Klarinet Archive - Posting 000530.txt from 2002/12

From: Daniel Leeson <leeson0@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Clarinet Question
Date: Sat, 21 Dec 2002 11:49:22 -0500

Without knowing more, I suspect that what you have is referred as a low
pitch B-flat clarinet. Let me explain.

In the early part of the 20th century, maybe up to around the 1930s,
when a clarinettist was called for a job he needed to know about the
pitch characteristics required of him or her. There was a traditional
clarinet, pitched as we have soprano clarinets today and with an A of
440-445, and then there was a low-pitch clarinet that had an A of 415-420.

Many such instruments have the letters "LP" engraved on the upper joint
or the barrel. They are, of course, shorter than the standard B-flat
clarinet.

Of course, it could also be a C clarinet but I can't tell that from your
description.

The least likely explanation is that it is a clarinet pitched in
B-natural, which was, at one time, another one of the many pitches in
which clarinets were made. Mozart wrote two pieces for clarinet in
B-natural.

As for the maker, I think it unlikely that this situation is unique to
that manufacturer. Everybody made an LP clarinet in the early 1900s.

Dan Leeson

MJ Cotton wrote:
> Hello all,
>
> I am new to the list and had a question about a clarinet I recently won in
> an auction.
>
> It is an Italian Clarinet and the brand is "Rene Duval." Does anyone have
> any information on this manufacturer or the clarinet's quality??
>
> When it is played, it is quite sharp, but is also in need of an overhaul. It
> is smaller than my Bb Buffet, so I don't know if its indeed a different
> keyed clarinet or if Italian clarinets are smaller in size. I have a feeling
> it maybe in C, but again it is in need for repair and I know that could
> effect its pitch.
>
> If anyone has any information about this clarinet or the manufacturer,
> please email me! Thank you!!!
>
>
> MJ Cotton
>

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**Dan Leeson **
**leeson0@-----.net **
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