Klarinet Archive - Posting 001218.txt from 1998/07

From: reedman@-----.com
Subj: [kl] David Glenn and Basset Clarinet lower joint
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 1998 22:43:05 -0400

David,

You brought up an intereseting point about changing to a separate
lower joint to create a basset clarinet. I did this, infact, for Stanford
University a few years ago. One of the students was doing a thesis on
period clarinets and somehow convinced the University to buy a contemporary
Buffet A Basset clarinet lower joint only.

I was a Buffet dealer then and was able to purchase the part as a
repair part (With Keys). I don't remember the cost, but it was substantial.
I don't recall any severe intonation problems, but the entire set up felt a
little strange and I suspect that Buffet may make some alteration to the
upper bore to accomodate the increased resistance. I don't know this for a
fact.

As an adjunct thought - I once transformed a Selmer Low eb bass
clarinet into a Low C by purchasing the Lower Joint and the extra keys. It
worked, but is not a particularly remarkable sounding instrument. Still, we
did the entire job for about $1200.

No, don't ask. Those days are over for me.

Clark W Fobes

Clark W Fobes
Web Page http://www.sneezy.org/clark_fobes

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