Date: Fri, 29 Oct 2004 18:05:51 -0500
From: "Gregg Bailey"
Subject: Re: [CB] Bassett clarinets
Since the modern bass and contrabass clarinets descend to low C,
I have thought for some time that the modern soprano clarinet should
also extend down to low C. After all, that would make all of the
clarinet family instruments more homogenous, which I would think would
be a priority in designing a family of instruments. I have heard
reports that an A bassett clarinet doesn't posess the same lyric tone
quality as a non-extended A clarinet, but I have not heard the two side
by side to judge for myself. Actually, I have never even heard an
A bassett clarinet.
-Gregg
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From: "netcom"
Subject: Re: [CB] Lelanc contra
Date: Fri, 29 Oct 2004 16:42:23 -0700
I sold a LeBlanc Contra on Ebay about six months ago. It
was a curved metal Contra Bass (not Contra Alto) and extended to Low
D. I believe that I sold it for $3500 or something very close to
that. It was an instrument that I had had rebuilt entirely and it
had a fresh overhaul and all new pads. I would be skeptical of a
20 year old instrument that had not had much playing time - the pads
might be hard. I think the 2712 is a serial number, not a
model number.
A rebuild of a Contra is pretty expensive. I think they
run about $1100 these days.
I think you could ship from the UK to the US for around
$100. Contras are fairly rare, they usually sell fairly easily on
Ebay. If yours is a Contra Bass you can probably get $3000-3500
if the pads are good. If it is a Contra Alto - I don't think
those are generally as sought after although I think they are more
usable (just my opinion).
----- Original Message -----
From: "Robin Roberts"
Sent: Friday, October 29, 2004 3:37 PM
Subject: [CB] Lelanc contra
> The instrument is a Leblanc, Paris number 2712 and
extends to low C,
> includes the case and all accessories. If sold
overseas I guess the cost
> of transport would be quite high. I have photos of
the instrument which I
> took with the initial intension of advertising it on e-bay
but now I'm
> unsure. Any advice on methods of finding a suitable
buyer and what can be
> realistically asked for its sale would be most welcome.
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From: "Gordon Hallgren"
Subject: Re: [CB] Lelanc contra
Date: Fri, 29 Oct 2004 19:50:42 -0400
i bought my 1964 Leblanc 340 to low D (paperclip) in February
for $3300. it was completely overhauled and polished, with the
exception that some keys still showed wear (it wasn't replated-didn't
need to be, other than the keys). shortly afterward some guy in Paris
sold an older one over eBay for $4000 and it was in original condition
and had the split body (which i think is a weak point). the
'straight' model (340) is less popular and seems to sell for much less
(as do the new ones).
good luck!
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Date: Fri, 29 Oct 2004 17:32:01 -0700
From: Craig
Subject: Re: [CB] Bassett clarinets
These clarinets appear to be played with the right hand
uppermost. Interesting. I wonder if one layout has advantages over the
other.
Craig
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Date: Fri, 29 Oct 2004 20:32:50 -0700
From: tubadave
Subject: Re: [CB] [CB Digest]
RE:
Back in the eighties I had a client who played keyboard. He had
a huge "bank" of these low pitch chimes (13 pieces I think), he had me
install them. Each were set to play by remote eletro-magnetic mallet
activated by his keyboard. The room had vaulted ceilings & these
things were mounted on the wall. I remember the lowest few I didn't
hear but instead "sensed" not through the wood floor but from within my
skull & torso, it was an ethereal noise. The equipment this guy had
connected to his keyboard took up the entire great room. The wood box
the metal bars were attached to had square tube resonant chambers
located directly behind (below) the metal bar. The woodwork was much
nicer than the article sighted on ebay. It was finished cherry wood 1/2
inch material. I'm SURE they were originally intended for a religious
architectural setting.
David Flager
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Date: Sat, 30 Oct 2004 00:33:32 -0500
Subject: Re: [CB] Bassett clarinets
From: oboewannabe
No, the picture was reversed I think. There has never been
a clarinet that has the right hand on top.
---------------------------------------------------------
From: "Gordon Hallgren"
Subject: Re: [CB] Lelanc contra
Date: Sat, 30 Oct 2004 07:02:58 -0400
oops! make that straight one a model 342. sorry!
***End of Contrabass Digest***