Klarinet Archive - Posting 001189.txt from 2003/03

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausmann1@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] introduction and k series selmer guestion
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2003 17:01:36 -0500

At 10:10 AM 3/28/2003 -0800, Tom Teigen wrote:
>Now for my question: In the mid 70's my uncle who was
>a jazz musician gave me his clarinet and flute. The
>clarinet is a selmer paris and has a serial number of
>k85xxx. It has an extra ring on the lowest hole on
>the left hand (c/g), as well as some extra
>keys/hardware above that. I've never been able to
>find out how old the horn is or why the extra key
>work. This is my main clarinet and it has great
>sentimental value - any information would be
>appreciated.

This clarinet, according to the serial number list I have, dates to
1931. The only thing the extra ring and associated mechanism seems to do
is give another alternate fingering for Eb/Bb by lifting the middle finger
of the left hand, good for shaking from C to Eb or G to Bb. And cause
adjustment headaches, of course. If you experiment and find any other
interesting fingerings using it let me know. My semi-clunker Selmer BT has
the extra ring, too, in addition to an articulated C#/G#.

Bill Hausmann

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is TOO LOUD!

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