Leblanc 352 Contra-alto Clarinet with an extension down to Low C pictured.
See the extensions in action!
$600.00-$1100.00
While its quite rare that you will run across extended notes in a contra-alto clarinet part, it is quite often where you may run into a passage that you just wish you could take that D at the bottom of the staff down that extra octave. Realistically, contra-alto clarinets (and alto clarinets) should be extended to low D by default. However, manufacturers will not budge and give us what we want. And thus, our only solution is to do so ourselves.
This is a fully removable extension that replaces the bell section of the Leblanc 352 Contra-alto 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 contra-alto 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.
- 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.