Klarinet Archive - Posting 000343.txt from 2005/03

From: GrabnerWG@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Buffet 1193 Bass Tuning
Date: Wed, 9 Mar 2005 15:32:08 -0500

In a message dated 3/9/2005 1:46:29 PM Central Standard Time,
krshaw@-----.com writes:
<<Walter writes about being hesitant to raise the throat BB on a Buffet
Bass by enlarging the vent. I don't understand. On my older Buffet
bass and the new ones I've seen, the pitch of the BB is controlled by a
Dedicated vent, which is open only for that note. Why would enlarging
The vent affect any other note?>>

First of all, I am hesitant about doing ANY surgery to a quality instrument.
All clarinets are a series of compromises, and usually manufacturers do
things for a reason. There are many tradeoffs.

The tone hole in question is also the register key tone hole for clarion B,
C, C#, D, and D#. When you lift third finger right hand, it also moves a
series of rods and bridge keys that close this tone hole and open the one on the
neck.

This is not a tone hole, but a metal insert/tube that protrudes quite a ways
into the upper joint, just as a register tube does in a soprano clarinet.

I have received excellent advice from both Clark Fobes and Alvin Swiney (who
sends his regards).

I did wind up enlarging the inner diameter of the tube, and now the Bb is up
to pitch.

But, before I do ANYTHING that is difficult or impossible to reverse, I do
hesitate and consider every option I can think of. One of those options is
consulting this list.

Walter Grabner
www.clarinetXpress.com
World-class clarinet mouthpieces

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