The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Leblanc Bass Clarinet

Author: BassetHorn
Date: 2006-03-17 17:28

Hello, does anyone play/own a Leblanc low C bass? Either 330S or 430S. I would like to know how many ways the extended notes (D, C#, C) are fingered.

As far as I can tell from some photos I saw, the right thumb operates the low C and C# thumb keys, there is a key for left pinkie finger, probably for low D? Is there a pinkie key for low D for the right hand? (there are 6 pinkie keys for the right hand in total, one more than the "normal" arrangement for low Eb horns)

Thanks.

Reply To Message

Re: Leblanc Bass Clarinet

Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-03-17 17:49

There are 2 low D keys - one for each little finger, and the thumb keys give Db and C, but you do need to hold down (either of) the low D keys to get the low Db and C as the thumb keys aren't linked to the rest of the mechanism.

I tried one last week, and still marvel at how easy the RH forked Ab/Eb mechanism makes a lot of passages easier - xxx|xox will give Ab/Eb, so a slur from low Eb up to Ab is a doddle, and this frees up the LH little finger if Db4 is needed as well (and repeat the sequence - low Eb, up to Ab and up to Db - then back down to low Eb again).

I can't do this on my Buffet without having to slide my LH little finger off the LH Ab/Eb lever and onto the C#/G# key, giving a nice metallic clatter on the way.

Reply To Message

Re: Leblanc Bass Clarinet

Author: BassetHorn
Date: 2006-03-17 20:59

Thanks Chris.

The single register vent Leblanc low C bass (i.e. 330S) has gotten poor reputation for stuffy sound at middle clarion, supposedly caused by the single vent. So is the double-register model (430S) better in this aspect? Has anyone played either or both models and can offer feedback?

I understand the design hasn't changed for decades, and is no match to Buffet and Selmer's new offerings. But used low C Leblancs in good conditions are very and more attractive price-wise than their B and S counterparts and I think worth taking a look for those on budget. Afterall, can Leblanc low Cs be worse than Amati, Yamaha, or Allora?

Thanks.

Reply To Message

Avail. Forums | Threaded View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

The Clarinet Pages

For Sale
Put your ads for items you'd like to sell here. Free! Please, no more than two at a time - ads removed after two weeks.