Bass Clarinets
Discover high-quality bass clarinets for students, advancing players, and professional musicians. Whether you’re upgrading your setup or starting your journey with the bass clarinet, we offer a curated selection of instruments known for their rich tone, excellent craftsmanship, and reliable performance. Shop models from trusted brands like Royal Global and Buffet, and find the perfect fit for your musical needs.
1-Year
Warranty
Hand-selected
Inventory
Professional
Setup
Financing
Available
Contact Us
Questions? Our clarinet experts are available to answer all your pre-sale questions.
(410) 651-3040
riceclarinetworks@gmail.com
Request an appointment to visit our Showroom at:
126 Cathedral St
Annapolis, MD
About Bass Clarinets
The bass clarinet is a larger, lower-pitched member of the clarinet family, known for its deep, rich tone and impressive range. While it shares the same basic key system and fingerings as the soprano (Bb) clarinet, the bass clarinet is pitched an octave lower and typically features a curved neck and upturned bell. Used in concert bands, orchestras, jazz ensembles, and even solo performances, the bass clarinet offers a unique sound that blends power with warmth.
Whether you’re a student looking to expand your range or a professional clarinetist seeking a dynamic second instrument, the bass clarinet is a versatile addition to your musical toolkit.
Why Buy Your Royal Global Clarinet from Us?
We are clarinetists with many years of performing and clarinet repair experience, so we know exactly how a great instrument should play and feel.
- 1-Year Warranty: We offer a full-year warranty on all Royal Global and Buffet clarinets.
- Hand-selected Inventory: We personally select the very best clarinets they have to offer.
- Professional Setup: We professionally set up each instrument we offer to ensure your clarinet is playing at its absolute best.
- Financing Options Available: Shop now and pay over time with flexible financing options through Synchrony.
Bass Clarinet Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes the Bass Clarinet Special?
The bass clarinet stands out for its bold, resonant tone and wide expressive range. Capable of everything from dark, sonorous lows to bright upper-register clarity, it adds depth and dimension to any ensemble. Compared to other wind instruments, it offers a surprisingly lyrical voice and is featured in both traditional and contemporary repertoire.
Modern bass clarinets, including professional and intermediate models, come with advanced key mechanisms and improved ergonomics—making them more accessible and easier to play than ever before. Whether you’re playing in a symphonic setting or exploring avant-garde jazz, the bass clarinet’s unique character makes it an essential voice in today’s music world.
Is It Hard to Switch from Clarinet to Bass Clarinet?
If you already play the Bb clarinet, switching to the bass clarinet is easier than you might think. The fingerings are nearly identical, and many of the foundational techniques—like breath control, articulation, and embouchure—carry over naturally. That said, the bass clarinet does require some adjustment due to its size, added weight, and lower register.
Most clarinetists find the transition smooth with just a bit of practice. Once you’re comfortable handling the instrument’s slightly different response and key layout, you’ll discover new musical possibilities and a broader tonal palette. Whether you’re a student expanding your skill set or a professional looking for new performance opportunities, learning the bass clarinet is a rewarding step forward.
Do you have a Trial Policy?
The trial policy for any instrument is seven days upon delivery. You can try as many instruments as you would like, and any instrument shipped must be paid for. After choosing your favorite, simply return the other instrument(s), and your card will be refunded (minus a 5% restocking fee). Please contact us if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule an appointment to play-test instruments.
What's involved in your Professional Clarinet Setup
With our setup, your clarinet will be its very best from the start! Clarinets from any factory are not perfect in terms of keywork, pads, spring tension, etc. What sets us apart is that every single clarinet receives a full professional-quality setup to make the mechanical feel and function as good as the sound. We spend a great deal of time addressing every issue that can keep your clarinet from playing its absolute best. Every clarinet is checked to make sure the following things are perfect:
- Pressure/Suction: No leaking pads
- Key Movement: No binding or drag
- Spring Tension: Proper tension and balance
- Ring Heights: Checked for proper evenness and height
- Pad Height Opening: Checked for proper venting (no stuffiness)
- Key Spatula Locations: Key positions checked for ergonomics
Do you offer instrument financing?
Yes! We have financing available, so you can shop now and pay over time with flexible financing options through Synchrony. Learn more at www.mysynchrony.com/mmc/GA214313416.