CLARINETS DIRECT

020 8893 3172 or 07787 770071

BUFFET CRAMPON PROFESSIONAL BASS CLARINET, £3295

This is an excellent condition Buffet Bass Clarinet in Grenadilla wood, to low Eb & low C, which is a commission sale for Clarinets Direct. This is a unique instrument in that it features a custom made extension, a third joint, which allows the player to choose whether the Bass plays to low Eb or low C. The history of the instrument is that it was bought new as a low Eb Bass in 1968. The owner, a professional player, subsequently found himself playing in Evita in the West End, his part contained one low C on the Bass clarinet: He therefore had the extension made, rather in the manner of a Basset clarinet extension; in that there is only a single touchpiece for each of the lowest 3 pitches, D, Db and C. This idea was common at the time as the Boosey and Hawkes low C Bass, the Imperial, featured this exact same optional 3rd joint. A pity that no contemporary quality manufacturer offers this any longer.
All Nickel Silver key work is in excellent condition. There are no cracks or damage to the wood which is pristine. The bell and crook are both in excellent condition with no dents, just light surface scratches. The Bass does have a double overblowing vent, but, most unusually, the lower vent is actuated only for 2nd register B, by means of a connecting lever under the LH E/B. The second register response is excellent, the tuning and evenness are exemplary. This Bass has just had a thorough check over in our workshop, where the lower joint has been re-assembled and all pads checked for seal. In addition the Bass has been regulated, and all touch corks replaced as necessary. There is a floor peg to the bell, the matching serial nos. are 21283 which dates to 1968. The instrument is supplied in an excellent condition Pro-Tech case. The m'piece is an "as new" B45.