Klarinet Archive - Posting 000190.txt from 2004/01

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausmann1@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Boehm and Albert Systems
Date: Wed, 7 Jan 2004 06:36:37 -0500

At 11:29 PM 1/6/2004 -0800, Mike Kubit wrote:
>Dear Folks,
>
>I play a Boehm-system clarinet, and am a huge fan of Dixieland jazz. I am
>intrigued by the fact that many of my favorite clarinetists played "Albert"
>system clarinets. I read a quote by Barney Bigard saying how he preferred
>the Albert system clarinet over the Boehm, because to him it seemed to have
>a "better tone". Whereas I can't really envision how that could be (tonal
>differences between clarinets is not the subject of my inquiry in this
>post), I mention it for anecdotal reasons, as that comment sparked my
>interest in learning more about the technical differences between the
>systems.
>
>For kicks, I have been "researching" the Albert system online (...), but all
>I have been able to determine is that the Albert system has fewer keys than
>the Boehm system, and that the Albert seems to be less prevalent, at least
>in the US -- maybe even a dying breed (?)
>
>I was just wondering if anybody might be able to shed some light on the
>actual playing differences between the two systems, how long it takes a
>players to learn one over the other, how one system might facilitate or
>impede certain styles of playing over the other, differences in (alternate)
>fingering -- how they might differ in the practical application of clarinet
>playing in general, and in playing jazz in particular.
>
>My interest is sheerly academic, and I am eager to learn more. (Which is
>not to say I wouldn't mind picking up a used Albert system clarinet for
>kicks just to blow it and noodle around a bit ;-)
>
>Thank you in advance for sharing any information (and Happy New Year!)

It may be worth noting that the old Albert system clarinets are almost
universally large, straight-bore horns, so you can approach that sound by
using a large-bore Boehm system clarinet, such as the Selmer Balanced Tone,
Centered Tone, or Series 9, or other vintage instruments. The simpler
keywork of the Albert means more cross-fingerings and fork fingerings are
REQUIRED to play, and remote keys are more difficult. I picked one up on
eBay not long ago and refurbished it, but have not had time to work with it
much. They are very available, though.

Bill Hausmann

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

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