Basset horns with German
and French fingering systems MODEL 2000 & 3000
We are a renowned clarinet workshop specializing in the manufacturing of exquisite basset horns, among other things. Our Schwenk & Seggelke bassett instruments are the result of decades of experience and innovative technologies. We offer both the German fingering system with our “Model 2000” and the French fingering system with our “Model 3000“. Both models offer outstanding sound characteristics and are built according to individual requirements.
The versatility of our basset horn
Our basset horn is characterized by its unique design, which makes it possible to choose either the French or German fingering system without compromising on the sound. We are happy to cater to the individual needs of our customers and combine elements of both fingering styles to create a customized playing experience.
INDIVIDUAL CHOICE OF WOOD
With our basset horns, 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
A unique bent barrel
for our basset horn
Our basset horn is equipped with an angled connecting piece, that sits between the upper joint and a wooden barrel. This innovative technology developed by us is patented and helps improving the sound quality and response. In addition, condensation is significantly reduced and tuning corrections can be made by simply changing the barrel.
Keywork with special features
Our bb’ mechanism ensures that the register key is already open when playing bb’. Disturbing noises when changing registers are eliminated. B’ responds particularly easily. The b’-c” sharp and c’ keys on the 2000 model are mounted as rotating keys, as opposed to long levers, which means that the b’ and c sharp keys rods can be significantly shortened. This provides considerable relief for the left little finger. The keys for the right thumb are controlled by newly developed levers with the shortest possible key movement to ensure fast and safe playing in the low register.
Double register key
The newly developed “double register key” has been available for all our basset horns since 2021. It has been added as an optional feature. The double register key makes it particularly easy to reach the high register from g” upwards
Wooden bell for optimum sound characteristics
Our basset instruments are manufactured with a wooden bell as standard, which further optimizes the sound characteristics. The sound hole for low C is integrated in a separate plug-in body part. Both this part and the bell are connected via a bowed metal tube. This makes our basset horn shorter and easier to transport than comparable models from other manufacturers, without compromising on sound quality. We supply a lightweight carbon standing peg with our basset horns. This is significantly lighter and much thinner than conventional metal pegs.
AWARD-WINNING CRAFTSMANSHIP
at the highest level
In 1998, we began developing a new modern basset horn. Thanks to a number of optimizations and its unique design, the instrument became known to many musicians and was finally presented at the International Crafts Fair in Munich in March 2006. It was awarded the highest honor, the Bavarian State Prize. This recognition underlines the quality of our work and the high standards we set for each individual instrument.
Variants of the design
with German bore
We offer our Model 2000 basset horn with the German fingering system in different versions:
Basset horn • Variant I
Mechanical equipment including f-lever and 4 thumb keys for Eb/D/Db/C.
Optional addition: E flat lever.
Basset horn • Variant II
Keywork including f lever with alternative buttons for C sharp/B/low E flat, 4 thumb keys for Eb/D/Db/C, B-C sharp trill (articulated B-C sharp).
Optional addition: E flat lever.
Variants of the design
with the French fingering system
For enthusiasts of the French fingering model 3000
we also offer different variants:
Basset horn • Variant III
Keywork with 4 thumb keys for Eb/D/Db/C, low Eb doubled and E flat lever.
Optional addition: b-c sharp trill (articulated b-c sharp).
Basset horn • Variant IV
Keywork comparable to standard bass clarinets of French construction: with 2 keys for the little fingers on the right (E flat and D) and left (doubled D) and 2 thumb keys (C sharp and C). Coupling to G from low F downwards, so that only one little finger or the thumb is needed for the low register.
Optional addition: b-c sharp trill (articulated b-c sharp).
The basset horn variant 1 is available from €16,660 incl. 19% VAT. Delivery includes mouthpiece, handmade case from be.case and accessories. (Price applies to delivery in Germany). Please contact us for a concrete offer)
Why a unique specimen?
WhySchwenk & 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 to purchase a BassettHORN
from our company?
We are proud to present our high-quality basset horns. 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!
