There are two contra clarinet instruments; the contra-alto in Eb and the contrabrass in Bb. Both of these clarinets sound an octave below their corresponding alto and bass counterparts. This feature provides them with the two lowest sounds of the clarinet family. The contrabass produces the lowest sound of the two. Which means the contra-alto makes the second lowest sound.
Rather large, the contra-alto and contrabass clarinets outsize the soprano and bass Bb clarinets. With these two, the soprano Bb clarinet is typically found in the larger symphony-type groups such as orchestras and concerts. Of these three clarinets, the soprano Bb has a straight form while the contra-alto is a curved instrument with a neck that loops back similar to a “paperclip”. This looped neck shape is found with the bass and contrabass clarinets as well and, as provided earlier, the contrabass outsizes its bass counterpart.
The range of the contra-alto is identical to a Gb1 or Eb1 concert sound; and is lower than a written Eb or C. This lower range on the contrabass is a Db1 or Bb1 concert sound. It is not unusual that a bass clarinetist will take on the larger contra-alto or contrabass instruments filling out different types of musical groups including concert groups, clarinet or woodwind choirs and pit orchestras. While contemporary composers have written unique parts for low playing instruments, older parts often double the tube, baritone or bass sax, the contrabassoon and the string bass.
Is the low clarinet player there by choice; or because they could not be successful with the soprano clarinet? Because of the ease of instrument’s part, music teachers or band leaders frequently start a novice clarinetist with the bass clarinet. However, the career low clarinetist provides a technical depth and musical expertise that is truly appreciated by their orchestra group. Take a look at Buffet R13 clarinet or Conn 16 clarinet.
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