 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Chris J
Date: 2007-11-30 15:41
Apologies if this goes against forum code of conduct, as I have asked this in another slightly related post, but I would like to raise the question in its own headed thread.
I have just received my first ever bass clarinet - cheap from Ebay. I think it is a Leblanc 400 (identified with kind help from LarryBocaner and stevesklar). It is in a sad state of repair, but promising to overhaul.
There is evidence of a screwed brace between the UJ and LJ. The screw holes are there, but no brace. One opinion is that they were screwed for the school market. I have info elsewhere that
"Most leblancs have two set screws that lock the upper and lower joints together through the socket ring of the lower joint. Be sure and remove these screws before trying to disassemble the instrument. Many the bass has come to me with a broken socket because someone tried to take the joints apart without removing the set screws! good luck. I've never met a Leblanc Bass clarinet that couldn't be rebuilt to play wonderfully. even the student line Normandy and Noblet are very nice instruments."
I am about to give the instrument to a repairer, and he is going to ask me what I want him to do with it.
Should I get a replacement brace or leave it free to easily dismantle?
If braced, should I store it assembled in a single body case or unscrewed in a 5 piece case?
Information about the braces, why Leblanc did it and appropriate care of their instruments with respect to it would be gratefully received
Chris
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Author: C2thew
Date: 2007-11-30 15:47
A brace is usually to prevent splitting of the joints if the instrument fell over. in the school system, kids are reckless with their instruments and accidents are not uncommon. If it is your personal instrument that you will take care of, there really isn't any need for a brace. You can clean your bass clarinet easier without the brace too.
Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention from serious things. they are but improved means to an unimproved end, an end which was already but too easy to arrive as railroads lead to Boston to New York
-Walden; Henry Thoreau
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Author: Chris J
Date: 2007-11-30 17:08
C2thew - many thanks for your reply.
From another source I have had this opinion:
LeBlanc come with a heavy socket ring for the middle joint. This ring has two extensions that line up with the grooves and threaded holes on the upper joint. This system ensured not only a tight fit but also that the body parts lined up correctly. The big draw back to the systen was that LeBlanc always shipped in a 5 piece case so you have to take the joints apart after every use. If you forget to remove the screws or are not careful easing the joints apart it is VERY EASY to break the socket on the lower joint! I do more socket grafts on LeBlanc bass clarinets than all other brands combined. I would highly recommend finding a specialist to rebuild the instrument and fit it for a new ring. Use a tight tenon cork at the middle joint so you get a good snug fit, lock the joints together and then put the instrument in a one piece case. I never send a rebuilt LeBlanc back out in a 5 piece case unless the customer expressly asks for it. Other than working on the instrument there is no advantage to breaking it down
I must say I would prefer to break the instrument down if only to make sure water does not sit in the tenon.
I remain undecided!.......
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2007-11-30 17:58
>> Other than working on the instrument there is no advantage to breaking it down <<
I totally disagree with this! A one piece bass clarinet is a pain because of the case and that is reason enough IMO.
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Author: stevesklar
Date: 2007-11-30 18:52
I actually wouldn't mind a 1 piece case, but then I also play tenor sax.
but being wood, I would side on caution and break it down to make sure both joints and the tenon/socket are dry.
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