Basset horns with German
and French fingering systems MODEL 2000 & 3000

We are a renowned clarinet workshop specializing in the manufacture 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

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Cocobolo

INNOVATIONS that make the difference

Unique kinked barrel
for 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

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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.

PREMIERED 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 version
with German bore

We offer our basset horn with German fingering model 2000
in different versions:

Basset horn • Variant I

  • including f-lever
  • 4 thumb keys for Eb/D/Des/C.

Optional supplement:

E-flat lever

Basset horn • Variant II

  • f lever
  • with alternative pushers for c sharp/b/low E flat
  • B-C sharp trill (articulated B-C sharp)
  • 4 thumb keys for Eb/D/D flat/C

Optional supplement:

E-flat lever

Variants of the version
with French fingering

For enthusiasts of the French fingering model 3000
we also offer different variants:

Basset horn • Variant III

  • E-flat lever
  • low E-flat doubled
  • 4 thumb keys for Eb/D/D flat/C

Optional supplement:

B-C sharp trill (articulated B-C sharp)

Basset horn • Variant IV

  • Basset position E flat/D flat/D flat/C over the little fingers on the right (E flat and D) and left (doubled D) and thumbs (D flat and C) playable (comparable to standard bass clarinets of French construction)
  • Coupling to G from low F downwards, so that only one little finger or the thumb is needed for the low register.

Optional supplement:

B-C sharp trill (articulated B-C sharp)

The basset horn variant 1 is available from €18326 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 one-off?
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 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!