 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: SEALE45
Date: 2023-01-25 21:08
Ok don't judge, but I have a Leblanc Low C bass, 430S, and I am looking for a particular neck for it. Does anyone know where I may find a neck like this?
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Author: SEALE45
Date: 2023-01-25 21:14
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8a/Bocal_clarinette_basse_Leblanc_01.jpg
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2023-01-25 21:52
That looks custom. A good tech could make one for you. Almost certainly not something that could simply be bought especially given that Leblanc France is long gone.
-JDbassplayer
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Author: SEALE45
Date: 2023-01-30 06:20
Ok so my clarinet tech said that he isn't able to make a neck like this. Does anyone know where I could get this neck made?
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2023-01-30 19:41
Seale45
You should probably contact Eric Satterlee at Meridian Winds in Okemos, MI. His shop has turned out some amazing things. Use my name as I am a very satisfied customer.
Check the website. https://www.meridianwinds.com/ Also, check out MW's FB page.
HRL
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2023-01-31 01:56
Beale445,
I should have asked for clarification. Do you have a neck for this instrument? If you do, it would be easy to copy for a skilled tech. Also, why not a regular LeBlanc non-low C bass neck from the same era?
If you have the neck, how about a photo? As I recall, there is no register key on the neck for these instruments. That should make finding a replacement neck much easier.
HRL
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Author: anonrob
Date: 2023-01-31 02:40
If the OP wants the tuning function pictured, another Leblanc bass neck won't work because they are, as far as I know, one piece. If anyone is interested in owning a Leblance Low C bass, please let me know. I have one I am probably selling one in the next couple of months.
Rob
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Author: donald
Date: 2023-01-31 15:29
My instrument maker/repairer friend fitted a tuning slide on a bass clarinet neck by taking the mouthpiece receiver off and putting a cork slide at the mouthpiece bit that can be used to tune.
It's after midnight now, but I'll find it and take a photo tomorrow- it was an easy adaption to allow tuning on a one piece neck
dn
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Author: SEALE45
Date: 2023-01-31 23:56
I do have the original neck for the instrument. I just want to have the tuning function in the middle of the neck as pictured in the original post. My neck currently is the stock Leblanc one piece neck. Also, does anyone know if there is a way to have a tech move the second register key from the body to the neck. This bass has the double register key mechanism linked to the G/D key. Plus, I am really digging the sound of this bass. Very unique! Guess I'm joining the Leblanc Low C cult following...
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Author: crazyclari
Date: 2023-02-01 02:08
Moving the register keys "may" affect the tuning and response. The maker may have adjusted other notes to compensate for the moved register keys.
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Author: SEALE45
Date: 2023-02-01 08:34
Eric at Meridian Winds will be able to convert the neck! Thank you for the input! This bass is going to be sick once set up and completed!
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Author: donald
Date: 2023-02-01 11:47
Interested to ask- every Leblanc Bass clarinets (low C) that I have encountered has had a "double" register mechanism- one that either opens a Bb tone hole for the throat Bb, OR a register key (that operates for all upper register and altissimo notes).
The Buffet/Selmer basses had a "triple" mechanism, that 1) opens a key for throat Bb 2) opens the same key for "long tube" upper register notes 3) opens a smaller register vent on the neck for any notes above Clarion D#
I'm quite prepared to believe that Leblanc may have made the triple mechanism, or that someone may have customised this bass post production... can you post a photo or two of the mechanism so we can see it?
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Author: SEALE45
Date: 2023-02-01 17:30
Donald
This bass technically has a "triple" mechanism if you will. It opens a hole for throught Bb, it has a rod down to the low G/D key that links to a hole for the clarion register, and then a hole opens on the body for the altissimo range. It's not bad, but I am super curious to see about having the mechanism reworked to be placed on the neck. I can't seem to get Steve Fox to respond, though. Here's a picture, though.
