 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Joseph Adams
Date: 2012-12-10 15:41
I have the Selmer Contra Alto 1440, and honestly... The dead notes in the lower part of the horn are killing me. I want to know why Selmer released such an unfinished product...
I read there are tweaks, what are they
for instance low B natural sounds so dead and stuffy...
I am not looking for the alternate fingerings either.. I know those..
Thanks for all those who contribute on this thread...
Joe Adams
Joe Adams
Meridian, MS 39301
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2012-12-10 15:51
This can be a very good horn with some tweaking (I have one myself). Usually needs to have key heights raised for adequate venting of the toneholes, and can also benefit from some mild undercutting of the toneholes (they are straight-cut from the factory).
It's an "unfinished" product because it's built to a price, for purchase by schools for student use. Mechanically and acoustically it's very similar (if not identical) to the very expensive Selmer-Paris contra; and the keywork on the Selmer-USA instruments is extremely rugged for such a large and complex instrument --- so something had to be compromised to keep the cost down.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2012-12-10 16:08
Is this a new instrument? Else you can't tell for sure what's original and what has (been) "improved" over time...
--
Ben
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Joseph Adams
Date: 2012-12-10 18:30
Fortunately the horn was bought new 2 and a half years ago from a good friend, but he laid out the bux for a Selmer Paris. So I got a nice deal on the 1440. SO it is in like new condition...
Is there any documentation or write ups on Tweaking this horn?
You know ...specifics?
I am planning on letting Santa get me that Grabner mouthpiece.
I got one for my BBb and I love it.
I am a little more interested about the tweaking elements and improving the venting and the undercutting information... It's a nice horn, just wish there was more information on tweaking it to perform.
Joe Adams
Meridian, MS 39301
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: William Hughes ★2017
Date: 2012-12-10 19:44
David Spiegethal knows whereof he speaks. He "tweaked" my Selmer/Bundy Contra Alto eleven years ago and I still get compliments on the sound, including the lowest range. He also refaced a Selmer C mouthpiece that I would not trade for anything more expensive.
One other thought: I am devoted to using the Legere reed on the Contra (sold as baritone sax reed). You might give one a try.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Wes
Date: 2012-12-10 21:51
Yes, undercutting of most toneholes will improve that instrument a lot. It can be done with medium small rattail files with the end smoothed off or covered so as not to scratch the other side of the bore. The larger holes can be undercut with a small dowel covered with #350 silicon carbide paper, very carefully. See Clark Fobes older article on the undercutting of tone holes. Ferree's has some expensive tools for undercutting also.
When I play my similar instrument, I form the embouchure by thinking of that French girl in the sidewalk cafe sipping a lemonade with her mouth forming a "eau". Good luck!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
