Royal Global MAX Bass Clarinet Low C & Low Eb

My parents recently bought me this bass clarinet as one of the best gifts I have ever received. It played great out of the box, my only problem with it was that I was not used to the action being so responsive and kept accidentally pressing a key with where I rested my right hand. Before getting this instrument, I had only played on loaned instruments, a yamaha low c, a selmer low eb from the 70s, and a buffet prestige low c bass, and I would say that this is definitely the best value priced instrument of that bunch! I would say that while it isnt the same as a prestige, it honestly could compete with the yamaha in terms of tone and feel. A great instrument!

This bass clarinet is easy to play and seems very well made. It has a lovely tone, and the fingerings are as expected. It's heavier than I anticipated, and the thick cork makes the fittings difficult - lots of cork grease needed, and then after breaking it down, the cork is black. I know that over time this will work out. No regrets at all - it's a great choice.

Royal Global MAX Low C Bass Clarinet

I have no complaints whatsoever. when I sent Michael a question he responded very quick with an answer and was always nice. I love my new bass and look forward to purchasing from Michael again in the future.

I love my new Royal Global MAX Low C bass clarinet. It is easy to play and it sounds beautiful, very similar to a wood clarinet. I chose this horn because, although I loved the professional Selmer I previously had, most of my performances are outdoors in areas with extreme weather and temperature differences, and I often travel long distances between venues which caused one of my wooden soprano clarinets to crack. I did not want to have to deal with all of the worry and extra care that, for me, would accompany playing and transporting a wooden bass clarinet in those conditions. The Royal Global Max bass clarinet is a synthetic version of the company’s Polaris with identical keyword that is high quality. I did order mine with the modification of adding the C#/G# key extension that the Firebird has, which makes that particularly challenging trill fingering very easy. A friend, who is also my woodwind tech and a professional clarinetist, played my MAX and was very impressed with the sound and the quality of the key work. We both recommend it highly, if wood is not for you.

I received my instrument in February. It has been playing beautifully since day one. Upgrading from an older, probably slightly abused, Eb Bass (a community band shared instrument), the difference was immediately apparent to me and everyone who heard the sound. Our director (a clarinetist) heard the low C for the first time at the end of a piece, and immediately looked my direction with raised eyebrows and called out how good the sound was! The instrument has great response in all registers, and has dramatically improved my playing (I'd say it's about 75% the instrument and 25% improvement on my part). The entire experience of buying an instrument from Michael was outstanding...and he was extremely responsive even AFTER I'd received my instrument and he had received my full payment :)

My royal global max bass clarinet came just as expected and is playing wonderfully right out of the box. It is serving me well as a member of a quite good community band where I am playing a number of solo and exposed parts. I was recently applauded when the low C “rang” out as a final solo note on one of our pieces in rehearsal. Thank you for a fine instrument and a great experience.

I have had my Royal Global MAX bass clarinet for about 4 months now. The instrument plays like a dream (especially compared to the student-grade horn I was using before). The low C is particularly resonant, but the instrument sounds great throughout all 4 octaves. Is it a Buffet Tosca? No, but it's 90% of the horn, but at 30% of the price. Easily the best deal you can find, unless you absolutely NEED a $10K instrument.

I have to give special kudos to the "Earspasm Pro set up" that Michael has for this horn. The action of the keys is MUCH lighter than any other bass clarinet I have played; it's almost as light as my B-flat clarinet and considerably lighter than my brand-new soprano saxophone (to say nothing about my larger saxophones). His technician friend does a great job of setting up the instrument, and also preparing the instrument for shipping. There were even small wooden wedges placed in the instrument to prevent certain keys from wiggling during shipping. I highly recommend both this particular instrument and ordering it here!

Michael made this purchase very easy for me by answering all my questions on which instrument to get for my daughter. It took her a little time to get used to some of the keys (the school's student horn she was using wasn't a low C), but with a couple of months of practice on it she is now playing beautifully. I showed her your video with the tape trick and that seems to have helped her. She also loves her Marcus Bonna case so that she can carry both her instruments back and forth to school with ease. Thanks again Michael!