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Author: SEALE45
Date: 2023-02-01 17:32
https://fr.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leblanc_mod%C3%A8le_425/430#/media/Fichier%3ACorps_haut_Basse_Leblanc_double_registre.jpg
This is the exact same model of bass that I have. I can't seem to post pictures from my phone here for some reason. Notice the rod that goes down to the G/D key.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2023-02-01 17:36
>> The Buffet/Selmer basses had a "triple" mechanism <<
Just a correction, mostly a semantic/definition matter, it is not a triple mechanism, it is a double register key mechanism that is operated by a different key, the right hand G/D key. Until you move up to the clarion E it is all the same, no change in that mech from throat Bb to the lower clarion (up to D#).
What you referred to as "double register mechanism" is usually referred to as single register since only one vent hole is for a register change, the other is just a tone hole for Bb.
Some bass clarinets do have an actual triple mechanism, meaning there are two "switches" along the range.
From vague memory, Leblanc did have a model with a true double register mech, meaning it had two vent holes for the clarion register, but it's so long since I've seen it that I might remember wrong...
Post Edited (2023-02-01 17:37)
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Author: SEALE45
Date: 2023-02-01 17:50
I understood "triple" to mean double here. I was just quoting Donald. This bass does have a double mechanism, as it has the rod linked to the G/D key. It opens a vent for Bb to Eb and then opens the vent on the upper body for notes E and above. Does anyone know where I can convert this bass to have a standard double register mechanism that is on the neck instead of the body?
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2023-02-01 19:42
Attachment: D86FA4AE-C38D-4BDE-B84D-434711FD7F16.jpeg (1358k)
Just for fun I pulled a spare Leblanc 430s joint (one with a fully automatic double register vent) out from my back room and compared it to my Buffet. I’m surprised by how much lower the upper vent is, roughly located where the tenon is on my Buffet.
That being said, having a new neck made and having the vent relocated to the neck is going to be thousands of dollars in work. You would be far better off selling your instrument as is and purchasing a Royal Max which is a far better and more modern instrument.
-JDbassplayer
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Author: SEALE45
Date: 2023-02-01 22:22
JDBassplayer
Just out of curiosity, would it require you to move both register vents to get the upper one on the neck? What all would be involved with that?
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Author: donald
Date: 2023-02-01 22:52
Good point Chris (re "double" and "triple".
Over the years there has been confusion on this bb (and in "real") about this, and I've people often think "double" refers to the - reg/throat Bb doubleness...
I used "triple" to refer to the FUNCTIONS of the key (two register functions and throat Bb)
You are correct in that there are only two ACTIONS
(btw, I know someone with a bass that has separate holes for Bb, upper reg and lower reg... and while it works like a dream and improves intonation, there are more things to go wrong...)
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2023-02-01 23:07
You only need to move the top vent since they act independently. This would involve removing the original register tube and filling in the hole with glue and wood dust. You would then need to make a new key arm for the upper register vent and a custom key and vent tube for the neck. Finally you would probably want to send the key work out for replating.
-JDbassplayer
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Author: SEALE45
Date: 2023-02-01 23:13
I know it sounds crazy, but is that kind of key work something you could perform? I'm willing to go for it.
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Author: SEALE45
Date: 2023-02-02 04:23
Anybody up for the challenge? Turning this Leblanc register key into a double mechanism on the neck? I know it sounds crazy, but I am up for it. The rest of the horn has a unique sound that I very much appreciate. I've played a Kessler, Buffett, Selmer, and a Yamaha even. Besides the Selmer, this horn has been my favorite. I am a stickler for completely custom items, i.e. my guitar and vehicle. So the opportunity in this horn, in my opinion, is pretty substantial. It is a Leblanc 430S from the 90s; one of the last ones they made per the serial number. It has the original case in mint condition, the original Mouthpiece (I use a Fobes, but still cool to have), and a complete and intact double register key mechanism linked to the G/D key. I'm willing to invest in the register key conversion if there are any takers!
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Author: SEALE45
Date: 2023-02-02 04:30
Oh! It also has an adjustable thumb rest that I haven't seen on any other Leblancs.
