Klarinet Archive - Posting 000697.txt from 2000/11

From: MUSIC43@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Poor Man's A Clarinet
Date: Tue, 21 Nov 2000 10:57:10 -0500

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Hello! I have been reading the debate about the Poor Man's A Clarinet.
I had posted the method of Bb to A conversion back on 11/6/99! I was taught
this by a fellow band-member who had used this method in 1939 or so. He was
playing in the big band type bands at that time. It works - not thoroughly
on pitch - it helps you out of a jam.

Here's how:

My entire Bb clarinet (wood buffet) is 26 1/4" long from point at top
of mouthpiece to bottom of the bell.

The "string" is composed of the following:

1. clothesline type cord that is a little less than 1/4" in diameter

2. piece of white sewing thread (about 6" long)

3. two pieces of black electrical tape

4. the clothesline type cord should be cut in a 19 1/4" length

Attach one end of the piece of white sewing thread to the very top (on
the side) of the cord with the piece of electrical tape so the end of the
cord does not fray. The other end of the sewing thread should hang loose.
Attach the other piece of electrical tape at the very bottom of the cord so
it does not fray.

Now, put the entire cord into the bore of the clarinet so the thread
hangs outside of the clarinet betweent the barrell and the top joint (where
the keys are). NOT between the mouthpiece and the barrel - next joint.

Now your Bb should sound almost (a little out of tune) like an A
clarinet!! Good for playing about an hour - then it gets a little soggy and
out of tune. By putting the cord inside the clarinet it lowers the tone
because there is not as much space in the bore.

Questions? E-mail back to me. My pleasure!!

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays!!

Johnette Halpin
MUSIC43@-----.com

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