GeneralityThey are entirely made of nickel silver, an alloy of copper and nickel. It's much harder and stronger than brass !
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Leblanc declined contrabass clarinets in two shapes: one straight and the other rolled like a paperclip.
Anyway, the neck and the bell are removable.
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Leblanc Contrabass Clarinet Types- Straight shape 342-This model goes down to low Eb.
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- Paperclip Model 340 -The design is much compact than the straight model.
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What is the most comfortable position ?
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For the paperclip model, two tessitures are available: the first goes down to low D (Model 340), the second to C (Model 345) with a rande of three octaves.
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When the bell does not protrude from the body of the clarinet, the lowest note is a D.
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The C model tube is longer and the bell is above the body.
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As on the modern bass clarinet, the low C # and C are operated by 2 keys on the right thumb.
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The paperclip body can be in one piece or in two parts, as below.
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Cases- Sraight model 342 -
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- One piece Paperclip Model -The box is long.
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- Two pieces model -The case is more compact, much smaller than a bass clarinet case.
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Storage is judiciously streamlined.
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Finish- Silver finish -The body is sandblasted with a satin silver effect.
The keys are shiny silver plated.
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- Nickel finish -The clarinet is nickel plated , a very resistant finish.
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Register keysThere are 2 register keys, one from B clarion to D #, the other from E.
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- Manual register keys -The left thumb has two keys available.
From the D# clairon to the E, switch from the small key to the long.
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The key in the body curve is for the lower clarion
The large triangle clef pointing down manages the clarion from the E.
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- Automatic double register key -From 195? a single key controls the 2 registry keys. It's much easier !
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For automatic system, the registry keys have been moved. The 1st has been lowered towards the Bb and the 2nd raised towards the mouthpiece.
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The mechanism has become more complex.
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Side trill keysRight hand B trill key:
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RH Eb trill key:
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Left hand Eb trill key:
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During the ??? years of production, there were many changes.
Adjustment screws were added.
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There were some evolutions on the peg
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- USA production -Some contrabass clarinets were manufactured at Kenosha, Wisconsinont with this finish:
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- Model 345 type A -What is this mysterious woodwind with 5 octaves range ?
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Leblanc added a harmonic register key extending the range from 3 to 5 octaves ! This third register key is manual.
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This model has a serial number beginning with A (e.g., A5), perhaps in reference to "the All contrabass clarinet" ?
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The goal was to permit the same possibilities than a soprano clarinet keywork.
Here four trill keys !
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Raising the RH middle finger of a lower G play a Ab, so it's possible to play lower Eb to Ab.
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The contrabass 345A is very rare, perhaps cause the manufacture cost was hight for a sale price quasi equal with the 340 price.
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QuestionsHere is all the data collected on the net. However, many points are unclear.
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Was extension to low C an option ?
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Was the body in one part or removable in two on request ?
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What are production and evolution dates ?
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Was the silver finish available at the start of production and then discontinued ?
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AcknowledgementsThanks to Jason Alder www.jasonalder.com/ for the generous sharing of informations and documents. We look forward to reading the results of your research on the Leblanc contrabass clarinet.
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