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2023-02-02 05:37
I would love to but unfortunately I am swamped with work at the moment. Next on the bench I’ll be overhauling a Leblanc 342 contrabass clarinet... I may possibly have an opening in a few months, shoot me an email if you want to chat.
-JDbassplayer
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Author: SEALE45
Date: 2023-02-02 05:56
JDbassplayer
I am in no rush. So I could do a few months out. I will shoot you an email and get something set up. Thank you!
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Author: ebonite
Date: 2023-02-02 13:04
If you could find a scrap leblanc neck, you could test whether having the register vent in the neck would actually improve the upper register response and tuning: drill a hole in the scrap neck and block the upper vent on the body, and test the notes E-C in the clarion register. It might improve things, but it might not....
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Author: anonrob
Date: 2023-02-02 19:13
Do be aware that the top joint of the Leblanc is longer than the Buffets and Selmers, so that upper register vent isn't as low as one might think.
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Author: HANGARDUDE
Date: 2023-02-03 17:33
If SEALE45 wishes to stick to all-metal necks, Karsten Gloger in the Netherlands seems to have the expertise for Leblanc basses and will be able to make one with a tuning slide for you:
https://gloger-handkraft.com/bass-klarinet/
Having said that, Jared aka jdbassplayer above(whom I'm a current customer of) is also an incredible craftsman that you can't go wrong with, and is truly one of the world's leaders in 3D-printed woodwind manufacturing technology.
The Leblanc & Noblet basses(and their altos & basset horns) have a larger bore(24mm) than both the Buffets & Selmers(both around 23.5mm) and I'm aware that some players(especially jazz players) prefer the Noblets & Leblancs for the sound that larger bore brings. So I can understand why SEALE45 prefers them as well.
Donald & Nitai: The Buffet Tosca and most German bore basses have that triple register/vent mechanism, and so does my Selmer Privilege(a modification by Das Blashaus) which is very similar to the Tosca's.
Josh
Post Edited (2023-02-04 18:06)
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Author: SEALE45
Date: 2023-02-04 00:54
Josh,
Thank you for the encouragement. I truly see a lot of potential in this bass. The sound of it is very distint. I have Eric at Meridian Winds working on making my neck tunable at the moment. After that, I hope to work with Jared to see if I can have the upper register key moved to the neck of the instrument to improve the altissimo response. Then, I will be sending it off to Jonathan Copeland for setup and cleaning! Very excited indeed!
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Author: HANGARDUDE
Date: 2023-02-04 02:02
John,
Your grand plan really intrigues me, as it reminded me how Martin Suter at Das Blashaus installed my Selmer Privilege's triple-vent register mechanism(Bb tube+2 register vents like the Buffet Tosca). It involves the new throat Bb vent, the existing lower register vent(shrunk in size via a delrin insert), but the upper register tube(your main site of modification) is untouched. The Low Eb tonehole has also been enlarged as well, improving the intonation of the Low Eb, E/B & F/C 12ths in conjunction with the new triple register mechanism. But I digress.
I'm very excited to see how your Leblanc will transform, but with one major caveat: Since you have a metal neck(as with most basses) I'm not entirely sure how difficult it is to solder the posts & the upper register vent on it. So be prepared in case you need to purchase a 2nd all-new customized neck with the upper register vent built-into the neck.
Perhaps your wisest approach would be to have Jared to measure and write down the upper register hole size FIRST so to preserve the dimensions for the new neck, then he could fill the old one up on the upper joint, then make the new tunable neck with the built-in upper register key(either by Karsten Gloger or Jared). Hope this helps with your quest!
Josh
Post Edited (2023-11-16 02:54)
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2023-02-04 11:29
>> Donald & Nitai: The Buffet Tosca and most German bore basses have that triple register/vent mechanism, and so does my Selmer Privilege(a modification by Das Blashaus) which is very similar to the Tosca's. <<
Yes I'm familiar with those. I've seen a few German ones and I've played and worked on a bunch of Toscas. For some reason when I play one (a Tosca) I like it overall less than the 1193. That is, if I thought this modification was worth it to me, then I would do it. The standard fingering throat Bb and the lower clarion all respond surprisingly well as is.
