Klarinet Archive - Posting 000878.txt from 1997/12

From: Geoff Chadwick <geoff.chadwick@-----.uk>
Subj: Re: R series Selmer Eb Contra
Date: Fri, 19 Dec 1997 12:35:13 -0500

Probably not much use for what you want, but I played a rosewood
contra not so long ago. Lovely instrument! A little awkward to play
- but that was unfamiliarity more than anything else. I think it
would become easier with experience. BTW, my glasses vibrated right
off my nose on playing the low E. Couldn't stop them!

Chad

> I am searching for information on the old Selmer R series Rosewood Eb
> Contras. I am looking at buying a reconditioned one that has been silver
> plated. I know the Selmer Eb's this old only descend to low E. Other
> than this disadvantage of an awkward "break", I would like to know if
> there are any general disadvantages to the mechanism from this time
> (approx. mid 50's) that I should be aware of. The only main mechanical
> difference I know of aside from range, is that the trill keys are one
> piece in line keys like on student basses. I actually prefer this.
> Any additional info or comments will be GREATLY appreciated.
> thanks,
> Matthew Hanson