Low C Extension for a Leblanc 352 Contra-alto Clarinet!

[@kevinwong9769]

I really like what you're doing with innovating on the somewhat limited choices with contra clarinets!

[@butisitreallyjustjj]

nice Boys of the Old Brigade mention 👏

[@Alex-mg6vn]

Well done! I'm surprised that the extension actually improved the tuning. On the utility of an extension, I can see that it isn't as necessary as having one on bass or contrabass, however with the growing prevalence of low C basses (I have one myself!), along with how having a low C on a contrabass is basically a coin toss, I feel that contra-altos would greatly benefit from the extra range to keep up. I do agree with your assessment timbre-wise, there was surprisingly little difference between the contra-alto extension notes and the corresponding notes on contrabass. I found this to be the same case listening to recordings of the Leblanc paperclip contra-alto. There is a much more pronounced difference on the Selmers so they make a more compelling case for an extension. I find that the lowest notes on a Bundy (and potentially even more so on the rosewood Selmer) are much richer and resonant than the corresponding notes on a Leblanc contrabass, and Ricardo QueroumClarone's low C project confirms this trend for the extension notes. Given that contra-altos are typically more responsive than contrabasses I would favor them for covering a part if I can get away with it. I guess that leaves only the humble alto wanting for an extension. I actually wanted to start on alto before tackling contra-alto, maybe you'll beat me to it! Also nice choice of Bad Apple at the end.