Klarinet Archive - Posting 000698.txt from 1999/10

From: Richard Bush <rbushidioglot@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Mouthpieces and Tuning
Date: Fri, 22 Oct 1999 20:55:01 -0400

"Kevin Fay (LCA)" wrote:

> Bill asked:
>
> <<<Maybe the lack of a register tube, due to the wrap-around register key,
> helps the intonation? But if so, why did that feature die out?>>>
>
> Dunno. Again, I share in the observation -- I've played some ancient
> Buffets w/ the wrap-around key in both C and A; I thought the wrap-around
> did a better job as being both the speaker vent and the Bb hole than the
> modern tubular solution.
>
> The wrap-around key typically didn't touch the wood of the clarinet--there
> was usually a little metal bubble that protruded from the instrument. Much
> like Abe Galper's improved model, I think.
>

Speculation on my part, and I could be wrong. I think the wrap-around
Bb/register went out because it was easier to make the straight one and the
wrap-around variety is much more vulnerable to bumps and misalignment of the pad
cup. That doesn't mean that it wasn't possibly better acoustically, that I don't
know, but often manufacturers choose the easiest and cheapest way of doing
things--not always, but often.

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