 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: river432
Date: 2016-10-19 22:19
Hello, I am a woodwinds doubler but don't have a lot of experience with the bass clarinet. I did purchase a vintage bass clarinet a few years ago, but did not have the occasion to perform with it until recently. I would really appreciate and feedback in helping me to determine as much information about this bass clarinet as possible.
To provide you some information about this bass clarinet, it is a wood bass clarinet marked "Henri Leduc Paris" on the upper joint, with the serial number "2007" on both the upper and lower joints. There are no other markings on either joint, or the bell. It plays down to low Eb. This bass clarinet also has two register keys, one on the body, and one on the neck. It also appears to have the long rod linking the upper and lower joints and which actives the "on-neck" register key when playing the from fourth line D on the staff to fourth space E and remains open on up this register. (Is this rod a good or bad thing? Also, what about the double register keys?) The intonation below the point where the on-neck register key is activated seems to be fine, but because it doesn't have a tunable neck that could be adjusted, it is difficult to play in tune in the upper register.
I haven't been able to find much information at all about this bass clarinet. It appears that "Henri Ledoux" may have been a stencil made in Paris, but I couldn't find anything regarding "Henri Leduc", which is probably just another obscure stencil. It does appear to be a well-made bass clarinet with nice crack-free wood, well-manufactured keywork (the finish is still excellent), and a nice sound. Since I don't expect to be playing a lot of bass clarinet, I seems to be suitable for my needs and I am fairly happy with it. But if I could correct the intonation problem a little, I would be a lot happier!
I am wondering if this bass clarinet is a stencil manufactured by one of the larger Paris manufacturers. I can only guess that it was made sometime in the 1930's - 1940's, but I wouldn't be surprised if was older or even newer. (It has a fairly new case so I can't use that as a clue.) Anyway, if anyone might have any information, ideas, or suggestions regarding this vintage bass clarinet, I would really appreciate it! If you wish, I could provide some photos if that would help.
Thank you so much! River432
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Author: river432
Date: 2016-10-20 21:13
I took your recommendation, David, and have just posted many photos . I hope these photos will assist in determining as much information as possible regarding this "Henri Leduc Paris" bass clarinet including manufacturer, history, vintage, keywork, intonation, peculiarities, etc. I also welcome any and all opinions as it is compared to other vintage bass clarinets. All information, feedback, and opinions are welcome! Thank you! River432
Sorry, but the photos did not post for some reason. I will keep trying.
Post Edited (2016-10-20 21:24)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-10-21 01:01
I was expecting it to be a run-of-the-mill Malerne stencil basses, but this one has a true double speaker mechanism unlike most Malernes, so not entirely sure who made this one. The double speaker mechanism will count in its favour provided it's all set up and regulated well.
Whereabouts in the upper register does the tuning start to get funny?
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: river432
Date: 2016-10-21 06:19
Chris, thank you for your response! Although this "Henri Leduc Paris" bass clarinet is apparently a stencil, I also felt it was not typical due to the double register key mechanism. And overall, it appears to be a well-made bass that has a very nice sound.
Unlike a lot of vintage basses, the upper register speaks easily and sounds beautiful all the way up to high G (4th line above the staff). But it starts to go flat at the point where the neck register key is activated. The neck register key is activated when playing from fourth line D on the staff to fourth space E, and remains open (and the clarinet plays flat) on up this register. So the problem might be with the neck, which is not adjustable, so maybe I should try a newer neck, such as a Charles Bay neck (but I would need a neck with a register key.) I am playing on a very nice Charles Bay mouthpiece and ligature which I do like a lot.
But thanks again, Chris! If not a Malerne stencil, it sure would be nice to learn if was a Buffet, Selmer, or Leblanc. Any and all responses from any other members on this site are also welcome! River432
Post Edited (2016-10-21 16:26)
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Author: river432
Date: 2016-10-27 03:20
Hello Dave,
FYI, I posted several photos of my "Henri Leduc Paris" bass clarinet a few days ago. If you feel so inclined to review these photos, I would greatly appreciate any information, opinions, advice, etc. that you may be able to provide regarding this bass clarinet. Thank you so much!
Post Edited (2016-10-27 03:22)
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Author: el gitano
Date: 2016-10-28 01:48
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Hi,
look´s a bit like this one: Jean Cartier. No nothing about this maker.
Claus
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Author: river432
Date: 2016-10-28 17:35
Thank you, Claus, for you response and great photos of the the Jean Cartier bass clarinet. After closely reviewing the photos, I believe you may have pointed me in the right direction!!
The keywork on both clarinets is strikingly similar. There is a difference in the double register key mechanism. My "Henri Leduc Paris" bass appears to be more complicated and has a long rod linking both the upper and lower registers. The "on-body" register key also appears to be higher up on the upper joint. I don't know if the more complicated register key mechanism means it is an earlier or later model. Also, there is an additional large pad on the lower joint for low E.
Anyway, I did some research on Jean Cartier clarinets and I discovered that this may be a stencil name for Dolnet. The company was known as Dolnet Lefèvre & Pigis, Mantes-la-Jolie, 1880-1898; became Dolnet & Lefèvre 1898-1908; and then Henri Dolnet, 1909-1986. This company was active as makers of clarinets and saxophones in Mantes but was noted more for its saxophones. From what I've read, the quality of their instruments was excellent. It is very possible that Henri Leduc was just another stencil name of Dolnet.
I never would have come up with Dolnet without your assistance. So thanks again for pointing me in the right direction!
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Author: river432
Date: 2016-10-28 17:39
Thank you, Steven, for those tips of cleaning out the "on-neck" register key vent and making sure the pad opens sufficiently. Hopefully those things will improve the intonation in the upper register!
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