Klarinet Archive - Posting 000551.txt from 1997/11

From: Roger Shilcock <roger.shilcock@-----.uk>
Subj: Re: Bis Key add on
Date: Fri, 14 Nov 1997 04:09:03 -0500

I think this must be the extra touchpiece attached to the topjoint ring
key which has been mentioned before - I have one on my B flat, which
I hardly ever use.
Roger Shilcock

On Fri, 14 Nov 1997, Richard Lahrson wrote:

> Date: Fri, 14 Nov 1997 04:24:08 +0000 (GMT)
> From: Richard Lahrson <tripspud@-----.net>
> Reply-To: klarinet@-----.us
> To: "'klarinet@-----.us>
> Subject: Bis Key add on
>
> In an old ('92?) Jack Spratt Reed Player's Handbook there's an
> item called a Bis Key. With the clarinet in playing position it
> looks like it is attached right onto the covered tonehole right
> below the left hand index finger which operates it by shifting
> the left hand index finger slightly to the right. I'll quote:
> "Fingerings heretofore practically impossible are made easy
> with the new 'Bis Key' attachment. (See manuscript below)."
> One of the examples runs from middle C to to Eb to C to B to Eb
> to C to Eb to D to Eb. I'll quote again:
> "Boehm System Clarinets require two or three fingers to produce
> B flat. Only one finger is necessary with the new "Bis Key".
> A child can attach the "Bis Key" to a regular clarinet with
> a small screw driver. Also creates a new fingering for high
> F sharp."
> The cost is listed as $18.00. (Remember my catolog is older.)
>
> Anyone on the klarinet list ever use one of these? I have this
> older catolog because I bought a device that measures bore sizes.
> Though most items in the catolog are for serious double reed work,
> there are some interesting things for the clarinet that I've not
> seen elsewhere.
> Is Jack Spratt still around and in business? Web page?
> Rich Lahrson
> tripspud@-----.net
>
>