C Khylbass introduction and demonstrations
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- čas přidán 22. 02. 2024
- The Khylbass is a unique instrument from the Eppelsheim company in Munich. It is a bass saxophone in the key of C, designed with a tubax bore, and is played with an alto saxophone mouthpiece.
Eppelsheim was commissioned to create this instrument by the Swedish saxophonist Christian Khyl. The first and only one was made for Khyl c. 2007. In November of 2018, a woodwind colleague and I were visiting Benedict Eppelsheim’s studio and we noticed the dusty prototype of the Khylbass almost hidden, high on a shelf. We were both curious and took it off the shelf, (with permission!), dusted it off and were amazed and dazzled at the sound, design, and uniqueness of this unusual instrument. We prevailed on Benedict to make one for each of us. I wanted to use it for unusual mixed chamber music settings, and my colleague wanted to feature it with his contemporary music ensemble.
Eppelsheim initially refused, claiming that it would be too difficult, time consuming and expensive to make.
Eppelsheim was surprised and quite pleased at our enthusiasm and persistence, and with a slight grin reluctantly agreed to make one for each of us. 15 months later, in late February of 2020 my Khylbass arrived in the United States and I could not have been more delighted. There are now just three Khylbasses in the world. It’s design, sound, construction and playability again reveals the imagination, innovation and genius of Benedict Eppelsheim. The scope of his work is stunning.
I am so excited to now have it heard and played in public for the first time as part of the Rutgers Saxophone Ensemble concert in December, 2021. This short video introduces the instrument to the audience.
Once we are done with Covid the Khylbass will be heard more and more as a solo instrument and with chamber ensembles.
The Khylbass takes flight, and I hope all enjoy the ride.
Paul Cohen - Hudba
It's shame there are only 3 of these in the world; such a beautiful instrument. Having a complete saxophone family keyed in C and F in compliment with Bb and Eb would be amazing
Yes, my family of C and F instruments greatly expands all kinds of possibilities.
@@paulcohen2556 I bet! They truly are a wonderful set of horns; I wonder when the F baritone/sopranino will finally enter the fray into the world of modern saxophones.
Incredible
What a cool freaking sound.
It's become a fan favorite! And it is relatively light, and so compact that it is easily transportable. And designed to be played on an alto mouthpiece.
That’s a cool instrument
Didn't Adolphe Sax originally intend for another set of saxophones in C and F?
These were meant for orchestral use and probably had smaller bores; the familiar Bb and Eb models were wider and would be used in bands. This particular instrument, the Khylbass, sounds like Sax's original vision for the bass saxophone - an addition to the orchestral winds as a specialized bass instrument, richer, stronger, and more tractable than the bottom end of the bassoon.
Yes, Adolphe sax did plan and made saxes in C and F as well as Eb and Bb. The first saxophone he made was a bass in C. The bore of the C and F models were proportionate to the Eb and Bb; they were made to look and sound like Eb and Bb, but just in another key (and the resultant change in a smaller size - not bore- instrument). The Khylbass is in no way like Sax's original bass saxophone, either in bore, range or mouthpiece design. It's many 21st century distinct features are unique to Eppelsheim's vision and design.
@@paulcohen2556 I think I've seen some in f made by Conn on Ebay a few years back.
how much would one of these cost if they were for sale?
It is hard to estimate the cost of a new C Khylbass in 2024 dollars. I believe it would be similar to the cost of an Eb contrabass tubax.
I think approximately 30000 dollars. If it's a new condition. Used but not killed or strong used can cost 15000 - 20000 dollars.
Why do you use an alto mouthpiece instead of a bass mouthpiece?
The bore of the instrument is much smaller than that of a conventional bass saxophone. Eppelsheim designed the instrument to accommodate an alto mouthpiece, and even provided one with the purchase. (Caravan large chamber)
Haha. It's not the horn. It's him. He's always had a great sound. jw
1:34 THE LICK????