If I had a triple register mech on my bass I would want it to change at altissimo C#, or maybe even slightly below, but the problem is there aren't any specific keys to that range to do that so it's not realistic if you want to keep fingerings the same, which I definitely do.
Maybe a second manual lever and key, same location but smaller, is a decent option, but considering how often I would use it, not worth it either.
I have modified the neck vent hole on the 1193 (see the Keepers forum) to what I consider the best compromise for E up to altissimo. The stock size is a different compromise that might work better for some players. For others who brought their instruemnt for me to modify, most preferred slightly smaller than what I liked, but larger than stock.
>> Since you have a metal neck (as with most basses) I'm not entirely sure how difficult it is to solder the posts & the upper register vent on it. So be prepared in case you need to purchase a 2nd all-new customized neck with the upper register vent built-into the neck. <<
Soldering the parts is probably the easiest part of the entire modification. The body part of the modification has to be done either way so it would be simpler than to get a new neck, however...
>> ...either by Karsten Gloger... <<
It's not like Gloger is the same as a large company cranking out instruments, but he is still set up specifically for making necks in a much more efficient way so prices are very reasonable.
>> That being said, having a new neck made and having the vent relocated to the neck is going to be thousands of dollars in work. <<
Maybe. It depends.
A whole new tunable neck with a register key and vent for Buffet from Gloger is €650 (or €750 for silver). A Leblanc neck (without a key) is less but I assume you can get one with a key and price is pretty much the same as the Buffet neck.
That's for a whole new neck. Just making a key, tube and modifying the stock neck is a lot less than that, even if it has to be completely custom made (or even less if you can get parts from a spare neck, or for someone who is more specifically set up for making parts like these).
As far as the mechanism, I don't have a Leblanc bass here, but assuming the photo in the first post is the standard mechanism, the top lever moves in the opposite direction i.e. as is, when pressing the register lever, it would close a neck key instead of opening it.
I'd want to have one in front of me to think more about the best option, if it came to that. Maybe the most elegant solution is to fit a whole new mechanism (from a model which has one), but the most practical is probably just adding a see-saw lever between the current key and the neck key to switch the direction.
Fitting a vent and key to the neck and adding a see-saw for reversing and probably modifying the current key itself (to a lever) shouldn't cost thousands of dollars. Without seeing it in person and with just a quick thought, that seems to be the simplest way of doing it.
The question is why.
>> Also, does anyone know if there is a way to have a tech move the second register key from the body to the neck. <<
At first you asked about making the neck tunable, which is definitely a huge improvement. A water key is nice to be honest, though I haven't bothered adding it (I just lean the instrument to the side instead...).
What are you trying to improve by moving the vent to the neck? Is there a specific response issue that you are trying to solve?
Not knowing how much not having part of the mechanism on the neck had to do with Leblanc's decision, I can't imagine they didn't consider the design and acoustics when they put the register vent where it is.
If it is a mechanical reason that you want the vent on the neck, that makes no difference at all. If anything it adds a disassembled area for it so it's worse in some ways.
If you feel it doesn't respond as well as some bass clarinets like Buffet and Selmer with the key on the neck, it's not as simple as that. The location, size and length of the vent tube take into consideration the overall acoustics of the instrument.
I've modified and moved register tubes on bass clarinets before, not on this model and I would be hesitant to do that, even though I developed a good feel for the effects of these changes (in addition to some modifications, bass clarinet is also my main instrument). Maybe others can say what the difference will be exactly on this particular model, by moving it that much higher, by calculations alone. Though being able to play it would be a good starting point.
