Klarinet Archive - Posting 000023.txt from 1998/08

From: Ed Maurey <edsshop@-----.ca>
Subj: [kl] "Swan keys"
Date: Sat, 1 Aug 1998 20:45:55 -0400

> A few days ago I read someone on our list disparage the little metal
> tubes that penetrate the bores of nearly every modern clarinet. I am
> referring to the vent controlled by the register key. Sure, they cause
> the bore to get crappy in their vacinity, but do they degrade the
> instrument in any other way? I honestly don't know.
>
> In the 1920's and earlier "swan keys" were the norm. They curved around
> the body of the instrument looking a bit like a swan's neck. They
> enabled the maker to locate the register vent on top of the wooden
> body where water wouldn't be a problem. They eliminated the need for
> that aforementioned metal tube. Why did they disappear? [ I once played
> a swan keyed horn. It was 1956. Strangely, I've forgotten my
> impression! ]
> I'm curious what caused the disappearance of this seemingly worthwhile
> design.
>
> Ed Maurey

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