Author: BassetHorn
Date: 2005-06-26 23:55
Hi Bruce, your plan to obtain a great mouthpiece before finding the right contra makes sense, as long as you are fully aware that contras are not all created equal, hence one mouthpiece doesn't fit them all.
Your assumption that Leblanc's Bb and Eb contrabass clarinets have the same bore and neck pipe sizes is correct. Therefore, any mouthpiece that fits one Leblanc contra will fit all the other Leblancs, straight body or paperclip.
Fobes SF Bb contra mouthpiece will indeed fit all Leblanc contras, including the 350 and 352.
On the other hand, the Selmer/Bundy 1440 has a smaller bore and neck pipe size and does require a different size (smaller) of mouthpiece. I believe Clark also makes one for this horn (his SF Eb contra mouthpiece). Best check with him though.
Having never played a 350, I cannot comment. But I play a 352 and 340 and my impression of Leblanc contras is that they are great ensemble instruments due to their rich powerful sound; they offer strong bass supports in concert bands or large clarinet choirs. If this is what you are using it for, either 350 and 352 will be valuable. I assume 350 will have similar sound characteristics as the 352.
But I find the Selmer/Bundy contras have a softer sweeter sound that make them more suitable for chamber groups or small clarinet choirs. The Selmer 1440 has a singing quality that is very pleasing to hear.
Have fun!
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