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Considering a Paperclip Contrabass....anyone tried one?

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bradfordlloyd

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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
I'm sure that it's just one of my obsessive GAS things, but I'm low-key looking for a Leblanc Paperclip contrabass.

But I'm wondering what these things are like to play. Any good? Tone quality? Ease of playing? Can you keep them in regulation?

I'd be interested in experiences that people have had with these things.....
 
B

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#2 ·
I played one regularly years ago, wasn’t mine though. Like anything, if they work PROPERLY, and I mean to better than factory setup, then they’re a lot of fun. If you get one, expect to spend decent $$ on overhaul
 
Isle of Jazz

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#3 ·
Keith Bradbury of Mojo Mouthpiece is on this board and can tell you a lot about those clarinets.
 
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MojoBari

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#4 ·
I have a BBb and Ebb Leblanc Paperclip. These are not easy to keep regulated. Even experienced horn techs have trouble figuring out how the open Bb/octave key mechanism is supposed to work. I think the owner of these needs to be able to do minor adjustments to keep them playing well. Small sheet cork shims.

To play tuba-like parts, the BBb is fine. It plays well slow but fast runs are not easy to pull off. The EEb is a lot more fun. It is almost as nimble to play as a regular bass clarinet. They cost less too. But you can get a straight EEb contra alto for a lot less $ than a Paperclip.

It is not easy to make the BBb sound like a member of the clarinet family. But since I had to give up playing bari due to the weight, I enjoy getting my low note jollies with the Contras. Pre-COVID I was getting to play them in a college level large wind ensemble.
 
B

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#5 ·
MojoBari said:
I have a BBb and Ebb Leblanc Paperclip. These are not easy to keep regulated. Even experienced horn techs have trouble figuring out how the open Bb/octave key mechanism is supposed to work. I think the owner of these needs to be able to do minor adjustments to keep them playing well. Small sheet cork shims.

To play tuba-like parts, the BBb is fine. It plays well slow but fast runs are not easy to pull off. The EEb is a lot more fun. It is almost as nimble to play as a regular bass clarinet. They cost less too. But you can get a straight EEb contra alto for a lot less $ than a Paperclip.

It is not easy to make the BBb sound like a member of the clarinet family. But since I had to give up playing bari due to the weight, I enjoy getting my low note jollies with the Contras. Pre-COVID I was getting to play them in a college level large wind ensemble.
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What sort of EEb contra do you have Keith?
 
bradfordlloyd

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Discussion Starter · #7 ·
MojoBari said:
I have a BBb and Ebb Leblanc Paperclip. These are not easy to keep regulated. Even experienced horn techs have trouble figuring out how the open Bb/octave key mechanism is supposed to work. I think the owner of these needs to be able to do minor adjustments to keep them playing well. Small sheet cork shims.

To play tuba-like parts, the BBb is fine. It plays well slow but fast runs are not easy to pull off. The EEb is a lot more fun. It is almost as nimble to play as a regular bass clarinet. They cost less too. But you can get a straight EEb contra alto for a lot less $ than a Paperclip.

It is not easy to make the BBb sound like a member of the clarinet family. But since I had to give up playing bari due to the weight, I enjoy getting my low note jollies with the Contras. Pre-COVID I was getting to play them in a college level large wind ensemble.
Click to expand...
I'm looking at the BBb Contrabass, and I'm concerned about how they play. I'd rather not have an instrument that plays like a boat! I have a Selmer Paris Rosewood Contra Alto that is a dream to play -- but I certainly don't have the $32K to get the matching Contrabass!
 
Arundo Donax

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#8 ·
Paperclip clarinets just look cool. A person really has to love those low notes to want a contrabass, I think. Too low for me, but I did consider this contra alto paperclip:

http://wallysmusic.com/instruments/clarinets/?inventory_id=653

Pre-covid, I did go down to Portland to look at it.

Alas, I need the money for other things.
 
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D

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#9 ·
I got to play BBb and EEb contras in college and high school and I loved them. They are a little strange to play initially, but if you're used to playing that low, you shouldn't have a hard time.

I found the keywork to be fine to get around on, though I can't say I ever put in any practice time on them. Coming from the bass clarinet, they were close enough that I could get by.

Someday I'd love to have one and get it tuned up by Daniel Deitch here in SF, but that is a faraway dream considering the expense and the limited opportunities I'd have to play it.
 
MojoBari

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There is a Chinese made replica of the BBb paperclip. They are in the $2000+ range from China. I don’t know if they are any good. Body and key metal quality can be hit or miss from China. I heard it is a one piece body. These are stenciled and listed for $6000 in Italy I think. I just read about them last week on a clarinet forum.
 
Bari Sax Guy

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mintaka

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#16 ·
bradfordlloyd said:
I'm sure that it's just one of my obsessive GAS things, but I'm low-key looking for a Leblanc Paperclip contrabass.

But I'm wondering what these things are like to play. Any good? Tone quality? Ease of playing? Can you keep them in regulation?

I'd be interested in experiences that people have had with these things.....
Click to expand...
Hello bradfordlloyd
A few months ago I bought a Paperclip contrabass clarinet.
The sound is fantastic !
Tone is rich and deep, you can play extreme nuances pppp to fff.
I fall in love with it.

In my blog you will find pages to read before a purchase cause there are different types.
https://valentin-saxophone.com/en/blog-en

Valentin
 
Arundo Donax

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