I am currently playing a 1950`s era curved Leblanc that plays to low D in a college Clarinet choir. In reference to the fingerings for the low notes (below Eb), Different instruments have different fingerings. On the older Leblanc curved contras, the D is fingered the same as Eb with the addition of the D key on the left pinkie. It is easy to find because it closes the tone hole highest on the bell. On Contras that extend to low C using thumb keys, they finger the same as extended bass clarinets. As you are looking at the thumb keys from the back, the top right is the D key, top left is Db and bottom is C (similar to saxophone left pinkie)Again, all of these fingerings use the low Eb fingering as a base. Hope this helps

I just retuned from the IAJE conference in New York where I saw performances by the Bob Brookmeyer band and the Maria Schneider Orch. Both of these jazz bands played songs where the Bari sax player doubled on Contrabass. Just thought it was kinda cool.

Do you know what the one above the d and c keys are? I`m still trying to figure that out!! lol!!

I`m playing Contra for Clarinet Choir and Woodwind ensamble...my usual is Bb Soprano Clarinet. Contra isn`t easy to play...but once you start you`ll love playing it

i`ve been playing it for almost a year, and it`s the best insturnment ever. reeds are soo hard to find. you can only buy them if you live in a big city or on the internet. I usually get mine from the internet from Groth Music in Minnesota where I live.

Did you know that the lowest note ever recorded by a musical instrument was by a contrabass clarinet?
Contras rock!