 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: monkeyman
Date: 2009-11-07 05:36
I'm the Woodwind specialist at a high school and I'm thinking of purchasing a Contrabass for the school program. I'm not a Clarinet major and I'm seeking advice with regard to the type and model of instrument to buy. One piece vs paperclip? I'm particularly comcerned with keeping the instrument in playable condition given the treatment these types of instruments receive in high schools.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2009-11-07 17:06
monkeyman -
The temptation is to get a BBb contra, for the low notes, and then to get the extra low notes available on the paperclip style metal Leblanc. However, the cost of a new instrument is astronomical, and the used ones (99% of which come from schools) are often in unplayable condition and require extensive restoration.
The extra low notes are almost never written for, so you may be tempted by a straight BBb. However, the player is forced to stand. Also, few high school level compositions include BBb parts at all. That means that to have the instrument played (doubling tuba or second bassoon), you will need to put an advanced player on it -- that is, one who can simultaneously read and transpose in bass clef.
The metal Leblanc Eb contra-alto is an excellent instrument, but costs much more than the plastic ones. Thus, for practicality, you absolutely should get a plastic Eb contra-alto, such as the Selmer 1440 or the Vito 7181. If there's no contra part, the player can simply read a bass clef part as if it was in treble clef, making only a key signature adjustment.
Any contra is delicate and goes out of adjustment with rough -- or even moderately rough -- handling. Letting the bottom of instrument drop a few inches to a hard floor can throw it out. The long keys and rods are easily bent out of position, and, on the Leblanc metal paperclip models, the connecting pieces that jump across from the descending to the ascending tubes are an extra problem.
I've played a lot of contra and love it. For me, it's easier than bass clarinet. It can be played quite softly, yet has great power, and while it takes plenty of breath, it needs only a little more than bass clarinet.
A contra looks very impressive to contest judges, and the kids love to fool around on it. For a clarinet choir, it's essential. However, an "et cetera" player on a leaky contra will make little contribution to a band's overall sound.
If you spend the money for an instrument, add the extra for a Grabner or Fobes mouthpiece, which will make a major difference.
Ken Shaw
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