Klarinet Archive - Posting 000287.txt from 1994/12

From: "Steven A. Haaser" <HAASER@-----.EDU>
Subj: (left hand) Ab/Eb key
Date: Wed, 14 Dec 1994 16:01:08 -0500

In several postings about the Buffet Prestige instruments there have been
comments about the extra (left hand) Ab/Eb key. Several people have stated
they don't like that key without specifying why. However Lisa Gartrell has
just mentioned that she can't reach the key. Is this the primary complaint
against it?

My father has fairly short fingers, so when he bought a Selmer full Boehm
back in 1930-mumble for $50 (value of money changes over time, doesn't it),
he had Al Laubin cut the key and silver solder a 1/3 inch extension into the
key. It doesn't seem to interfere with getting to the LH C touchpiece or
anything else over there. It is a fairly simple operation to get it
extended. I don't know how inexpensive it would be, though.

It is my sad fate that I first played clarinet on that horn, and became
adept at using that key. I never had to learn the `proper' finger patterns
to play those finger busters in Klose -- you simply never got wrong-fingered
in a passage. As a result, I _occasionally_ have to mark an L or R over a
note in a part to be sure I get to the end of the line in one piece.

Are people worried about later having to cope with a horn without that handy
key? I don't curse the lack of that key, but when I do play a horn with it
I use it. Please give me your comments on this topic.

Steve Haaser

   
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