Leblanc 342 (left) and Vito/Leblanc L7182 (right) pictured with extensions to Low B with auxiliary Ab/Eb keys and LH D/B keys.
See the extensions in action!
$600.00-$1275.00
Composers don’t get it. Not everyone has access to a Low C Contrabass Clarinet. But they still write for it like no one’s business and contrabass clarinet players are forced to deal with it. And if you’re unfortunate enough to not have a Low C contrabass clarinet, you’re sorta out of luck. But not anymore!
This is a fully removable extension that replaces the bell section of the Leblanc 342 Contrabass Clarinet. It requires no permanent modification to the instrument itself and provides a deep, rich, and reedy Low D, C#, and C (and optional B). It differs from other “extensions” in the past (shoving a tube in the bell) in that it is completely chromatic from low Eb down to low C/B, with 3/4 new keys being actuated by the thumb.
- Ease of transport – Compact two-piece design able to fit a bag, case, or even your contrabass case (provided there is enough room)
- Convenient adjustability – Simple to use adjustment screws are included for D, C#, and C
- Extended range to Low C or B – Completely chromatic extended range to Low C/B, including D, Db/C#, and C (and optional B) without sacrificing the Low Eb
- Ergonimic key layout – Thumb keys arranged in a manner to allow for ease of sliding between different pitches, similar to thumb key systems on bass clarinets and bassoons, also allowing for clean slurs between different pitches
- Powerful projection – Acoustically designed for maximum projection to create earth-rattling pedal notes. The C# and C are greatly improved from other models of Low C Contra-altos by the inclusion of an extra vented tone hole placed before the bell, allowing for a rich and reedy tone without sacrificing response
- Adjustable floor peg – Removable and adjustable floor peg built into the extension (may be removed upon request, some pictures shown do not have the floor peg present)
Customization options available!
- Extended range down to Low B (+$100) – Adds an extra key for the RH thumb below the C key that extends the range down another semitone, down to Low B (concert A0). Fully chromatic, with 4 RH thumb keys for D, C#, C, and B.
- Extra LH pinky key for Low D/B (+$125) – Adds an extra key in the LH pinky stack that functions as an alternate Low D key (similar to bass clarinet) and alternate Low B key (if Low B option is chosen).
- Additional auxiliary LH Ab/Eb key (+$50) – Functions exactly like how auxiliary Ab/Eb keys work on clarinets with the the key. This addition will allow you to upgrade the LH pinky stack by adding this extra key to allow for use of the alternate fingering.
- Wood-composite Bell Upgrade (+$75) – Bling up your instrument and extension with a beautiful rosewood colored wood-composite bell!
- Complete Wood Finish (includes wood bell) (+$400) – The entire extension with a stunning wood-like finish, just like the wood-composite bells.
Contact us for inquiries or to place an order!
Bass clarinetist Joshua Tang and contrabass clarinetist Harrison Chiang (with a Leblanc 342 to Low C) pictured with legendary composer Frank Ticheli.
Contrabass clarinet Harley Wills and Christopher Stalker with Leblanc 342 and Vito Contrabasses extended to Low C respectively.
Contrabass clarinetists Aden Henderson and Christopher Stalker featured with a Leblanc 342 contrabass extended to Low B and a Vito contrabass extended to Low C.