Amazing instrument! It came very nicely packaged and played beautifully out of the box. Having the instrument be pre set up is a game changer. The purchasing experience was easy and straightforward, and all of my questions were answered by Michael! Absolutely fantastic to work with! The instrument itself is a huge upgrade from my previous bass clarinet and the price point can't be challenged. I've had mine for about a month now and there have been no issues at all. Definitely recommend the MAX for anyone in the middle range of the market.

The Max has played great from the day it arrived. All four octaves speak easily at any dynamic level. Intonation is good throughout the range, though not perfect. And the sound is rich and big, which is what I'm generally going for.
The pinky key positioning is pretty good, though it's taken some getting used to where everything is placed for the left hand.
The thumb key positioning is good, intuitive, and easy to get around on. Waaay better than the Kessler, which was terrible in this regard. I might make a few small adjustments to raise the area where my right thumb rests, but that's a small quibble.
As Mike mentions in his video, the case is basic, but good enough. It's somewhat lightweight and compact, and the backpack straps work fine.
If you've been wanting to get a really good bass clarinet that but can't justify $14k, this is the instrument for you.
I tried out some mouthpieces and went with a Chedeville F1 and Legere European Cut 2.75.
About me: I play woodwinds semi-professionally, and bass clarinet mostly in musicals and a few random orchestra gigs. My previous bass clarinet was an old Bundy, but it played well. I also borrowed a Kessler low-C once for a gig and really disliked it. I've never played an expensive bass clarinet, so I can't compare it.

Working with Michael been fantastic and this horn has been so much fun to play! Having just graduated from college but pursuing a career outside of music, I didn't want to shell out 15K for a bass clarinet (I had been borrowing my school's 1193 or a friend's Selmer privilege throughout undergrad and wanted to find a way to continue to play bass). I couldn't be happier with my decision to get the Max. The instrument arrived in excellent condition, feels mechanically comfortable and plays great. Looking forward to the coming years playing on this wonderful horn!

My new Royal Global MAX arrived a week ago, and I couldn't be more pleased with it. As Michael discusses in his review, this is a game changing instrument that basically creates a new price point in the market. Now there is a viable option to settling for a student horn or professional instruments over $13K. I recently borrowed a Selmer Privilege for a show, and it was by far the best woodwind instrument (of any type) that I have ever played. If money was not an issue, we should all rush out and buy one of those right away (from Michael). For an amateur musician who is doubling on bass clarinet occasionally, spending Selmer / Buffet money is a difficult pill to swallow. This is why the MAX is a "waiting list" purchase everywhere you look.
After playing it several times, I can confidently say that it isn't far off from the professional instruments in every way. The tone quality is excellent, the scale is very even, and the intonation is very good. The build quality is excellent, the keywork is beautifully made and obviously higher in quality than any student instrument, the case is very nice.
If you are going to buy any bass clarinet, you NEED to buy it from Michael. He was incredibly responsive and friendly throughout the buying process. Such a breath of fresh air compared to the arrogance and dismissiveness that I have run into at other shops. He literally flies (in his own plane) every horn he sells to a top-notch tech. in upstate NY. There, the instruments undergo rigorous testing and adjustment, including adjusting key height, and spring tensions. Whatever is required to make the instrument to play its best out of the box. This type of service is unheard of for a $4K instrument. I'm sure that this would cost hundreds of dollars if you had to pay for it yourself. If you are interested in a MAX, put your name on his waiting list NOW!

Let me first say that my experience working with Michael was absolutely phenomenal. I am a professional orchestral, wind band, and pit musician, and this instrument is second to none. The key work is solid, and the tone that comes from this instrument is a big, fat, and round sound. If you're interested in this instrument, I would have your name put on the list now. Michael has these instruments worked on before you receive them, and they come out of the case playing beautifully. However, you will still need to have it customized to what you prefer (raised or lower keys, etc.), which is to be expected, but at this price, it's a steal! I do not have enough positive things to say about this instrument and the experience I received working with Michael; the best thing I can say is to try the experience for yourself; you definitely won't be disappointed.

