Klarinet Archive - Posting 000301.txt from 2002/12

From: "Joseph Wakeling" <joseph.wakeling@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Basset Horns
Date: Thu, 12 Dec 2002 13:09:51 -0500

<< With respect to your final paragraph about compatibility with your bass
clarinet, I hope you do not enter into negotiations with this as your
highest priority. It is unlikely that you will have such compatibility and
your greatest worry should be about intonation. >>

Agreed and understood. Can I ask a slightly different question then - what
would you *recommend* as a good fingering system?

I actually did contact Steve Fox a while ago on his basset horn designs and
briefly mentioned the question of fingering setup. He commented that he
felt the setup on the current French models was overcomplicated and noted
that most basset horn music was playable with four thumb keys. I felt this
was a fair point but also that if some music *wasn't* playable with such a
setup, that might be a more important factor. ;-)

My instinct is that an alternate Ab/Eb is essential and a pinky D (LH)
desirable - or is it in practise not necessary?

Cheers,

-- Joe

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