Klarinet Archive - Posting 000295.txt from 1994/12

From: pauline minevich f <pminevic@-----.CA>
Subj: Re: Extra key on the Presige Model Buffet
Date: Wed, 14 Dec 1994 17:22:38 -0500

I have a pair of R13 Prestiges that I love dearly - I find they have
the Buffet sound that I love, with the precision keyword one finds on a
Yamaha (but maybe I was just lucky!) I had to have the alt. Ab/Eb keys
moved up a smidgeon to make them reachable, but this was done by the
dealer (Twiggs of Montreal) and the cost was minimal. I have a question -
on my horns these keys are vertically placed, like the other LH keys.
However, I have a student who has an RC Prestige, and her extra key is
set horizontally, which makes it nearly impossible to reach. The B and C#
keys are also differently shaped than those on my horns. Has anyone else
seen this model? Any suggestions on how to adjust the alternate key?
A moment for my personal beef on clarinet design - without
wanting to be accused of political correctness, I really think that
clarinet keywork is ergonomically designed for largish men, which makes
it more difficult for women to play! Just look at the photo of Bonade in
his excerpt book; he's so huge that the clarinet in his hands looks like
a soprano Eb. Obviously, an instrument suited to his physique wouldn't
work for most women.
I'm not trying to change the world, and I have managed to do OK
in a clarinet career with instruments the way they are. I just wonder if
any other women share my thoughts??
Merry Xmas
Pauline Minevich
Wilfrid Laurier University