If you are considering purchasing a bass clarinet, I would strongly recommend Earspasm. Not only is there a lot to choose from, but Michael Lowenstern was extremely helpful. Earspasm was certainly the best choice for me.
I had been in the market for a bass clarinet since about 2018. My old 1970s low Eb bass clarinet had seen better days, and no amount of repair work was going to make it any better. If you have been looking around for a bass clarinet, you know that the choices tend to range from student models to quite expensive professional models.
Fortunately, Royal Global came on the market, and they have a full range of clarinets. They offer a semi-professional model called the Royal Global Max. Since I wanted to upgrade and get a bass clarinet with a low C that was within my budget, the Max was the best option. But I was still a bit unsure if this was the way to go because it was not possible for me to try one out. This is where Michael Lowenstern comes in.
If you have spent any time on YouTube, you will find that Michael has posted a lot of valuable information about bass clarinet playing and bass clarinets. It was Michael's review of the Max that convinced me that this was the right choice.
I chose Earspasm because of the Royal Global Max review done by Michael, and because he is responsive. Michael provided answers to all my questions, and I felt there was a high level of customer service. He also has a great sense of humor, and he followed up with me after my purchase.
The whole process of buying the instrument was easy and when the instrument arrived it was exactly what I expected. The instrument was play-tested before it arrived and the technician at Earspasm contacted me before the instrument was sent. Michael also provided me with a link on assembly, care, and maintenance that I found helpful and informative.

The Global MAX arrived in beautiful condition, and it plays wonderfully. The purchasing experience with Michael was amazing. I highly recommend buying your instrument from Earspasm...a truly great experience!

I've just received my new Royal Global MAX Low C Bass Clarinet, and I could not be more delighted. Over the last 50 years I've purchased quite a few clarinets and saxophones, with some good and some memorably bad experiences, and this time was the best. First, Michael's bass clarinet expertise is unmatched and completely trustworthy - before I decided to buy the Global Max we objectively discussed in detail the various bass clarinet options available in the marketplace, and when the time came to pick an instrument my final decision was obvious.

The ordering and purchase process was effortless, the instrument arrived on time, and was well set up in advance by his instrument technician who specializes in clarinets, including marking the optimal position to align the upper and lower joints. There were no additional technical adjustments necessary.

In my mind, for the price, the Royal Global MAX Low C Bass Clarinet is unmatched; it blows very easily with little resistance across the entire range from the low C to the altissimo register, and has a very resonant feel and sound, especially down in the very lowest range. It's remarkably in tune across all registers, which is an experience I have not had on other bass clarinets. The only downside is that both of my dogs bolted from the room when I played the low C for the first time . . . but they have now become so used to it they go to sleep when I practice.

All in all, from deciding which instrument fits my needs best, to the purchasing and set up process, and finally to the instrument itself everything went just great.

I was so excited when I first heard about this model. A great low C bass clarinet that won't obliterate the bank? Color me intrigued.

Fortunately for the clarinet world, it lives up to the hype. With a big, beefy low register (dig that low C!) and a scale that's pretty damn even across the horn, this instrument is a delight to play. The earspasm pro set up gets the job done - this instrument feels great and has been set up extremely well.

For those unable (or even just unwilling) to pay the price for one of the big-name French pro basses, this is basically a no-brainer!

I really like the bass clarinet, all tones sound great, and lastly it adds bass clarinet presence to the band

I purchased a Royal Global Max bass clarinet to replace my Buffet 1180. I'm a doubler who uses bass clarinet for pit orchestra work, doubling in big bands etc., and now I'm also using it in a symphonic band that I play in with my kids. Even though the Buffet is a $7k instrument, the Max is a major upgrade in every category: Tone, intonation, evenness of scale, etc... no comparison. I went with the composite body because I definitely have to take it outside occasionally, and my wood Buffet had a history of cracking, something I don't want to deal with again. I have a quite open Bay mouthpiece which I love dearly, but was rarely able to use it with the Buffet due to intonation issues. It works great on the Max, however, so I'm super happy about that. The Max arrived set up really well, and played perfectly right out of the box. As a horn repair tech, I'm very impressed with the design and build quality... immeasurably better than some of the cheaper Asian-made bass clarinets I've worked on. There is no way anything else remotely close to the $4k price range will be able to touch the Max, in terms of both quality and playing characteristics.

