Klarinet Archive - Posting 000112.txt from 2009/09

From: "Catherine Bickley" <catherine.bickley@-----.uk>
Subj: [kl] RE: Leblanc Contrabass Fingering Chart
Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2009 05:52:28 -0400


Andrew wrote

> Hi everyone -
>=20
> I've got an old Leblanc paperclip contrabass clarinet (serial #132, I
> believe) that's got a double register key mechanism. That is, there
> are two different register keys above the LH Thumb. I assume that
> this is a similar mechanism to the double register mechanism that's
> operated with a single register key on newer bass clarinets. What I
> haven't been able to determine in the limited time that I've been
> toying around with it is where the switch from one register key to
> another should happen. Is anyone here familiar with an instrument
> like this? Is there a "fingering chart" for this type of thing?
> Thanks in advance for any help from anyone...
>=20
> -Andrew Seigel
> andrew.seigel@-----.com
>=20

The one I had the misfortune to play for a bit changed between D and E. =
It also had a separate bit of mechanism for Bb. Many years of misuse =
and abuse had left of the key work in suboptimal condition and more =
leaks than pads that sealed. The register mechanism took me an age to =
understand and even longer to adjust to work. Two separate keys sounds =
like a much more satisfactory arrangement. I never really came to grips =
with that instrument or enjoy playing contra enough to persist with it.=20

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