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Royal Global Polaris Low C Bass Clarinet

Royal Global Polaris Low C Bass Clarinet

Royal Global is a fairly new manufacturer on the scene, and they have made huge strides over the past 4 years, refining their designs, upgrading materials, and....just tinkering with everything. And they've come up with what I think is probably the best overall value for a bass clarinet on the market today. Is it a Buffet or Selmer? No, but it's pretty damn close.

The Polaris is Royal's mid-line bass clarinet, offering the same quality wood and workmanship as their flagship Firebird, with a few differences. The play-feel of the instrument is very, very similar to the Firebird, so I'd venture to say that it's the same instrument minus a few of the high-end features like the wood bell, upgraded neck and posts, and a few mechanical differences. If those features are not needed or desired, this is a great instrument that is also a great value. Seriously, there is nothing like it on the market at this price point.

Even though Royal Global instruments are now arriving in excellent shape from the factory — they've improved a LOT in this regard — I still think the spring tensions are too tight for the instrument, so I send them upstate to get tweaked, and we make sure all of the tone holes are sharp and clean. And of course, we make them seal like a champ. 

The total cost of the "earspasm setup" (for want of a better term) and tweaking of this instrument is included in the price—even though I pay out of pocket for it. Yes, it reduces my profit. Yes, people have told me I should charge a premium for doing it.

But I don't like the idea charging more for something that should come standard. So I won't.

All earspasm instruments come with a 7-day trial. Please read my trial policy before pulling out that credit card.

The instrument comes with:

  • Standard Royal case with hideaway backpack straps
  • Two pegs, standard.

Notice, the instrument does not come with a mouthpiece. Fortunately for you, I sell those too.

FAQ:

Q: What if I'm in New York and want to try it in person?
A: Contact me to set up an appointment, and let's do it!d.

Q: Does the instrument come with a warranty?
A: Yes, it comes with the standard Royal Global warranty against cracks, etc. If you ever have any problem with the instrument, I'm your quarterback. I'll take care of the whole process, just let me know you need help, and I'll take it from there.

Q: What happens if it's damaged during shipping?
A: Inspect the package before you sign off at delivery! If there are any issues resulting from shipping, we have taken out an insurance policy to cover damage (and loss). But we need you to document this damage or we can't do anything to help.

Q: If I decide to return it, do also I have to pay return shipping costs?
A: Yes. And you will also want to insure it!

Q: Do you ship internationally?
A: Yes. You can add your shipping address when checking out to see what the shipping costs will be before taking the plunge. Note that VAT and Customs Duties are not included in this cost.

Prix habituel $7,290.00
Prix habituel Prix promotionnel $7,290.00
En vente Épuisé
Frais d'expédition calculés à l'étape de paiement.
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Customer Reviews

Based on 6 reviews
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M
Mike Forcht
I love this horn

Very nice horn that punches above its weight class.

J
Jeffrey Honeyman
Wonderful bass at an amazing price!

I've wanted a good Low C bass for a long time, but just couldn't justify paying the price for a Buffet or Selmer. Had no interest at all in the low-end Chinese horns, and was iffy about the Ridenour and Kessler basses. I wanted a wooden bass - my previous instrument was a 1971 Buffet Pro E-flat horn well cared for by the geniuses at Flying Squirrel Music in Raleigh, NC. In my research, I discovered Earspasm, and listed to Michael play pretty much everything he had. I corresponded with him by email number of times. He was always patient and responded with his honest opinions. I was impressed with the Royal Global horns. Iwaan't interested in the Max, and didn't particularly care for the cosmetics of the Firebird - the wooden bell and neck tuner - so I decided on the Polaris. SO glad I did! It helped that my main guy at Flying Squirrel had had a chance to play a Royl Global and told me, "Jeff, this is the first good Chinese bass I've every played!" So I bought the Polaris, and I couldn't be happier. I play saxes SATB and clarinets soprano, alto, and bass. Most of my work these days is with the Raleigh Concert Band (theraieighconcertband.org) on bass clarinet. The Polaris plays true and freely up and down its range. I've been complimented on its tone. Once I got used to the ergos, I've not problems with it at all. I've played outdoors and indoors in formal concert settings. I hardly have to tune it at all. The low notes really rumble! It was at the exact price point where I thought it would be worth it, and it was. Maybe I only get 90% of the sound of a Buffet or a Selmer, but for half the price - I'm in!

M
Matthew Weger

I purchased my Polaris several months ago after trying several bass clarinets in person. While it's certainly an investment, it absolutely cannot be beaten for the price. The Polaris rivals the Buffet, and this is especially noticeable in the bottom octave. After breaking it in, intonation has remained quite stable and it's near effortless to play in tune. Truly an exceptional instrument, and is a blast to play! Thanks to Michael for making this whole experience enjoyable and for helping me navigate some banking issues along the way.

J
Joshua Heaney

I facilitated the purchase of a Polaris bass clarinet for my university clarinet studio. Michael's post-sale support and willingness to accommodate the quirks of institutional purchase processes puts him, automatically, at the top of the vendor heap for buying an expensive instrument. Kudos to him!

The Polaris bass itself plays wonderfully and sounds very reminiscent of a Buffet 1193. For small college studios like ours, the Polaris has proven to be an excellent alternative and very competitive with the typical Buffet and Selmer choices. It is built like a tank and, once broken in, has held adjustment very well. Michael's "earspasm set up– is a welcome addition, as the keywork was adjusted to be very nimble and even in feel. My clarinet studio is thriving from the addition of this new bass to our inventory and we could not be happier with everything!

R
Richard Wessler

It's still the break-in period but so far I'm very pleased. Your advice was very helpful and the instrument arrived in perfect condition. I'm trying to get my thumbs around the lowest notes; I need more practice. A good bass at a good price.