Klarinet Archive - Posting 000026.txt from 1998/08

From: "F. Sheim" <fsheim@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] "Swan keys"
Date: Sat, 1 Aug 1998 20:55:51 -0400

This is very interesting- I never realized that that was the reason for the
octave vent being on top on older horns!

Fred (fsheim@-----.com)

At 09:45 PM 8/1/98 -0300, you wrote:
>
>
>> 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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