As a test, once you decide on the best position for the vent on the neck, you could drill the hole where the vent would be, but smaller, only the diameter of the vent itself. You can then test left hand notes by just opening and closing that hole, and have someone else help you test the right hand notes (E to F# and some altissimo).
At worst you could plug the hole and have a small mark if you don't mind it.
It's not exactly the same as a real vent, but it would give a close estimate.
If you do this, remember to not only test the clarion range, but also transition from different areas of the lower range to the clarion range. The modification of the register tube on my bass helped a lot with the latter, and made a very small difference to the former.
If there is some other reason you are considering moving the vent, like a specific response problem, it's better to look at the problem and a possible way to solve it, instead of moving the vent in such a general way.
Looking at jdbassplayer's photo, first of all that's an older model which in stock condition doesn't respond as well as the current model in part of the range.
The alignment seems to be the lower register vent (Bb tone hole). Have you checked how is the alignment of other things too? Just wondering if the lower reg tube on the Leblanc is higher in relation to everything else, also raising the upper reg tube. Or are they pretty much the same?
At least in the first photo (in the OP) the Leblanc lower tube does look smaller than e.g. current Buffet/Selmer.
Post Edited (2023-02-05 07:20)
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2023-02-04 11:34
>> I used "triple" to refer to the FUNCTIONS of the key (two register functions and throat Bb)
You are correct in that there are only two ACTIONS <<
Yes, you are right in that sense. I just meant that "single" and "double" are already standard terms for those types of mechanisms so to better understand each other and prevent confusion it's easier to stick to those terms.
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2023-02-05 01:38
From my own experiments with making bass clarinet necks, the location that Buffet, Selmer and almost all other manufacturers use is pretty much ideal for the upper vent. Even though the Leblanc is cylindrical and has a slightly larger bore I see no reason this would be different. In addition to this I just pulled out a Vito upper joint and the vent is in the exact same location as the Leblanc even though the Leblanc has a double register vent mechanism. This tells me this design decision was done to same money, not produce the best possible instrument.
> first that's an older model which in stock condition doesn't respond as well as
> current model in part of the range.
Correct. When I got my bass the register vent was only 2.6mm in diameter compared to 3mm for the new 1193. However I have since drilled it out to 3.2mm which has made a huge improvement to the point where I now greatly prefer it to a stock 1193. I also have an ICON neck for the 1193 and as best as I can measure the position and length of the register tube are the same to the point where I can swap neck keys and use the ICON neck on my older instrument. As far as I can tell the only difference made on the newer model is the diameter.
> Have you checked how is the alignment of other things too?
Yes, I aligned to the thumb F# tone hole for that photo, the lower register vents just happened to align as well.
Looking at my Leblanc upper joint I see a possible alternate solution. There is roughly 5mm above the vent before the neck socket starts. The register vent could be moved up 5mm and enlarged to 3mm. This wouldn't be quite as big of an improvement as moving it to the neck but it would still be an improvement over the current configuration.
Otherwise my plan is simply to remove the existing pad cup and key arm and install a key arm that goes off to the right side of the instrument (from the players perspective). The key on the neck will be a lever key located on one side much like the Wurlitzer. The key will be held on with a simple pair of posts brazed to a rib which will be soft soldered to the neck. This seems to be the simplest solution with the least amount of modifications required.
-JDbassplayer
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Author: SEALE45
Date: 2023-02-05 03:39
Jdbassplayer
Very interesting insights for sure. Thank you for your input. When I get my neck back, I very much look forward to working with you on this. In terms of putting the vent on the neck versus moving the vent up 5mm, what would produce the best response? Which modification would result in a better playing upper register? I very much enjoy the sound of all of the other registers over any instrument I have played. However, it is just that pesky upper register that I don't care for. Thanks for your help!
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Author: SEALE45
Date: 2023-02-05 03:54
Jdbassplayer
Can the lower vent for the register mechanism stay where it is at with the given planned modification?
