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Kessler Custom 2nd Gen Low C Bass Clarinet – Midnight Model
Retail: $4,699.00
$2,849.00
In stock
Kessler Custom Midnight Low C Bass Clarinet
Our 2nd Generation Low C Bass Clarinet is the most popular instrument in our store! It offers players the perfect blend of performance, features (the Low C & double register key specifically) and affordability. It is being used by a wide range of players ranging from students in schools to professionals on Broadway! There is simply so much to love about this instrument!
However, we had received many repeated requests for one new option: an “All Black” version of our low C bass clarinet! That request was met with our Midnight Model Bass Clarinet!
Better Than Ever Before!
We are always trying to improve our products. Most all of the glowing product reviews were done before any of the recent improvements to our bass clarinets. So if they were that great back then, they are even better now! What have we done? Here’s a quick synopsis:
- In January 2022, we launched a new enhanced setup that improved voicing of notes across the break greatly. This takes much more time in setup but we would rather make sure the instruments plays better.
- In January 2023, we launched a new neck. The new neck is a custom selection of 3 alloys to help produce a richer tone throughout and improve tonal clarity and response, especially in the upper registers.
- In January 2023, we launched a new case. The new case was custom designed for our bass to better protect the instrument and offer customers a stock case that they could be proud to carry their instrument in!
What’s even better is that we did all this without doing massive price increases! Unlike other companies that have raised prices 10% or more in that time frame, we have done one price increase of $40-$50 total in that time, and have no plans on raising the price anytime soon! Our bass clarinet is better than ever before and with inflation hitting everywhere, only becomes a better value with each passing day!!
Midnight Model
Midnight Model – All Black
The new Midnight Model is simply a cosmetic variation of our 2nd Gen Low C Bass Clarinet. This model features an “all black” design with black nickel plated metal (keys, bell, neck) and all black leather pads (Pisoni Lucien Deluxe with Metal Resonators).
While there is no playing difference, it sure does look pretty awesome!
To the left is “side by side” shot of the 2 plating options. Note that the metal parts are “black nickel plated” with a lacquer coat over top the black. The lacquer coat improves the durability of otherwise soft black nickel and adds a deeper color to the finish. These parts all have a metallic look to them and are not a “flat” black color.
If you are interested in the standard finish Low C Bass Clarinet, click here
MOUTHPIECE, LIGATURE & CASE ADD-ON OPTIONS
We firmly believe that we are providing customers with an exceptional instrument that can grow with them regardless of performance level. This is also why we let our customers build their own preferred outfit rather than saddling you down with a “stock” mouthpiece setup. We want you to get the best instrument & setup for you! If you need advice on any of these customized mouthpiece, ligature or case options, always feel free to give us a call!
Build Your Custom Bass Clarinet Package
No mouthpiece setup is included with our bass clarinet. Instead, we encourage you to build your custom setup the way that you want it. Click the tabs below to see the various discounted upgrade options for choosing the mouthpiece, ligature & case of your choice!
Mouthpiece Add-On Options
No Mouthpiece is Included! Our low C bass clarinet does not include a mouthpiece with it (since most people buying a bass clarinet already have a mouthpiece). However, if you do not have one, or perhaps you want to upgrade your setup, take advantage of our discounted mouthpiece options. Generally, we recommend looking at something with a slightly larger tip opening on a low C bass clarinet since the body tube is much longer than an standard low Eb bass clarinet. We offer options from Clark Fobes, our own Kessler Custom, Vandoren, Selmer Paris & Backun!
If there is a mouthpiece that you are interested in that is not listed here, please feel free to send Dave Kessler an email and he will be able to help you out.
