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Conn bass clarinet - help needed

Author: Clariphone
Date: 2025-03-18 22:09
Attachment: Conn_bass_clarinet.jpg (336k)

I have been offered a wooden Conn bass clarinet (range to Eb), serial number L20***. https://connselmer.com/serial-numbers states that serial number L20454 was built in 1968, so I assume that this instrument was built in 1967. Is this a genuine Conn instrument or one that has been built by Malerne? The photo shows two metal rings that I have not seen on other bass clarinets - this may help you identify the origin of this instrument.
It is said to be in good shape, and the asking price is about US$ 950 including a decent mouthpiece. Is that a fair price?
Thanks in advance for your help!

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Re: Conn bass clarinet - help needed

Author: Chris P
Date: 2025-03-18 22:58

http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/download.html/1,8513/Conn_bass_clarinet.jpg

That's a Malerne stencil as it has both the LH Ab/Eb lever and fully articulated C#/G# with the linkage across the joints connecting the RH main action to the C#/G# pad cup.

The speaker mechanism will most likely look like this:
http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/download.html/1,2923/malerne%20bass.jpg

The extra bands at the top end of the top joint are metal flush bands which is an archaic method of crack repair which was popularly done in the US.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

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Re: Conn bass clarinet - help needed

Author: Clariphone
Date: 2025-03-19 10:38

Hi Chris,

Thank you for your detailed and quick response.
The Malerne origin and repaired cracks lead me to believe that I’d better continue looking for a decent bass clarinet (not that many for sale in Europe) or splash a considerable amount of money on a Backun Alpha bass clarinet.

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Re: Conn bass clarinet - help needed

Author: Chris P
Date: 2025-03-19 22:30

Used pro level low C basses (and used pro level cors anglais) are few and far between and get snapped up very quickly as soon as they appear on the market. You have to act lightning fast the moment you see one listed.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

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Re: Conn bass clarinet - help needed

Author: super20dan
Date: 2025-03-20 19:05

i would pass. i bought one malerne alto clarinet and its a stinker! build quality is extremly poor

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