Klarinet Archive - Posting 000558.txt from 1997/11

From: Gary Hopkins <ghopkins@-----.net>
Subj: Re: Bis Key add on
Date: Fri, 14 Nov 1997 09:41:47 -0500

What you describe is the same thing found on saxophones. It enables you to
play Eb/Bb using the thumb and index finger (plus octave key on Bb). I have
one on one of my old Buffets. It was something I tried 20 or so years ago to
see if I liked it, but never used it much.

Gary

At 04:24 AM 11/14/97 +0000, you wrote:
>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
>
>
>