 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Joseph Adams
Date: 2012-10-19 12:33
It has been under a week, and been playing around with with the FIRST production model contrabass.
My first thoughts. Thankfully it has an upper and lower joint like some bass clarinets. IT IS BIG.
After that, It's all love of that dark low sound.
There is not a dead note on it.
I have the Selmer 1440 EEb Contra and it is has several dead notes (f# and Low B natural being most notable). I find that it also carries over to the Paris (wood) model.
Why would anyone release a product without fine tuning it?
The Contrabass is a BIG horn, but I have a good reed on it. The response is TOP notch. I always wanted one, and with 6 month financing deal that Tom is willing to do and work with.. Oh yes. I had to do it.
I find the horn is responsive. I am really glad I could do it.
The case he provides is lightweight, yet sturdy and has wheels, and based on knowing Bobby McClelland who has the original prototype case. It should prove to be very sturdy.
I give the horn high marks.
However, if you are in proximity to drive to pick it up and play test. It is worth it.
Tom Ridenour is really the most amazing man to sit and listen to.
( we sat there for 3-4 hours just shooting the breeze and checking out the horns. It was worth the price of admission!)
SO. I give the Contra a HUGE thumbs up.
Thanks
Joe Adams
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2012-10-19 13:15
Is the range to low Eb? Low C? Is it straight or paperclip? What mouthpiece and reeds are you using? Price?
Ken Shaw
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Author: Joseph Adams
Date: 2012-10-19 13:26
The range is to Low Eb, only the extremely expensive Selmer Paris does Low C
It is a straight. I hate the Paperclip, too much 'back pressure'
I have the Fobes Debut Mouthpiece and a Rico Bari Sax reed works on it.
Joe Adams
Meridian, MS 39301
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2012-10-20 16:04
>> only the extremely expensive Selmer Paris does Low C <<
Eppelsheim, Ripamonti and some Leblancs are also to low C.
I imagine the Ridenour is mostly similar (if not the same) as the other Chinese contrabass clarinets. The ones I've tried were actually pretty good.
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Author: Bobby McClellan
Date: 2012-10-22 22:58
Clarni,
It is the production model of the one that I have. Best way to describe it is think the Vito straight BBb for the configuation. Difference is the body is 2 piece and made of rubber and not plastic.
Eppelsheim and Ripamonti are not something that many people outside to the professional range know of in the US, They are not in stores or in the Big Box mail order company's ability to order.
Correct me but last I heard was that LeBlanc no longer is making pro horns and have not made a prfessional contra in several years. I though I heard somwhere that they are also not making the studen plastic BBb now.
Bobby M. McClellan
Flowood, MS
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Author: LCL
Date: 2012-10-23 15:36
Bobby,
As far as the Low C paperclips by Leblanc, I believe you are correct that these aren't made anymore. I have one that is dated to 1963, which was recently worked on by Morrie Backun. The Low C extension was loose and Morrie soldered it permanently into position, while adding two braces to counter the torque between the two tubes. The bell and short length of tubing is still detachable to get the monster into its case. I really like this horn and it is in superb condition! I have not had an issue with backpressure.
Best,
Lynn
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