 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: saxhorn
Date: 2014-05-18 18:06
I have a conn"wood' bass clarinet
Its says 450N on it the a serial numberB283411L
The low E key is on the bell.....
Wondering what anyone could tell me about this
Is it worth restoring? etc Thanks
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2014-05-18 20:47
According to The Conn Loyalist web site, the serial number you listed dates the instrument to 1937.
The 450N has a double register key mechanism, considered essential to performance today. If the wood isn't cracked, the keywork is in good condition, and the bell and neck aren't smashed up, this could serve someone as an entry-level bass clarinet today.
If you're planning on restoring for your own use and don't anticipate needing the low E-flat, I say go for it. If you're thinking of fixing it up and then selling it, I say forget it--sell it as is; the difference in value of the instrument in good repair ($500-$600) versus its value unrestored ($200-$300) won't cover the cost of repairs. You WILL spend more than the $200-$300 difference in resale value restoring a bass clarinet, especially if you have to get a replacement case.
Post Edited (2014-05-18 20:53)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2014-05-19 02:41
I serviced an old wooden Conn bass a while ago which had simple acting speaker keys (two thumb touches) and built to low E. It wasn't a bad instrument but I did convert the LH1 fingerplate to a perforated one by soldering a piece of tubing to the centre after drilling it out and rebuilt the bell key. Also took the bell apart as the solder joints needed redoing as well as the floor spike fitting.
The two speaker keys took some getting used to - the one immediately above (in the usual position) is for the notes from throat Bb to upper register Eb and the one to the right is for E upwards. So having a fully automatic speaker mechanism is a godsend as this makes light work for the player instead of consciously having to switch between the two speaker keys.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2014-05-19 05:48
Whoops, Chris, I assumed a double mechanism meant one key actuating two different vent holes. Having seen some of their older saxes with two octave keys, I should've considered that possibility.
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Author: saxhorn
Date: 2014-05-19 16:49
Thanks for your comments
This bass is in very good shape {no cracks .no dents]
I believe i will overhaul it. I repair instruments for a living..full time for over 30 years. I just have never seen one of these old conn bass clarinets before.
I'm curious to know more about the LH f# key modification.
Why was it done and also what was the inside diameter of the tubing!
Thanks again for all your insightful comments and yes the 2 register keys
look like extra work.
l
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2014-05-19 18:53
I drilled through the centre of the LH1 pad cup and hard soldered a piece of key barrel to the inside of it which had a 2mm hole through it and soldered an extension tab to the lower side so you can roll down to uncover the perforation for better intonation and response the altissimo register (as most bass clarinets have). Then fitted a cork pad with the centre drilled out.
If you've got missing grub screws (that lock the point screws in place), then replacements can easily be made by cutting down, shaping and cutting a slot using M2x0.5 adjusting screws which fit the threaded holes in the sides of the pillars.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2014-05-20 18:02
I had all the keywork alterations nickel plated to match the rest of the instrument. I wish I'd taken photos so you can see exactly what I did, but if I do hear from the owner (her Bb clarinet is due for a service at some point), I'll ask them to bring this bass along with them next time they're over my way.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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