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Author: HANGARDUDE
Date: 2023-02-05 06:06
clarnibass wrote:
>> Yes I'm familiar with those. I've seen a few German ones and I've played and worked on a bunch of Toscas. For some reason when I play one (a Tosca) I like it overall less than the 1193. That is, if I thought this modification was worth it to me, then I would do it. The standard fingering throat Bb and the lower clarion all respond surprisingly well as is. <<
Nitai, not exactly sure the exact reason why you like the Prestige's more than the Tosca(I do too), but AFAIK the Tosca's bore is different, and perhaps 0.5mm smaller than the Prestige's(can someone confirm or correct this). And having played my own Selmer Privilege both pre and post-modification(plus multiple other standard and modified Privileges throughout the years), I feel that the extra throat Bb vent as well as the enlarged Low Eb tonehole(which the Tosca also has according to Martin Suter) actually made the whole instrument more powerful and freeblowing atop improving the intonation. Thus my guess is that Tosca's different(perhaps more tamed) sound stemmed more from its bore design rather than that throat Bb vent or enlarged Low Eb tonehole.
>> Soldering the parts is probably the easiest part of the entire modification. The body part of the modification has to be done either way so it would be simpler than to get a new neck, however... <<
Good to know, I stand corrected!
>> It's not like Gloger is the same as a large company cranking out instruments, but he is still set up specifically for making necks in a much more efficient way so prices are very reasonable. <<
Yes, I'm aware that Gloger is actually a smaller maker, but given John aka SEALE45's needs I feel that Karsten Gloger may be one of the men for the job.
>> A whole new tunable neck with a register key and vent for Buffet from Gloger is €650 (or €750 for silver). A Leblanc neck (without a key) is less but I assume you can get one with a key and price is pretty much the same as the Buffet neck.
That's for a whole new neck. Just making a key, tube and modifying the stock neck is a lot less than that, even if it has to be completely custom made (or even less if you can get parts from a spare neck, or for someone who is more specifically set up for making parts like these). <<
Perhaps Jared aka jdbassplayer was referring to the entire modification including keywork mods and filling up the old upper register vent along with the various mods of the neck. In that case, his estimation of thousand of dollars seemed close.
BUT with just the mods on the neck or an all-new custom one itself I agree with Nitai here, and I highly doubt that the price tag would ever exceed $2K USD. The currents ones by Blashaus don't even go beyond that price tag at least for now(even though they ARE costly!), and both Jared & Karsten's necks don't even go beyond the $1K mark.
So although I look forward John's daring quest to customize his Leblanc, I also need to be honest about its very high stakes!
Josh
Post Edited (2023-02-05 21:49)
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2023-02-05 08:31
>> Even though the Leblanc is cylindrical <<
Do you mean the bore? The Buffet (at least the current model since 1999) and Selmer (if I remember correct from when I measured it) have a cylindrical bore. Or did you mean something else?
>> I see no reason this would be different <<
I agree. Just a personal decision. Since I've done a lot of experiments on Buffet specifically I know what the results are, and they are sometimes very subtle (e.g. affecting notes only when played a specific way). It is about the same on Selmer. I've moved register vents on lesser known brands that played lousy with the stock position. I would be more cautious just because I haven't actually done that on a Leblanc, but if someone was interested in experimenting based on theory I would do it, knowing that it might end up as a volunteer experiment if they like it less and want it to revert to how it was.
>> When I got my bass the register vent was only 2.6mm in diameter compared to 3mm for the new 1193. However I have since drilled it out to 3.2mm which has made a huge improvement to the point where I now greatly prefer it to a stock 1193. <<
Yes that older model has a particularly small vent. The current 1193 vent is 3mm. Most players who I enlarged it for end up preferring a 3.3mm diameter, which also happens to be the largest diameter I'm willing to drill a stock 1193 vent (OD was 4.07mm last time I measured one).
