 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: BassetHorn
Date: 2006-01-09 21:58
Questions for the Leblanc contra clarinet players/experts regarding these models 350, 352, 340, 342:
1) What kind of finish is on your instrument(s)? I know in the old days satin silver finish with the blasted look was the norm, then nickel finish became the choice, and now the newer version is painted black (if anyone cares to elaborate how this process was done).
2) Was any of these models ever offered with a gold plated finish? Or lacquered? Or bare brass? Or any other finish?
3) Were the paperclip models 340 and 350 ever offered with low Eb as the lowest note? I know the low D and low C models are common with low D being the older version on the 340, and I have only ever seen 350 with low C.
4) I have only seen 340 and 350 being handled, going into and out of the carrying case in one-piece construction, but recently saw a photo in which a 340’s top and bottom halves are detachable and stored in the case this way. Everything looks to be an original design and this is a pretty old looking horn. Is this the original design?
Willy
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2006-01-10 14:51
The matte-finish Leblanc contras are very old. I think they were made only for the initial few years, after which they switched to the shiny nickel plating. I have no idea about gold, lacquered or bare finishes. I've never seen one like that and think it would be a one-off, custom job.
All the paperclip models I've seen go to either D or C. The Db and C keys on the low C models are on a removable extension, so Leblanc would have had to make a different body if the instrument went only to Eb, which seems unlikely.
The straight models, to Eb, all have a middle joint (at least the BBb instruments) and come apart or are left together depending on the case. The straight BBb instrument is the very devil to put together at the middle joint. The two parts are quite heavy and there are numerous bridge keys that have to be aligned. Given how easily these keys get out of adjustment, it's a major hazard. Several years ago, I played a brand new straight BBb. After putting it together, I had to spend 15 minutes gently bending the long rods straight.
The paperclip BBb contras have a middle joint at the same place as the straight ones, but there is never a need to take the instrument apart, since this would save no space in the case. With even more bridge keys, it would be nearly impoossible to disassemble or reassemble. (In fact, my BBb paperclip is a misalliance of two instruments, with different serial numbers, presumably salvaged from half-smashed originals, fitted together at the middle joint.)
Ken Shaw
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-01-10 15:35
And I thought cut'n'shuts were only to be found in dodgy used car dealerships (in Essex)!
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