Basset clarinets with the German
and French fingering systems | MODEL 2000 & 3000
Immerse yourself in the world of basset clarinets and discover the endless tonal possibilities offered by these extraordinary instruments. We want to invite you to find out more about our high-quality Schwenk & Seggelke basset clarinets and begin your musical journey with us.
RANGE of our Basset CLARINETS
Discover the unique sound and versatility of the basset clarinet. Technically speaking, a basset clarinet can be played down to its fundamental. This means that the basset clarinet offers an extended range, usually a major third lower, chromatically down to the played C. It shares this impressive feature with the basset horn, which is tuned in F.
Our basset clarinets are characterized by their high quality and versatility. With us you have the choice between the French and German fingering systems, as the construction of the instrument shows no audible difference between the two systems. For notes lower than E we offer the German fingering style with four keys for the right thumb or the French fingering style with two keys for the right and left little fingers (E flat/D doubled) as well as thumb keys for C sharp and C.
Basset CLARINET IN Bb
The basset clarinet in B flat was first played in Vienna in the 18th century. It is also available from Schwenk & Seggelke. Today, this versatile instrument is used in various musical styles, whether in jazz or in contemporary clarinet compositions.
Basset CLARINETS IN A
The classic in A. Most people will be familiar with the basset clarinet in A. It was used early on in Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet (KV 581) and the universally popular Mozart Clarinet Concerto (KV 622). Since then, however, more and more composers have found a use for this special instrument. Our basset clarinet in A can be heard, for example, with Shirley Brill, Charles Neidich or Toffe Sundqvist.
Christoffer Sundqvist – Mozart Clarinet Concerto
Basset CLARINETS IN G
At Schwenk & Seggelke we not only offer the classical basset clarinet in A and Bb, but also other exciting pitches that will broaden your musical horizons. Between the warm sound of the basset horn and the familiar basset clarinet in A, we build an instrument in G that we are proud to have brought back to life.
Please also visit Richard Haynes‘ website on this topic.
Richard Haynes – Clarinet d’Amore Reimagined
You can also visit Richard Haynes and his basset clarinet on Soundcloud
PERSONALISED fingering systems
Thanks to the purely cylindrical bore of all our basset clarinets, there is no audible difference between fingering systems. That’s why we build basset clarinets in both the French and German fingering systems. For the notes lower than E, the German fingering system has four keys for the right thumb, the French fingering system prefers two keys for the right and left little fingers (E flat/D doubled), as well as thumb keys for C sharp and C. Instead of a complete instrument, it is also possible to order just a basset lower joint to fit to your own clarinet upper joint.
INDIVIDUAL CHOICE OF WOOD
With our basset clarinets, we offer you the option of choosing between four types of wood. Each type of wood gives the instrument an individual sound characteristic and allows you to find the perfect sound for your music.
Grenadilla
Boxwood
Mopane
Cocobolo
INNOVATIONS that make the difference
FEATURE THUMB KEYS
The design of our four thumb keys for E flat, D, D flat and C follows the traditional order: four buttons arranged clockwise. As with the basset horn and bass clarinet, we have ergonomically optimized the lever movements.
FEATURE LITTLE FINGER KEYS
The small-finger mechanism for basset clarinets is a crucial part of the instrument’s design, influencing playability and the ability of the musician to control the low notes precisely. Here, at Schwenk & Seggelke, we attach great importance to the design and quality of our little finger mechanism. It is designed to be smooth and allow precise finger movement so that you can navigate effortlessly through the entire range.
The d’Amore bell
With this bell, the instrument combines the tonal quality of the traditional clarinet d’amore with the extended range of a basset clarinet. Anton Stadler planned the construction of such an instrument as early as 1795 and we are still building it today. This bell is pear-shaped. Its inner shape follows the outer contour.
The Stadler bell
The Stadler bell for our modern basset clarinets is a direct replica of the “Liebesfuß” developed by Anton Stadler and Theodor Lotz. In this instrument is where history and modern times meet. This bell model may have been Stadler’s favorite form of the basset clarinet bell and is based on a sketch from around 1800.
The right
Mouthpiece DOES IT
Perfection in the art of the clarinet
The mouthpiece plays a decisive role in the blowing resistance and intonation of the instrument. For Seggelke clarinets, we recommend playing our instruments with mouthpieces with the bore we have modified. These customized mouthpieces bring out the full potential of your clarinet and let your musical interpretation shine.
Why a unique specimen?
Why Schwenk & SEGGELKE?
Each Schwenk & Seggelke clarinet is unique and represents the time and experience, craftsmanship and love of music that we put into our instruments. Discover how hundreds of separate parts are turned into innovative art and incomparable sound.
MANY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
HANDMADE BY SOUND MASTERS
FASCINATING
SOUND EXPERIENCE
INDIVIDUALLY
TAILORED
You would like a basset-CLARINET
from our company?
We are proud to present our high-quality basset clarinets. Whether you choose the German or French fingering system, you will be delighted by the exceptional sound quality and precision of our instruments. Please do not hesitate to contact us. Our competent team will be happy to advise you!
