Selmer instruments. I’ll definitely keep this brand in mind for those who want a low C bass clarinet for a good price!
Excellent, always honest and to the point commentary. I love the honest information you give and you are one hellava player. My God, your sound and technique on the bass clarinet is incredible. Thanks again for posting
Thanks for the review! I basically take your opinions about these things as scripture, so. If there was one thing that would take these reviews over the top, it would be recording the excerpts with a nice microphone. To hear a player of your caliber with more clarity would make hearing the differences between the horns more obvious. But, regardless, these videos are always incredibly valuable- thanks for making them!
I do record the instruments for sale in my site with a $4,000 tube mic, so you can check those out on Earspasm.com
Thank you for doing this review! I have been wanting to get a new bass and I was looking at the Royal Global Polaris and Firebird, but I could not find a review for the Firebird. I am grateful for your professional opinion.
I have been waiting for this review since the Polaris. Sounds amazing that Royal is filling in the gap between 4000 to 12000 dollar range. I would be interested in what your ranking is between all the bass clarinets You have already reviewed for first level: student, college, semi-pro, and pro.
My impression is Michael sells what he believes in: Kesslers for the students (in midnight edition if they want), Royal Polaris for the step-up, then Royal Firebird. The pros should be experienced enough to choose for themselves and both Buffet and Selmer make fine instruments. Michael’s preference between the two is obvious.
Everything else I’ve seen him review over the years has fallen somewhere between bad and “meh, there are better choices.”
Its about freaking time.
Hi Mike,
Is there any reason that the Tosca isn't mentioned too much on the channel? Usually Buffett is associated with the Prestige, but where does the Tosca fall in this Selmer vs. Prestige vs. Firebird lineup? Thanks :)
I'll do a Tosca review next :) I've got one here
Thanks for the excellent review. I'm going to try one of those.
The importance of good customer service cannot be overstated! I hope they’re still going strong in this regard by the time I’m in the market for a new bass clarinet. Even though I also prefer Selmers this might make a difference.
Customer service is paramount, and far too many times its taken for granted. Its the reason so many companies fail. Even old ones.
The till Eulenspiegel brought back some D A R K memories as a bassoonist!! That excerpt is from HELL
Thank you so much for your evaluation of these fine instruments.
My order of preference:
1) Sound-colour-wise the second one, I love the dark low notes, but scratchy
2) The third one, little bit brighter, ligther and cleaner than 1)
3) The first one, to bright and scratchy, not my taste
Perspective of a German style clarinet player
Thank you for the review! Been considering to buy a bass clarinet with lower price but has decent sound quality, I’ll add this to one of my options.
do you ever think youll review the wiseman carbon fiber bass clarinet bell ?
I know a few years ago you compaired metal and wood bass bells.
Seems like I should look at the Firebird and the Polaris as possible upgrades to my 50+ year old wood LeBlanc.
i love your videos! thank you so much for posting!!!
My band directory bought one of these and he let me use it for a bit and it feels amazing to play compared to my Yamaha and antigua
Thank you for this review, Mike! I am wondering about the right hand thumb placement of the Royal Firebird? Is it about the same as a Yamaha pro bass or like the Buffest Prestige? The Prestige right hand thumb rest sits slightly lower, making those with shorter arms than average have to twist to use the right hand under the thumb rest. I am also wondering if you have ever reviewed the Ridenour intermediate C foot bass? Thanks!
Thank you for all your excellent videos ! Great advice ❤
I need this so bad 😭
Thanks so much.
In the sound comparison the third one sounded different than the other two imo
Awesome review! I'd love to see your take on the Espressivo bass clarinet too
Thanks for this new video, and for the translation in french !!! if I hadn't found a used prestige, I could have taken a polaris
Hi Mike, question... Is there a video where you tried inexpensive Soprano.clarinets, I think with Mike Notsworthy?
I.ask because I seem to recall that video,and that some of these instruments were better than others, and because I'm in the market for a cheap instrument that I can stck in a suitcase and take with me on vacation to keep my chops in good shape.
Does anyone know the name of the piece being played?
I love the sound of the bass clarinet in Jazz music. Can you tell me what groups or players I can listen to in the jazz idiom? Thanks
Eric Dolphy is one...
