Klarinet Archive - Posting 000494.txt from 1996/05

From: Josias Associates <josassoc@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Register key tube
Date: Tue, 21 May 1996 20:05:05 -0400

David,

Your comment about the rounded tubes on the Yamaha Bb clarinets
was interesting. I wonder if others are doing this as well.

Regarding the buzz/subharmonics/snagged-swab problems, they seem
to be common to Buffet A clarinets, whose register tubes are
significantly longer than those in the Buffet Bb instruments. I am told
that the practice of shortening the A tube, either by machining or use of a
shorter commercial replacement part, is growing.

If tube shortening is so beneficial -- which I believe it to be --
I wonder why the manufacturer has sold so many instruments with such
long tubes. Is there an acoustic or other reason for the tube that makes
its length of overriding importance? I wonder what other manufacturers
(e.g., Yamaha, Selmer, Leblanc, etc.) are doing with their A instruments.

Connie

Conrad Josias
La Canada, California