Klarinet Archive - Posting 000833.txt from 2001/01

From: Richard Bush <rbushidioglot@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Contra clarinet wanted to buy
Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2001 12:06:29 -0500

Dave,

Even though the "Bundy" (now called Selmer-USA) contra bass in Eb has awkward
feeling keywork, the instrument is closely patterned after the Selmer. The side
keys are cammed in a similar way to the Selmer and are not those long, single
action keys that like to flop around, from side to side. The bore is also almost
identical to the Selmer. To the contrary, the Leblanc plastics, the Vito Eb contra
alto and the BBb contra bass have the same bore. A big compromise and a very big
difference in a negative way when compared to the Selmer or Selmer USA models.

I personally consider the Selmer USA contra alto to be one of the great bargains
available....a huge bang for the buck.

Like all lower priced instruments, instruments that are less than "artist" grade,
the plastic Selmer does require some tweaking by a good repairman. One thing I've
found is that there are a lot of tone hole burrs where the boring of the bore
leaves plastic deposits at the edges of the drilled tone holes. They can be cleaned
up easily. Also, a good mouthpiece is in order. Don't expect the stock mouthpiece
to amount to much. These mouthpiece are made from good rubber and come from France.
A good mouthpiece refacer can turn them into something worth using.

For the money, and since most used instruments will have come from schools or
institutions and might be pretty thrashed, consider going new and buying from a
discount place, such as WW & BW.

Dave Spiegelthal wrote:

> I have developed a sudden personal need for a contra clarinet, so I'm looking
> for a reasonably-priced one to buy. Although I'd prefer a B-flat contrabass, I
> realize that these are pretty rare and pricey, so I could settle for an E-flat
> contra-alto. I'd love to have a rosewood Selmer contralto, but as beggars can't
> be choosers, I'll consider virtually any brand, model, or material. Bundy would
> be my last resort, but again, I would consider it. Instruments needing any
> level of repair are acceptable -- I do clarinet and bass clarinet restorations
> as a hobby/side business, so I can fix whatever's broke. In fact, considering
> that my mechanical skills far exceed my budget, a "fixer-upper" would probably
> be the most desirable.
> Dave Spiegelthal
> Calverton ,VA
> spiegelthal.dave@-----.com
> http://www.angelfire.com/va/woodwindplayer
>
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