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RE: paper clip | leblanc

Author: Patrick Scully
Date: 2002-03-12 16:02

I second everything Ken said; I missed the plating wear on the lower joint when I looked at Ebay myself. It would seem a very good idea to notify this board prior to entering your bid on Ebay!

To those who lust after a contrabass clarinet, the mentioned instrument on Ebay could be of interest if you wish to have:

(1) a "traditional" bass clarinet layout and don't mind sitting in a drummer's throne or standing while you play (at least one owner told me he always stands to play...and this could be advantageous from the breathing standpoint since it might allow the lungs to inflate more fully)

(2) a metal Leblanc contra clarinet. Leblanc nickel silver contras are extraordinarily durable, beautifully voiced, and visually striking instruments.

The Ebay instrument is about 50 years old, but with an overhaul, should play well for another 50 years. Plan on spending between $700 and $2,000 on the overhaul, depending upon replating, new case, etc (I can refer you to the excellent technician/player I use. He has a subspecialty in restoring contra clarinets). Note that Leblanc pads or the equivalent MUST be used to restore this instrument to original quality. The required pads are "thin" saxophone-type, kid leather, have metal resonators, and screw in to the key cups. My technician floats such pads on shellac, giving a quicker turnaround time on the repair and a very good seal. Charles Fobes also recommends floating the pads on shellac.

Alternatives to the Leblanc metal contras:

Selmer Paris (rosewood) contras have their adherents, but used ones are almost never seen (BBb) or may be liable to extensive cracking in the lower joint especially (EEb). Some of the plastic contras are capable of beautiful sonority, and have durable body tubes (though cheaper and more limited keywork). The Vito BBb and the Selmer/Bundy EEb can play reasonably well if properly set up and given a minor overhaul when purchased (removal of plastic burrs in the keyholes and the like).

Getting a good tone on the metal contras:

Opinions about the impact of nickel silver construction and bore on the tone quality of contrabass clarinets abounds. My own experience is that the mouthpiece/reed setup is far more influential than sound tube material. My paperclip EEb contra clarinet has a beautiful resonant edge (bass clarinet down low and Bb clarinet higher up) in all registers (setup is Charles Fobes San Francisco contrabass mouthpiece with Vandoren 2). Ny BBb has a darker tone with its Woodwind mouthpiece and Vandoren 3 or 4 (harder reeds on this instrument give better intonation and eliminate reed slapping on the lowest notes)

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