Klarinet Archive - Posting 000107.txt from 1997/02

From: Steve Prescott <mipresc@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: F#-G# trill/articulated G#
Date: Tue, 4 Feb 1997 14:41:28 -0500

>David Niethamer uses the fingering that I use for the Carmen passage. I do
>not know if the fingering works differently on the A, because, like David,
>I haven't come across the need to use that fingering on the A.
>
>I wish to stray off the subject a little and ask why manufacturers do not
>make clarinets with articulated G# keys any more? Or if they do, why is it
>not commonplace? It seems to work so nicely on the saxophone, why not the
>clarinet?
>
>Frank Garcia
>
Frank,

The articulated G# key is available on some clarinets. I think the
reason why it is not widely accepted (apart from tradition) is because of
the instability it gives rise to in the middle joint, specifically the
tenon of the upper keyed joint. Also many players like to pull the middle
for tuning purposes (something with which I still do not agree); having the
hole in the center tenon/socket does not permit tuning at this point.

It is, however, possible to create an articulated G# on a standard
clarinet. I would have to ask how bad you want it in order to determine
whether it would be cost effective.

Steve

Steve Prescott
Instrument Rep.Tech./ Clarinetist
Indiana State University
mipresc@-----.edu