Boosey & Hawkes, Imperial Bass Clarinet
This is a rare B&H Imperial Bass clarinet, which is a commission sale for Clarinets Direct. This original B&H design, now copied by Buffet, allows for a third joint which extends the range from low Eb to low C. The advantage of the extra joint being that the player can choose to extend the range at will i.e. the Bass will play either to low Eb or low C. The matching serial numbers, on all 3 joints, are 458247 with the bell having serial number 398434, which dates to the main pieces to 1977 and the bell to 1973. Given the busy life this Bass has lead it is in excellent condition. There is some slight flattening to the bell bow, see photo 3. The silver plating is very fine throughout. The Grenadilla wood is in excellent condition throughout, with no cracks or repairs. This design features a double overblowing mechanism, with articulated C#/G# and LH Ab/Eb, and it was to some extent an improvement on the contemporary Selmer Mark 1 low C Bass with which it competed. The instrument has used condition Tan leather pads, mainly Gordon Beeson throughout,all are sealing well. It is in fine regulation, and comes in the original case, which though worn is fully serviceable. There is also a sling and a good condition Vandoren B40 m'piece. In short this would suit a professional looking for a warm sounding, powerful, and even Bass with excellent tuning at a budget price.