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 low Eb bass clar to C?
Author: externals 
Date:   2006-05-16 04:27

Is there any way that one can transform a low Eb clarinet into a C clar by adding that extra key and hole?

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 Re: low Eb bass clar to C?
Author: pewd 
Date:   2006-05-16 04:35

do you mean transform an insturment pitched in Bb to one pitched in C? No.

if you want to make it into a low C bass, instead of a Low Eb bass, you need to add more than one key. adding one takes you down to low D.

- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas

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 Re: low Eb bass clar to C?
Author: David Spiegelthal 2017
Date:   2006-05-16 11:21

Two years ago I made a removable low-C extension for my Kohlert bass clarinet to allow it to be converted 'on demand' from a low-Eb to a low-C instrument. I recently sold this instrument and extension (on the dreaded Internet Auction Site Whose Name Shall Not Be Mentioned) and if you'd like to see what such a setup looked like, here's the link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7407778198

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 Re: low Eb bass clar to C?
Author: Don Berger 
Date:   2006-05-16 13:20

I agree with both Paul and David, 3 more notes and ways to finger them are needed to produce a Low C Bass cl [or others call it "Basset " keying], namely D, Db/C# and C, and usually employ keys for right thumb actuation, requiring concentration and practice. A tolerable low D can be produced [at the sacrifice of the Eb] by using a tube [I have made such from {large}plastic soft-drink cups] to lengthen the horn's bell by 3 or 4 inches. Bassoonists have taught us this "trick", which is often considered unattractive/humorous, and is only temporary. Try it at home! Don

Thanx, Mark, Don

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 Re: low Eb bass clar to C?
Author: LarryBocaner 2017
Date:   2006-05-16 13:35

The ad hoc low D extension, using a paper tube, is a neat way to play the lone low D solo in Petrouchka. In general, however, converting a low Eb instrument to a low C one is not usually successful: keywork is usually makeshift and clumsy, and occult resonances from the extra tubing can mess up intonation and smoothness of scales in seemingly unrelated parts of the instrument. Not to mention that a custom-made low-c extension, if you can find one, is probably more expensive to make than just biting the bullet and buying a Buffet or Selmer low-c instrument!

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 Re: low Eb bass clar to C?
Author: Merlin 
Date:   2006-05-16 13:50

It is possible to get a well made extension. Steve Fox did some magnificent ones. My bass is being extended by Gary Armstrong, who is being guided through the process by Steve. Given the price I paid for my Selmer bass, and what I will pay for the extension, I'm saving on the order of about $6000.



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 Re: low Eb bass clar to C?
Author: clarnibass 
Date:   2006-05-16 14:37

Very cool David!

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 Re: low Eb bass clar to C?
Author: Bob Phillips 
Date:   2006-05-16 15:17

My buddy, the bassoonist extended his lowest note down a third by rolling up a thin catalogue into a cylinder and stuffing it in the bell of his horn. It worked, but meant that the intervening notes could not be played, and his lowest not jumped down a third.

Bob Phillips

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 Re: low Eb bass clar to C?
Author: David Spiegelthal 2017
Date:   2006-05-17 02:48

I used to have a low-Bb bari sax and built a "low-A" extension as described on SaxOnTheWeb using a 6"-long length of 4"-diameter PVC pipe with a rubber gasket around one end. Stuff it in the bell, finger low Bb, and out pops a perfect low A! Has certain logistical difficulties, though, just like the bassoon tricks mentioned above.

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