Mouthpiece Add-On Options (pricing valid ONLY with purchase of bass clarinet)
-
- Premiere by Hite (Medium Closed): $30.00
- Fobes Debut (Medium): $50.00
- Backun/Hawkins Vocalise R (Cloased): $130.00
- Backun/Hawkins Vocalise G (Medium): $130.00
- Backun/Hawkins Vocalise H (Open): $130.00
- Vandoren B45: $150.00
- Vandoren B40: $150.00
- Vandoren B50: $150.00
- Vandoren Black Diamond: $165.00
- Selmer Paris Focus (smaller): $300.00
- Selmer Paris Concept (larger): $300.00
Ligature Add-On Options
No Ligature or Cap is Included! Your ligature has a huge impact on the tonal presence and overall response of your new instrument setup, and especially on the extended length of the Low C bass clarinet, can make an unbelievable impact!
For performance ligatures, we recommend either a Rovner Versa or Vandoren Optimum ligature to your new mouthpiece setup on our low C bass clarinet to achieve the best performance possible! Of course, if there is a ligature that you want that is not listed , please feel free to send Dave Kessler and email and he will be able to help you out!
Ligature Add-On Options (pricing valid ONLY with purchase of bass clarinet, all prices include their fitted cap)
-
- Basic Metal Lig & Cap: $17.00
- Rovner Dark Lig & Cap: $20.00
- Rico Metal 4 Point Lig & Cap: $22.00 – (does not fit Fobes or Hite)
- Vandoren M|O Pewter Ligature & Cap: $45.50 (looks like the nickel keywork)
- Vandoren M|O Black Ligature & Cap: $45.50
- Rovner Versa Ligature & Cap: $49.00
- Bonade Inverted & Bonade Metal Cap: $55.00
- Vandoren Optimum Silver Ligature & Cap: $72.50
- Vandoren Optimum BLACK Ligature & Cap: $72.50
BAM Case Upgrade
As of 2023, our new case is a great fit for our instrument with a solid fit & great materials. However, the BEST bass clarinet case on the market for our bass clarinet is made by BAM France. Their Trekking Case fits our instrument perfectly and offers the most superior protection available on a low C bass clarinet’s sensitive keywork. The BAM Trekking case also has ample storage with a massive expanding pocket that gets big enough to fit a Bb Clarinet case in!
So if you want the BEST case available for our bass clarinet, take advantage of a generous discount when you bundle the BAM case with our low C bass clarinet at the time of purchase!
-
- BAM Trekking: $474.00 Upgrade (normally $632.00) – click here to view –
While BAM makes several cases, we ONLY recommend the Trekking model. The other models, such as the Hightech are great cases, but can put additional pressure on the register mechanism on the top of the body, thus putting it out of alignment. The Trekking case is molded differently and does a better overall job of supporting the instrument.
Stock Case Dimensions
The stock case measures 33.5″ x 9″ x 13″. With the bass clarinet inside of the case, it weighs 18.8 lbs.
Additional Information
Professionally Setup
Every Kessler Custom low C bass clarinet we send out to a customer is not released from us unless it has been completely setup in our shop first. This is because the setup on any low C bass clarinet is of the utmost importance! Sometimes, a clarinet (regardless of who the manufacturer or the price point is) comes in needing 20 minutes of adjustments and then the very next one can require 2 hours!
This is why we perform our setup (in our www.ClarinetRepairs.com ProShop) on your clarinet before delivering it to you. You trust us with your purchase and we want to make sure that you are rewarded by giving you your new low C bass clarinet setup flawlessly!
Pads
Our 2nd Generation Bass Clarinets utilize a premium Pisoni made Lucien Deluxe Leather Pad. In the case of our Midnight model they are a black leather version of this pad with a metal, domed resonator.
International Order Information
Shipping a bass clarinet internationally poses a few unique issues that make it sometimes prohibitive. The main issue has to do with international customs inspection as the bass clarinet crosses in to your country’s borders. During this process, customs inspectors may open up the package to inspect that the contents of the package match the invoice declaration (so that they can make sure to collect the correct amount of applicable taxes). The issue is not in the inspection, but rather the re-packaging AFTER the inspection.
