for college, I was thinking about purchasing a kick a&& melody clarient, such as contrabass, contra alto, and the likes. Do any of you know anything about the bassett horn, I saw some really nice professionals in my wwbw cat., and thought they looked gorgeous and fell in love. Also, would a bassett horn be practical anymore, (like would I be able to play it in orchestra at college), and what part does it play (if not it's own) Another issue is reeds as well, where would I buy reeds, or does it use alto/tenor reeds? I need some nosiness and two sense about what you think. I in the meantime will research it, and find out more. Please help me out!! Thanks in advance!
Beetlejuice...
PS Its most likely between bassett and contrabass, but considering that the contrabass is sooooooooooo large, long, and heavy, I would probably prefer the versatility of the bassett.

After reading your forum post and your profile, I can only suggest that you take up knitting instead, music is not for you

If any one else wishes to aid me, please answer my question. Clearly this hooligan only knows how to view profiles and superficially judge others instead of using musical knowledge to aid others on this site. Thanks, so please answer my questions and not waste my time, for I try not to waste yours.

<Added>

oh, and clarinet99, just becuase you don't have any style or personality...

Sorry, Tenorsaxist, it was meant as a joke. No offence intended. I guess my humor is a little twisted !

As regards the Basset horn, I believe it is no longer made by any company. The nearest thing to it now is the E flat alto clarinet, which is slightly different from the Basset horn that was pitched in F. I would recommend that you stick with the Bb soprano and/or the bass clarinet. These are readily available at reasonable prices. The contrabass and contraalto are very expensive, even on the used instrument market.

Good luck with your choice, and sorry again for the uncalled-for "humor".

Basset Horns are CERTAINLY still in production. However, they aren't used in the orchestral setting as anything other than solo instruments (for the most part.) I would stick to Bb. If you are truly dead set on a different horn, a Bass would be most practical. Eb clarinets are still widely used in bands, and quite a few orchestral pieces use them.

thanks for the advice, I may still buy a contrabass (new at wwbw.com for 3700)...
I also like the alto, but not too realistic...
also, sorry clarinet99, i guess I over reacted!

YOOOOO
Found this website all about Basset Horns and two beautiful photos of a medium bore and a large bore Basset horn. Hope it's useful. He says "G clarinet, basset clarinet/basset horn. In response to a (surprising!) number of enquiries, a clarinet in G and a basset clarinet/basset horn in G have been introduced. Not for everyone, but for the clarinettist who has everything else and wants to be truly unique..." It seems he (Stephen Fox) makes them.
More at
http://www.sfoxclarinets.com/Basset_Horn.html

Also lovely photos of Basset Horns and info here
http://www.usd.edu/smm/Exhibitions/Muzika/Muzikabassethorn.html

generally basset horns/altos/especially contrabasses, as harmony instruments, are only used in wind ensembles, clarinet choirs, army bands,ect. NOT in orchestras. If you were thinking of spending thousands of dollars on an instrument, I assure you it would be more worth your while to buy a nice Bb,Eb,or Bass. You don't want to be stuck with a random harmony clarinet but no use for it, and have to end up selling it anyway at a lesser price later on!

But really ... sometimes you would just buy an instrument for the sheer pleasure of having it and playing it. You don't always have to be joining an orchestra. I have played in Bands and Groups but I bought a few instruments for my own enjoyment and the unique sound that they have. OK I haven't spent 100's or 1000's on them. But I would if I could. The Basset Horn looks so unique ... I bet it makes a wonderful sound. I'd love one too ...

while i agree woth dickdona that harmony clarinets are very intriguing and fun to play, personally i would prefer sounding great on a regular Bb clarinet (and being able to use that greatness), than sounding ok on something that i probably will never or rarely use (and which most likely is significantly more expensive). but i guess whatever "floats your boat".

Hey maybe I'll become world mega famous on the Basset ( if I decide to get one) and come and blow you away!

Well... have you ever played a clarinet before? If not... go with the B flat. Then move on.

Well... have you ever played a clarinet before? If not... go with the B flat. Then move on.

yes, I have. I am actually now really focusing on the bassoon, and have given up the clarinet, and most likely will not return in my life time, for In my opinion, the bassoon blows it out of the water

thanks for everyone's input and advice, they came in rather handy!

you do know that your on a clarinet forum don't you???