The symphonic instrument contra-bass clarinet, made for concert listening ears, is pitched in Bb, 2 octaves beneath the Bb soprano clarinet (that is one octave beneath the bass clarinet having a selection regularly extended downward to lower D or C.)
More aged instruments will often possess a range extended all the way down to low D or Eb. One will discover contra-basses in the loop shape also known as paperclip, looped, curved or in the straight shape pattern, that appears like a bigger bass clarinet having a lengthy neck. The actual looped contras are all metal, even though the straight contras can be wood or metal. Straight contras are generally produced by Leblanc Vito or Selmer. So far as I am aware, the looped contra is made only by Leblanc. Almost all Leblanc contras possess a bore diameter of 1.182″, even though the Selmer contra has a bore of 1.333″. Modern day Leblanc contras as well as Selmer contra-basses possess an extended range to low C.
Both the actual Eb as well as the Bb contra are most frequently associated with bands as well as wind ensembles, and also clarinet choirs. Significantly less frequently, one runs into them in orchestral music, pit orchestras, as well as the occasional jazz solo.
Accept is as true or otherwise, there are actual stands for these types of instruments, too. Leblanc can make a durable stand especially for the coiled contras (adaptable also for Bb or Eb instruments), which may be purchased from the Woodwind & Brass-wind. The actual stand includes a weighty but retractable tripod base, having a removable cradle which supports the underside of the instrument, along with a brace having a snap-on leather-based strap which helps support the horn at one of several cross-braces The actual stand can be adjusted, to ensure that one can possibly utilize it instead of the peg, and may actually play the musical instrument while standing. Regrettably, it appears that Leblanc has concluded manufacturing this particular instrument. You might nevertheless still be able to do it. Try with Leblanc vito clarinet or noblet bass clarinet.