We take great care to pack our instruments for safe transport, but these inspectors are not required to re-package the instrument in the same manner. When re-packaged incorrectly, the risk of damage to the instrument in shipping greatly increases. he stock case that we released in Jan 2023 is now capable of international shipment and is actually our recommended model. However, we also can recommend the BAM Trekking case for international customers if they prefer, but there is a little more risk with the BAM case.
So for these reasons, we can only accept an international order if the customer is willing to accept the following terms:
-
- International Customer accepts full responsibility for any subsequent damage.Â
There is no way for us to properly solve damage / repairs for international customers due to the shipping costs internationally. Inside the BAM case, the most likely damage is the left hand F/C lever getting bent. This is a fairly inexpensive and simple repair for most technicians. To date, we have seen no damage in the stock case that we introduced in January 2023 - International Payment must be via Bank Wire Transfer
We unfortunately cannot accept international credit cards or PayPal accounts (excludes Canada). So any international order for our bass clarinet must be made via a Bank Wire Transfer. - Additional Import Taxes
Customer is solely responsible for any and all taxes, fees and other costs that are due as a result of international importation. These costs are calculated before delivery, by the delivery company. We can usually estimate these fees through our UPS software for you once you provide us with you shipping address and details of what you want to order. Please note though, these estimates are non-binding as we have no control over that process. These estimates do tend to be accurate as they are provided by UPS and UPS is who acts as the importing agent for you.
- International Customer accepts full responsibility for any subsequent damage.Â
If you would like to proceed with an international order for our Kessler Custom 2nd Generation Low C Bass Clarinet, please use the form below.
Our Low C Bass Clarinet uses standard fingerings but obviously has additional keywork. Here are the additional keys and their function. Please note, when playing any of the key options for Low D, C#/Db or C, we recommend also using the Right Hand Pinky Eb so that you do not have all of the keywork weight and spring tensions being reliant on the one lower key.
Financing Available
Multiple Financing Options Available!
We have a myriad of different financing options available for your new instrument! From affordable monthly payments over a longer period of time to other options that can include 0% Interest or Deferred Interest options, we can help find a way to make the instrument of your dreams become the instrument of your reality! Give us a call!
United Midwest Savings Bank
UMWSB offers flexible, long term financing with term lengths of up to 60 months at an affordable 12.99% APR. Better yet, their financing has No Pre-Payment Penalty so you can pay off your balance at anytime and only pay for the interest for the length of time you had the loan!
Minimum of $850 required for UMWSB Financing
Synchrony
Synchrony Financial is one of the national leaders in consumer financing. With deferred interest options (Interest if waived if paid off in promotional term) and sometimes, they offer manufacturer partnered promotions to offer you an even better term length.
Minimum of $299 required for Synchrony Financing
Kessler Bass Clarinets
Kessler Custom 2nd Gen Bass Clarinet Lineup
Meet the full lineup of our 2nd Gen Kessler Custom Bass Clarinets! All of the models feature the same synthetic material and professional design. The difference is simply in the range (low Eb or low C) and the cosmetics of the instrument.
New Neck & Case Design!
Out of stock
Retail: $3,999.00
$2,299.00
New Neck & Case Design!
Out of stock
Retail: $4,299.00
$2,499.00
New Neck & Case Design!
Retail: $4,699.00
$2,849.00
3 reviews for Kessler Custom 2nd Gen Low C Bass Clarinet – Midnight Model
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
International Order Information
Shipping a bass clarinet internationally poses a few unique issues that make it sometimes prohibitive. The main issue has to do with international customs inspection as the bass clarinet crosses in to your country's borders. During this process, customs inspectors may open up the package to inspect that the contents of the package match the invoice declaration (so that they can make sure to collect the correct amount of applicable taxes). The issue is not in the inspection, but rather the re-packaging AFTER the inspection.