Clarinet has been part of my life since the Eisenhower administration but I never played a bass until 2010.  I had a seat in a pit band that called for Bb clarinet, tenor and bari sax, and bass clarinet.  I went to the local high school to see if I might be able to borrow one for the show and the teacher told me that their old Bundy bass "needed work" but she let me play it bit and as soon as I heard, and felt, the chalumeau register I was hooked.  I ended up getting a Yamaha 221-II which more than adequately did the job.  As I became more serious about playing the instrument I eventually decided to upgrade, found a Selmer "Series 9" – a relabeled Model 30 – which was offered "as is".  I had it shipped directly to my tech and a few weeks later I was playing a professional horn.  As good as the Yamaha was, the difference was stunning, and I've put many musical miles on that Selmer since getting it a few years ago.

I started thinking about a low C bass, though, and while I really wanted a Selmer, there was simply no way I could justify the expense.  I investigated the "intermediate" level brands but couldn't really make the plunge – I wanted something that was a bit higher in quality (mostly regarding keywork) but less costly than the new Royal Polaris which Michael introduced in one of his helpful videos.  The Polaris was still a bit pricey though – I was thinking "why don't they make a Polaris with a composite body?" – as that would probably cut the price significantly.  (I play a Greenline soprano, so I'm not averse to composites).  And, as if Royal Global read my mind, this year they debuted the Max.  After watching Michael's online review, I though about it for a day or two – and then ordered my own.

The new bass showed up in a little more than a week, after a preliminary set up by Michael's tech, and upon opening the case I was struck at first by the silver plating – wow!  Very nice.  I noticed the weight of the Max immediately.  Here's what I mean – the upper joint of the plastic Yamaha is 17¼" long and weighs 29 oz.  The upper joint of the Model 30 is 15¾" long and weighs 30 oz.  The upper joint on the Max is also 15¾" long and weighs 39 oz.  This may not be completely due to the weight of the composite alone, as the keywork is exceptionally rugged.  The longer rods on the Max are significantly larger in diameter than on those of the other two horns and the right-side keys are more substantial.  I believe that the mass enhances the overall performance of the instrument, deadening the sound of the keys, and focusing the tone – but that's just my unscientific observation.  The ergonomics are fine. Like the Model 30, it has two neck strap hooks, which I prefer for stability.  I've had no difficulty with any of the basic notes from E/B - G/D, although I'm still getting used to the left and right stacks with the extra keys.  I did find that my left thumb often got pinched by the register key when executing passages which alternated back and forth over the bridge.  As far as playing in general, the tone has that classic resonance that I love about the bass.  Altissimo is no problem and all the fingerings I use on the Model 30 work just as well on the Max.  Alignment between the upper and lower joints is critical but there's a red mark that shows you exactly where the sweet spot is – I don't know if Michael put it there or whether it was done at the factory but it is helpful.

Today I took my Yamaha to my tech for resale.  When he heard I was coming he asked me to bring the Max as well as he'd never seen a Royal Global bass.  He's a bass clarinetist so I was interested in his assessment.  One thing he noticed was that the register key bottomed out on the body – therefore my thumb would get pinched; the key was moving further than it needed to.  He installed a small bumper under the key which solved that problem.  He also noticed that, when fingering throat Bb, the neck vent was still slightly open so he balanced the register mechanism. (I had noticed a certain dullness to the Bb.)  This job was made easier by all the set screws.  He did re-bend the register thumb key slightly and, anticipating something softer, he was quite surprised by the quality of the metal.  All in all, I believe he was suitably impressed with the quality of the instrument, especially as it fills the gap between the intermediate basses and the professional instruments.

To sum up, the Max is a fine, well-constructed bass with many of the same features as basses costing two or three times as much. If you like to swab your bass with the upper and lower joint assembled, grab one of the Earspasm swabs as the one provided isn't long enough.  Any negatives?  Yeah – where's the lyre holder???