Klarinet Archive - Posting 000693.txt from 2002/06

From: w7wright@-----.net (William Wright)
Subj: Re: [kl] Modern Basset Horn designs
Date: Thu, 20 Jun 2002 15:33:41 -0400

<><> Joseph=A0Wakeling wrote:
I recently read in the "Cambridge Companion to the Clarinet" that there
are a couple of different bell designs favoured by modern players [of
basset horns]

Joseph, everyone else on the list has heard this before, but I can't
resist:

Stadler's basset horn had a spherical bell (probably). I had one built
for my Bb just out of curiosity. It does affect the sound (quiets the
highest partials, acts as a resonating chamber to increase loudness);
but it does these things most noticeably in the lowest notes. The
effect disappears completely at the top of the clarion register. So
I'm hoping that a modified barrel of some sort will bring the high end
of the instrument's sound a bit closer to the lower end.

Tony Pay has warned me that this will destroy the 12ths tuning. It's
risky to argue with Tony because he has much experience in such things,
math and physics as well as music on period instruments.

The craftsman has a special tool on order which is required for the
barrel, and eventually I'll learn the answer by actual experience.

Cheers,
Bill

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