Here is an example on the 1193 of how specific the differences are. On my bass I use a 3.5mm hole. This is the minimum required to completely solve the problem of some legato intervals, especially when played loud. At 3.3mm you can already feel the issue starting to creep in and more the smaller the vent hole is. Most of the altissimo responds best with a 2.5mm to 2.8mm diameter hole. Even with the stock 3mm you can feel the tiniest difference. So it is a matter of best compromise for each person,
If I remember the last Selmer I measured (not sure if it was a Privilege or a 37 but the necks are possibly the same) the neck vent hole was 4mm. However a 4mm on the 1193 compromises the altissimo way too much for me. On the Selmer, you can feel it, but it's not nearly as much.
I can't check my notes now, but the Selmer and possibly the Buffet neck vent holes are tapered... maybe. I have to check again.
Leblancs (other than Vitos) are so rare here that I can't really experiment much with them.
>>This tells me this design decision was done to same money, not produce the best possible instrument. <<
Definitely possible, but it does seem weird to make such a big compromise considering the cost of the entire instrument. Especially since the mechanism is different from all the other Leblancs with the single vent mech anyway, so it's not like they used the Vito mech.
>> Otherwise my plan is simply to remove the existing pad cup and key arm and install a key arm that goes off to the right side of the instrument <<
That's a great idea and even simpler.
At a somehow (but not outrageously) higher cost it could even be made in a way that is pretty easily reversible.
>> The Vito register vent is actually slightly bigger at 2.5mm <<
Just eyeballing it did look like it's pretty small in that first photo of the Leblanc.
Now I'm curious what is the ID of the 430 lower vent? Is it really significantly smaller than the buffet like it looks in the photo? Since it aligns pretty well with the Buffet, maybe enlarging this vent would also have an improvement... or not.
Post Edited (2023-02-05 12:15)
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Author: SEALE45
Date: 2023-02-05 17:43
All I am after, honestly, is a better playing altissimo register. The lower vent seems to do fine with the clarion register. I'll have to maybe pull put my calipers and measure the vent diameter and see what size it is. This is a risk I am willing to take, as I am sure you were with the triple mechanism install. Again, I love how the rest of the instrument sounds, and it hasn't even been adjusted yet. And contrary to opinion, I am finding the keyword to be nice as well. Then again, I do like the more rare and interesting instruments. I'll keep you guys updated for sure as we go along this journey. Thanks for all the input by the way! I have learned quite a bit from this neat project already.
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2023-02-05 20:29
>Do you mean the bore? The Buffet (at least the current model since 1999)
>and Selmer (if I remember correct from when I measured it) have a
>cylindrical bore. Or did you mean something else?
Yeah Buffet bass clarinets are poly-cylindrical in a sense as the neck usually has a larger bore diameter than the body. For example, the neck of the 1193 has a 24.0mm bore, however the body joints have a 23.5mm-23.6mm bore depending on the instrument (the Greenline I measured was 23.57mm whereas most wood versions measure closer to 23.5mm). My 2 Bb Buffet bass clarinets (1947 "Professional" and 1996 Prestige) both have a bore diameter of 23.8mm in the neck and 23.3mm in the body joints. My Buffet bass clarinet in C (1948) interestingly enough has a 24.0mm bore at the neck and a 23.5mm bore in the rest of the body meaning it actually has a slightly larger bore than the equivalent Bb from the same era.
>Now I'm curious what is the ID of the 430 lower vent? Is it really significantly
>smaller than the buffet like it looks in the photo? Since it aligns pretty well
>with the Buffet, maybe enlarging this vent would also have an improvement...
>or not.
Yes it is smaller, but the Buffet vent is also much much longer. The Leblanc vent only protrudes about 2mm into the bore where the Buffet vent protrudes almost 1cm.
-JDbassplayer
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Author: SEALE45
Date: 2023-03-02 00:00
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uJFMio7jd0OAacncfIeye4jUh4Yqe_jb/view?usp=drivesdk
As promised, here is the finished result of the neck. Thank you Eric at Meridian Winds! This turned out very well!
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Author: SEALE45
Date: 2023-03-02 01:07
The link should be available now for the image. My apologies.
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The Clarinet Pages
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