Klarinet Archive - Posting 000211.txt from 2002/04

From: MVinquist@-----.com
Subj: RE: [kl] Stubbins SK Mechanism - and McIntyre system clarinets
Date: Thu, 4 Apr 2002 22:26:39 -0500

Ed Lacy says >>No one has mentioned the McIntyre system. I don't recall now
which of the above arrangements for the throat Bb were employed on it. <<

Ed -

The McIntyre system clarinet had no throat Ab or A key. Instead, you pressed
the left right ring finger for Ab, added the middle finger for A and added
the index finger for Bb (all with the thumb hole open). An extremely complex
mechanism opened full-sized holes in a vertical row where the A key usually
is. When you pressed the thumb ring, all of the holes closed and the
register key opened. Therefore, it's what I called type (1) in my earlier
posting -- the register key is closed for Bb, and an independent hole is
opened.

I think the reason the McIntyre instrument didn't catch on was the big
alteration in fingerings, not to mention the loss of "resonance" fingerings.
I met McIntyre at a show many years ago. He was a great enthusiast and got
over his instrument quite well. I think all his instruments were stencils,
probably Pruefers, with his key customization. I've never seen a top-quality
instrument with his keywork and doubt any were made.

Best regards.

Ken Shaw

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