Klarinet Archive - Posting 000936.txt from 1999/05

From: Sfdr@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Tone hole diameter
Date: Wed, 19 May 1999 21:21:57 -0400

In a message dated 5/19/99 7:27:33 PM EST, edsshop@-----.ca writes:

<< Alvin,

I don't follow your reasoning at all. The maker could just as well
control the pitches emitted by the various holes on an A clarinet by making
them larger and locating them farther from the mouthpiece.

My question could just as well have been:
"Why do makers choose to place the tone holes so near the mouthpiece on an
A clarinet and the compensate with small diameter holes?"

Ed Maurey >>

Dear Ed,
First of all, Let me recommend a Famous acoustics book called HORNS,
STRINGS AND HARMONY BY Arthur Benade. You will find answers to many of your
technical questions.
In answer to your tone hole question. There are two styles of
clarinet design, Bore dominated and tone hole dominated. A bore dominated
clarinet is one that has very large tone holes with little undercutting.
This instrument is normally tuned through the bore dimensions. The tone hole
dominant clarinet has smaller tone holes with large undercutting. The bore
of this horn is quite a bit smaller. This instrument is normally tuned
through the tone holes VIA undercutting and chimney diameters. The Buffet
R-13 is an example of this style. The older Leblanc clarinets are usually
bore dominated as the undercutting is very little and the bore is larger.
The greatest consideration when placing the tone holes is finger
positioning for comfort. Next is register tuning. Yes, it is true one can
compensate for tone hole placement by chimney diameters. However, the bore
is a main factor in the proper tone hole placement. There is a minimum
diameter that the straight tone hole must have and which is much larger than
the same tone hole that has been undercut. If you were to block the bottom
of the both style holes with tape and fill them with water they will usually
hold the same volume of water. The hole shape however will give the player a
different register tuning relationship. For example Wide 12ths, Narrow 12ths,
ect.
So before anyone can give you an acoustically correct answer for you
tuning question, you are going to have to determine whether your C clarinet
is Bore or Tone Hole dominated. And if your A clarinet is Bore or Tone hole
Dominant. The Answer that I offered in the previous posting applied to Both
Clarinets being Tone Hole dominant. What is the Brand of your C Clarinet and
A Clarinet? You can make a comparison of apple to oranges but not apples to
coconuts.
I hope that I can get your tuning dilemma resolved for you.

Thanks,
Alvin
Swiney

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