Klarinet Archive - Posting 000052.txt from 1996/07

From: "Jeroen T. Salm" <jtsalm@-----.NL>
Subj: Re: Lyons clarinet
Date: Wed, 3 Jul 1996 16:43:24 -0400

>This thread concerning the Lyons clarinet has me interested. Is there a
>source that can supply the detailed specifications (length, range, lowest
>note,number of keys and rings, fingering chart, etc.), price and availability?
>Phil.
.
Hello,
I've got a Lyons clarinet in front of me:
it's a C-instrument. Lowest note is e, highest, well, lets say, c''''.
The length is: 51,5 cm, without mouthpiece. The mouthpiece needs Eb-reeds.
I believe: 10 keys: -low f/c' key (only right hand)
-low f#/c#' key key (only left)
-low e/b' key (only left)
-low g#/d#' key (only right)
- c#/g#' key
-eb/b-flat' key (only right (as an thrill-key)
-a key
-g# key
-"octave" key

-4 rings above (on 1st, 4th, 5th and 6th hole)
1 below

Totally made of (black) plastic (bell is seperate, the mouthpiece also). You
can (really) throw the clarinet to the floor: nothing will brake!
No serial number. Only "Lyons" printed on it.
No screws: you can pull al the keys etc. of the clarinet (click system): all
the keys have a number.I think you can order for instance number 10, and you
will get the key. Just click it on the clarinet (if your dog has eaten the
former one...)
The polsters are made of rubber and you can put them "in". No glue needed.
IMHO: very good tuned! Good sound (sounds like a clarinet!).
Price: appr. $200
It goes with a blue tube (50 cm), in wich you can put the clarinet in.

Due to the key system, it's difficult to play. It's made for young (tiny)
students: small, light. They play for one year, or mebay two years on the
thing. Play e-f# (lowest register) and you will face a problem: you have to
play like Oehler-system, the two notes just by your left hand smallest
finger (haha: I don't know the word for it in English: sorry!). Fingering
just the same as Boehm, but a few keys are missing, that's all.

I believe someone already has told "us" the address of the Lyons in England
here in the Klarinet-list...

I have them from my local supplier, 'cause I use them for young and small
pupils (6-9 years old) as an alternative for Eb clarinet (to expensive and
to difficult in higher region and difficult for playing together with other
instruments), or the difficult to get C-clarinet (wooden).

Hope I gave some information you wanted...

su,
Jeroen (Gerome) T. Salm
(The Netherlands)
jtsalm@-----.nl