I correctly guessed the Selmer was number 2, but I was shocked to find I had switched the other two. The Buffet sounded significantly worse than the Royal, to me. Do all Buffets sound that stuffy?
I guessed the same as you and prefered the Royal over the Buffet :)
A lot do. But , of course, not all do. However , those D,E,F on the staff notes are STUFFY! Don’t know why Buffet does not fix them!!! 😣 Selmers don’t have that low growl like Buffets but they are even, smooth and supple.
@@emjay2045 Oh, I can make my Selmer growl! 😁
No its about the setup. The Buffet bass clarinets can produce the absolute purest bass clarinet sound you can possible get from any other bass clarinet. BUT you cannot achieve this with the exact same setup you use for a Selmer bass clarinet.
Does this company have a plan to manufacture E-flat and B-flat Contrabass Clarinets? I would definitely be interested! Thanks for this review. Selmer fan here, also!
Thank you!!! I have a question about Patricola instruments. I'm dying to get my hands on a full boehm clarinet. Patricola makes one that is reasonably priced. What's your opinion on Patricola clarinets?
I'm happy to see that the bells are easily interchangeable. I was wondering if Royal was forward thinking enough to included that provision. This unique customization gives you the best of both worlds. Now all I need to do is decide whether to get the new car this summer, or the clarinet?
As long as either one is a Firebird ;) lol
@@canisdirus2378 Hmm, if I could find a used Firebird I could probably afford both. Not sure how reliable it would last though.
What is that song you used for the mystery play test
You should review the Yamaha 622 bass clarinet
Does Royal Global have any plans to make a synthetic bass clarinet? The polaris is outside of my price range
i guessed correctly the buffet, probably because i own one!
Very useful video! Thank you. May I ask what mouthpiece you played in the comparison? Is this your usual?
Yep, a Vandoren B50
Wich is name of the music you played? Could you share? Thank u
Can you please do the pros and cons for the firebird and the Kessler midnight model pleaseeee I’m going to get either one but I don’t have the 8000 but I don’t really want to have to waste much more later one in life. Please do a video on this soon I need it 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
He did do a review. You’ll have to search on the Tube
The Firebird is near pro. A step above the Kessler.
what is the name of the piece you played for the blind test? :) great review btw
Sounded like Bach. I bet someone more familiar with clarinet repertoire knows exactly which piece & movement, though. I'm just a 🎷 player who likes to think he's proficient on clarinet & bass clarinet 😆
Is there a way you could just buy specific parts?
Like a key or two? ;)
@@earspasm Well, it does make me wonder if you can make hybrid bass clarinets by mixing their parts. Could be a fun experiment.
@@Omega3131 Ugg, that sound like a disaster in the making. A Frankenstein bass clarinet.
what wins: the kessler low c or the firebird?
There are no winners or losers. Only choices. :)
Firebird without a doubt
Kessler is not made of wood, it's a Chinese brand that Kessler overhauls. The Firebird is made of wood, so obviously not the best comparison. The prices are ~9k for the Firebird, ~2-3K for the Kessler, or you can just order the Chinese instrument directly for ~1k and have your repairman work on it a bit if it needs that.
How would you compare it with a Ridenour low-C ?
The Ridenour is not in the same league as this. TBH, the Ridenour isn’t in the same league as the Kessler.
@@earspasm Are you talking about the brand new Ridenour bass? The one that just came out and has been improved?
Haven’t tried a ridenour for a few years, so I can’t compare this to that.
please tell me how to find your bass store on the internet
Earspasm.com
Holy crap this video has a title and description transaltion?!?!!?!?
i kinda despise that but thats just me lol xD
I got it right
Is it wood or plastic?
Wood, with silver plated keys
Plastic?
I agree that the Selmer produced the most even sound. That on my computer speakers from a violist, cornettist, and (gasp!) accordionist.
Yes, I'm going to hell.
“A gentleman is a man who can play the accordion, but doesn’t.” Quote from my Dad who had to take lessons as a kid. (I hope you don’t mind a good natured poke in the ribs over your multi instrument talent.)
Sax players shouldn't have to play this.
Not sure im understanding the point of your comment.
Ignore
@@rashakor He’s most likely in a standard jazz band in which the sax players are expected to learn bass clarinet
Sax players should *want* to play bass clarinet!