Klarinet Archive - Posting 000986.txt from 1999/05

From: "Kevin Fay (LCA)" <kevinfay@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] The Register Key Conundrum
Date: Thu, 20 May 1999 13:45:34 -0400

Bill Fogle posted:

<<<I have a (relatively) new Selmer Recital clarinet with a very poor throat
Bb.>>>

One of the great design paradoxes for the clarinet is the placement of the
register key tone hole. If it is set low (towards the bell) with a larger
diameter, you get a better, fuller sounding throat Bb. Unfortunately, the
12ths become larger, leading to the sharpness in the left-hand clarion notes
that is the characteristic of the Buffet R-13 (and to which some people
object).

Buffet has gone both ways for a number of years, essentially giving buyers a
choice as to whether to have a tube closer to the mouthpiece giving in-tune
12ths but a relatively stuffy Bb (these would be the S-1, the Festival, the
Vintage) or the more traditional lower placement (R-13 and progeny).

When Leblanc came out with their new line--the Opus/Concerto--they took what
is essentially Buffet's polycylindrical bore and, among other tweakings,
moved the register key closer to the mouthpiece. This was supposed to be a
revolution in clarinet design. For those players that want the "more
youthful" tones, however, they also sell the Infinite--with, you guessed it,
a lower-placed register key.

A friend of mine in my wind ensemble plays a Selmer Recital--I've played it;
it's a nice horn, if you can get used to it being so thick. (The outside
diameter is wide--it feels like you're playing a baseball bat.) It's in
tune, and sounds great, at least when Jim plays it. His throat Bb is
stuffy, too, though, so I think that Selmer went for the in-tune 12ths for
that model.

So--what to do?--try cleaning the register key tube. You can be amazed at
the gunk that builds up in there (ick).

If you have an R-13 (which favors the throat Bb), there are a number of
after-market things you can do. There are more gimmicks for the R-13 'cuz
the market is bigger--more people play them. First, try a Chadash barrel;
mine has brought the 12ths down to where the needle almost stands straight
up. You can also try a variety of register key tubes, from Abe Galper's to
Mr. Swiney's and others advertised here on the list.

Finally--use the side Bb whenever possible. (This is true of any horn at
any time) Also, putting the "social" finger and ring finger of the left
hand down will help w/ projection of the throat Bb.

kjf

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