Code: 101795
The JP222 low C bass clarinet is designed to be an affordable option for established clarinet players looking to play the bass parts in concert bands or orchestras. It also allows players to possess their own instrument when the cost of more expensive wooden models cannot be justified with the amount of use they receive. Leslie Craven, Principal Clarinettist in the Welsh National Opera highly recommends the JP222 and states that "I would certainly buy one – and I would be proud to play it".
The resin constructed body of the JP222 offers a lightweight instrument and the strong silver plated key-work makes it a reliable choice for the gigging musician.
The addition of having the full keywork to access to the low C is a very desirable feature that makes this instrument unusual. The playing spike provides added comfort and the accurate tuning scale is the grounding for a better performance.
I bought this Bass Clarinet to replace a Yamaha to low E flat. I needed the lower notes that a low C would offer me. Buffet and Selmer were out of my price range. The instrument needed some adjustment when I got it home which was a pity. However my repairer is very good and soon got it up and running. Since then I have found it very relieble. It has a lovely tome in the lower register and also in the upper register. The extra venting makes the upper register nice and clear. The lower three semitones mechanism is easilt adapted to. I recommend this Bass to anyone. It is good value for money..
This IS NOT a Buffet or Yamaha so you have to accept that the build quality will not be at that standard. It had a few niggles - like swarf peelings in the crook and bell and neck receiver and a bent low C lever arm. Some of the point screws were loose and others have been overtightened and rammed into the mounting posts. The bell did not fit the lower joint well and the cork needed sanded.
Nothing that can't be sorted out in a couple of hours work. The mouthpiece that comes with it should be replaced right off with a Yamaha or better, it's just not that good and does the instrument a disservice.
Once the niggles were sorted out it was good to play, has a nice tone, it plays easily up into the Altissimo and is relatively light compared with my old Selmer. After a year of playing the clarion F# is squeaking badly and it needs a trip to the repair shop to regulate it.
The instrument is built to a price point and you get a bass clarinet for around £2k and there is not a lot in this range so JP are filling an important gap. I play it hard and often and it's holding up well enough.
Needs - a better sling arrangement with a second hook point, a single sling point is not adequate for a long instrument like this.
Case is OK but the inside padding is poor.
Designed with practicality in mind, the JP222 comes complete with a lockable hard case with pocketed canvas cover and straps.
Strong playing spike included for playing in a seated position and two fixed rings give the option of using a neck sling. There is a plastic JP6122 mouthpiece provided.