We take great care to pack our instruments for safe transport, but these inspectors are not required to re-package the instrument in the same manner. When re-packaged incorrectly, the risk of damage to the instrument in shipping greatly increases. The stock case that we released in Jan 2023 is now capable of international shipment and is actually our recommended model. However, we also ca recommend the BAM Trekking case for international customers if they prefer.
So for these reasons, we can only accept an international order if the customer is willing to accept the following terms:
Shipping a bass clarinet internationally poses a few unique issues that make it sometimes prohibitive. The main issue has to do with international customs inspection as the bass clarinet crosses in to your country's borders. During this process, customs inspectors may open up the package to inspect that the contents of the package match the invoice declaration (so that they can make sure to collect the correct amount of applicable taxes). The issue is not in the inspection, but rather the re-packaging AFTER the inspection.
We take great care to pack our instruments for safe transport, but these inspectors are not required to re-package the instrument in the same manner. When re-packaged incorrectly, the risk of damage to the instrument in shipping greatly increases. The stock case that we released in Jan 2023 is now capable of international shipment and is actually our recommended model. However, we also ca recommend the BAM Trekking case for international customers if they prefer.
So for these reasons, we can only accept an international order if the customer is willing to accept the following terms:
-
- International Customer accepts full responsibility for any subsequent damage.Â
There is no way for us to properly solve damage / repairs for international customers due to the shipping costs internationally. Inside the BAM case, the most likely damage is the left hand F/C lever getting bent. This is a fairly inexpensive and simple repair for most technicians. To date, we have seen no damage in the stock case that we introduced in January 2023 - International Payment must be via Bank Wire Transfer
We unfortunately cannot accept international credit cards or PayPal accounts (excludes Canada). So any international order for our bass clarinet must be made via a Bank Wire Transfer. - Additional Import Taxes
Customer is solely responsible for any and all taxes, fees and other costs that are due as a result of international importation. These costs are calculated before delivery, by the delivery company. We can usually estimate these fees through our UPS software for you once you provide us with you shipping address and details of what you want to order. Please note though, these estimates are non-binding as we have no control over that process. These estimates do tend to be accurate as they are provided by UPS and UPS is who acts as the importing agent for you.
- International Customer accepts full responsibility for any subsequent damage.Â
lowwindsmat (verified owner) –
Just Oh Wow!!! The look and finish of this Midnight Model is just awesome. Adult Amateur musician…so I’m no pro….but I know a good sound/feel when I have it. I saw the Earspasm review (hat’s off Michael)…and someone listened. The B natural/forked B Natural sounds the same both ways. Intonation with the neck pulled out slightly is spot on. People at work saw it yesterday and several jaws hit the floor. Can NOT wait for first rehearsal tomorrow night to show off the new Midnight!! GREAT job in packing and shipping. Kudo’s Kessler & sons yet again!!! Absolutely NO regrets getting this Gen 2 Black Model.
cjharper99 (verified owner) –
I just received my Kessler Low C Midnight with the B45 mouthpiece, and it is better than I ever imagined. It is such a beautiful instrument with such a WARM TONE! I am so happy!
Thank you!
Chris H.
classicbigl (verified owner) –
I purchased my Kessler Custom Midnight Low C Bass Clarinet in 2021. Recently, I sent it in to Dave for a 1 year tuneup and the modifications to bring it to a Gen II. I also purchased the new neck Dave recently introduced. All I can say is wow what a difference! Great intonation and tone through all registers. I’m now playing bass clarinet with one of my concert bands and received great peer reviews on my performance and the appearance of the instrument. I’m extremely pleased with the service and attention to detail that Dave provided, as well as this great bass clarinet. Keep up the awesome work Dave… appreciated!
David Kessler –
So glad you love it! The new neck definitely makes a difference! For those reading, you can see the new neck by clicking here. This neck went in to production on all Kessler Custom bass clarinets in 2023.