The contralto clarinet occupies the lowest register of the concert clarinet family. It provides the depth and richness of sound that are essential to top-level concert bands and military bands.
The B-flat clarinet resonates an octave below the alto clarinet, reinforcing the bass section of the ensemble with a natural, unforced presence. Its role is similar to that of the double bass in a symphony orchestra: discreet yet fundamental.
Buffet Crampon designs contralto clarinets that meet the technical demands of specialist players: precise intonation across the entire range, and a robust, well-adapted mechanism designed for intensive ensemble use.
