Buffet Tosca Low C Bass Clarinet

Quick note of pride: We have more Buffet Prestige bass clarinets in stock than anyone in the country — even the big guys (we usually have 5-6 in stock at any time), so you can choose from more than just the one that might be locally available. Just sayin'.

The Buffet Tosca in particular is, IMHO, ideal for orchestral playing: it is rich, and slightly covered, but can project through the crowd. There's no wonder that currently most of the bass clarinet players in major orchestras play a Buffet Tosca — it's the sound most conductors expect to hear when they point their stick at a bass clarinet player. 

We have more Tosca bass clarinets in stock than anyone in the country — even the big guys (we usually have 3-4 in stock at any time), so you can choose from more than just the one that might be locally available. Just sayin'.

Sadly, most of the Toscas arrive in pretty questionable condition—which is surprising given their cost. (Have a look here at what we find.) So, as I do with all my horns, I have them stripped down and worked over, so you can be sure that when you get it, your Tosca is living its best life.

What do we do? We check tone holes, adjust spring tensions, reseat pads and regulate keys. (Personally, I find most bass clarinets (not just Toscas) arrive much too tight, and I always have the springs adjusted on my own horns, so I do this for you, too. Reducing springs naturally makes the instrument not seal as well, which is why so many pads need to be reseated.) The process is extensive, but TOTALLY worth it, because it makes the bass clarinet key action feel like a Bb. Seriously. 

Anyway, 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.

The Buffet Tosca comes with:

• Buffet/BAM High-Tech case with hideaway backpack straps—under 10 pounds (4.8 kg)
• Neck strap, shoulder strap (for case), cork grease, warranty card, etc.

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

FAQ:

Q: What if I'm in New York and want to try it in person?
A: Come on over! Just send me an email so we can set up an appointment time.

Q: I see some of these instruments are "open box." What does that mean?
A: Sometimes I get instruments that have been at a trade show, or have a cosmetic issue on the case (seriously. the case), and I get a discount on these instruments. I pass that discount along to you. They get the same treatment as all of the instruments I sell, namely a full setup by my tech. You literally cannot tell the difference between this and a new instrument. Naturally, they also come with a full warranty (see below). If you have any questions about "what's wrong with XYZ instrument that it's cheaper" simply contact me, and I'll send you all that info.

Q: Does the instrument come with a warranty?
A: Yes, it comes with the Buffet Tosca 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.