I'm Tish, a music education major with no instrument. I thank my duct-taped rustbucket car for that. After my car decides to let me save money again, I'm buying a bass clarinet. My problem is that I can't make up my mind as to what I want. I want something unique, something good, something that will sound amazing. I can't stand the typical black clarinet, so I've narrowed it down to two crazy options - a rosewood bass, and metal one.

I know the rosewood bass exists. I know it, I saw it on eBay, but I didn't buy it because I don't trust eBay. Since then, I haven't seen one anywhere. I've read about them, but can't find them. They're gorgeous, and I've read that rosewood has a different sound than grenadilla. From what I understand, it would blend beautifully with the rest of the orchestra. Has anyone played one? And where can I find one?

I saw a Kohlert metal bass clarinet on music-oldtimer.com and was drooling over it for weeks until someone bought it. Like the rosewood, I can't find another. My director says good riddance, it would sound tinny. Would it really? I think it might sound something like a cross between a bass and a sax, but I can't be sure. I'm a huge jazz fan and I think that a metal bass might add an interesting sound to the orchestra. A splash of color, perhaps. Again, has anyone played one (or heard one), and where can I find one?

One last thing! Does anyone know anything about the Pomarico Jazz Crystal mouthpiece? Seems interesting. How would that affect the tone on the rosewood and metal bass clarinets? Mostly the metal one, because the fact that it's made of metal makes me question a crystal mouthpiece on an already strange sound. Is there something better? Any thoughts? Thanks for all the help!!

I have two friends who play on Rosewood Bass Clarinets. And they both sound wonderful. I believe they got them from a trader in Los Angeles. You might try locating consignment shops that specialize in woodwinds.

Regarding the metal bass clarinet - you mentioned you think it might give an interesting splash of color, this may be true, however, when playing in a group like an orchestra it is everyones responsibility to work as a team and blend. In the professional world you will see specific makes and models of instruments that are required to play in the group.

This can also apply to some colleges and universities. I even know of a university in Los Angeles that required a recent student to change his make of mouthpiece. So, the metal bass clarinet maybe shouldn't be your first choice.

Really? Wow, I didn't know that. I suppose I should check with the college I want to go to before I buy anything, then. Perhaps the metal one can wat till I graduate! Thanks for the info!!

Most metal clarinets are very old & could very well play at high pitch - A = 452 rather than 440. Which makes it impossible to use these days - they are really only museum pieces.