Klarinet Archive - Posting 000308.txt from 2002/12

From: Daniel Leeson <leeson0@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Basset Horns
Date: Thu, 12 Dec 2002 14:37:53 -0500

I have three thumb keys on my Fox model, D, D-flat, and C, and out of
which I can't get much technique. I also have a low D in the left
pinky, but were I to do it again, I would probably have suggested the D
in the right pinky and a second low C in left pinky. There is also a
slight advantage in the older French basset horns because you could go
from a low E-flat to a low D-flat because the key for the second note
was right below the key for the first. But Steve may be thinking about
the mechanics of making such a system, and on that I can't comment.

Still, there is nothing I have found that I need to but cannot play with
the current arrangement. This is unlike the Selmer and Buffet systems
on which it was IMPOSSIBLE to play a low C to a low E, a low E-flat, or
a low C to low A-flat. Now maybe they have fixed the problem since
then, but I beat on them for 5 years until they stopped answering my
letters asking, "How can you design a fingering system that does not
permit the most critical intervals of a major third and a minor third to
be executed in slur, even at a slow tempo?" The problem was that it
required both pinkies to play a low C, one of the most stupid and
counterproductive designs ever made. And then, when I complained, all I
got were irrelevant and ridiculous answers telling me that I did not
understand the needs of the literature of the basset horn (though they
suggested that their mechanics did). I am speaking of Selmer here, not
Buffet because I never liked their basset old narrow bore basset horn.
They were shabbily made, out of tune, and unsatisfactory, particularly
considering the price they charged for them.

Dan Leeson

Joseph Wakeling wrote:
> << 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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**Dan Leeson **
**leeson0@-----.net **
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