Klarinet Archive - Posting 000219.txt from 1994/03

From: SCOTT MCCHESNEY <MCCHESS4641@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Clarinet construction (was Re: Stuffy notes)
Date: Tue, 15 Mar 1994 14:26:24 -0500

> What are the advantages to having separate upper and lower joints? I guess
> that we now have the option to change the tuning by pulling them apart, but
> do many people take advantage of that? It just seems that the mechanics of
> the instrument could be significantly simpler by making a one-piece body.
> Also note that good pieces of wood of sufficient length are available for
> bass clarinets, so why not sopranos?
>
> Jordan

Well, I am nowhere near an expert on the situation, but it was explained to me
that the soprano was split to facilitate smaller cases. If you left the entire
body together - save the barrel and bell - the case would be something - at
least in my imagination - akin to a pool cue case. Not a very respectable
image for such a fine instrument...

Not to mention that the extra room in that kind of case (though there isn't any
in the regular ones, either) would be VERY limited; otherwise, the case would
get kinda big.

Just my two cents' worth; feel free to ingore it as you see fit.

-- Scott