 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: kfrank1
Date: 2006-07-20 19:52
I'm looking into getting my first base clarinet, probably a pre '83 Selmer Paris wooden model down to Eb
I would like to get one with the left hand Ab/Eb key and articulated G#. Is this the norm for bass clarinets of this vintage? Idealy I would like a bass clarinet from the '70s to early '80s.
Also my price range is under $2000. Is this realistic?
Thanks.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2006-07-20 21:12
Selmer's basS cls of Models 31,2,3 to low Eb [1960/70's] are, IMHO, among the very best they have made. I have one, am only moderately skillful, but it does all that I need and am capable of. It is well in tune and with a Pomarico 3 glass mp, [refaced], has fine tone quality, and volume as needed. I have observed that only a few are ever offered via auction, and may be quite expensive, depending on condition/recent overhaul, etc. Mine has the Alt. Ab/Eb, the Art. C#/G# and low Eb, but doesn't have the 4th Full Boehm "addition", the fork Eb/Bb, its not being needed with the very useful 1 and 1 Eb/Bb fingering, my favorite. I suggest that you look for one, it may be costly. Others, please advise kfrankl, Luck, Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: kfrank1
Date: 2006-07-20 23:30
Thanks Don. So are the full boehm or near-full boehm just as scarce as those for the soprano clarinet? I had the impression that they were more common on bass clarinet.
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Author: Terry Stibal
Date: 2006-07-21 17:36
First off, the bass clarinet was the first horn (as far as I have seen in the histories that I've read) to offer the (relatively rare on soprano clarinets) low Eb extension. The reason that this started to be included on basses around the turn of the previous century was that it was needed to transpose A bass clarinet parts (the horns for which were out of production from about 1910 through 1980). So, to that extent, the "full Boehm" option has always been there on the bass in modern times.
Second, the fork Eb/Bb mechanism is never found on Boehm system bass clarinets for the simple reason that the hole needed to be left open is not operated by the middle finger directly, as on the soprano horn, but by the keywork. I'm sure it could be made to work, but it's not that vital in any event, and so it's just not there.
The other two additions are a lot easier to implement.
The Ab/Eb lever works in the identical fashion to that on the soprano, and has been part of Selmer professional level clarinets since the 1950's, if my memory serves. My Model 33 has it, and most others that I've seen from Selmer have it as well.
If you make the mistake of seeking out a professional level Leblanc horn from the 1970's, you won't see it but you will see a rebirth of the Colonel Conn-inspired "fork Eb" fingering instead. To get low Ab, you finger T/•••/•o•, with no added little finger keys. You have my sympathy if you find yourself doing this...
The articulated C#/G# is implemented in a slightly different fashion on the bass, although the net effect is much the same. On the bass, the operating linkage that makes it all happen is not part of the rodwork as on a soprano, but rather a small arm extending upwards from the lower joint that holds the key pad over the tonehole shut when the keywork on the lower first three fingers comes into play.
While I have never had an adjustment problem with my soprano horn articulated C#/G#s (or with any of them on my saxes), on my bass this mechanism is something that I constantly watch. It is provided with an adjustment screw (which I tweak prior to most performances, just to be sure), but it is very exposed to damage even with extremely careful handling.
One other minor issue about this particular mechanism is that the C#/G# trill key is not included on the bass clarinet. I use it very little on the sopranos, but I still like having the option. On the bass, it's just not there.
Push comes to shove, you're not going to see the Ab/Eb lever and the articulated C#/G# on "down line" beginner and intermediate bass clarinets. You will find them on the pro horns, and you will pay for the utility. So, unless you're willing to pay the $2,000 - $3,000 that a Selmer or Buffet bass is going to sell for, no, the "full Boehm" options won't be available (except for the low Eb extension).
leader of Houston's Sounds Of The South Dance Orchestra
info@sotsdo.com
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Author: kfrank1
Date: 2006-07-21 20:38
Thanks Terry.
I was looking at a Selmer Paris wooden bass clarinet on Ebay here.
This appears to only have the low Eb key. Would this be considered to not be a pro level Selmer?
I didn't buy it because it wasn't "full-boehm". Did I miss a good opportunity?
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2006-07-21 21:34
A fine, detailed, analysis, Terry. I have not seen the "Full Boehm" description applied to the bass, as Terry described [re: the "fork" Eb/Bb {to complete the 4th addition}] the difficulty of doing so, and, with my comment on using the 1 and 1 fingering instead, its not badly missed, IMHO ! To me [and ?David Spiegelthal, read his posts !] the manner in which the register keying [single/double] is accomplished is of great importance, and the best keying-mechanics are only supplied on the most expensive basses. But to me [us?] they are well worth the cost to produce, easily/ tonally-compatible and good lower clarion notes. Welcome to bass cl research/decisions. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Terry Stibal
Date: 2006-07-22 21:17
I live to serve..
leader of Houston's Sounds Of The South Dance Orchestra
info@sotsdo.com
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