Klarinet Archive - Posting 000046.txt from 2010/03

From: Simon Aldrich <simonaldrich@-----.ca>
Subj: Right Eb/Bb vs right F on 12-key boxwood [kl]
Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:44:34 -0400

Hello everyone, I am having a 5-key boxwood Lotz-copy made and the
maker is kindly supplying me with alternate 12-key middle joints (for
late classical/early romantic repertoire).
My question pertains to the fact that when an instrument features a
throat F key, that key is on the right. When an instrument features an
Eb/Bb key, that key is nearly alway a left sliver key.
However, with regards to the Eb/Bb key there have been some
exceptions. The maker mentioned that Hermstedt's clarinet that he used
for the works of Spohr had a right Eb/Bb key and he thinks he
remembers an early Kruspe with a right Eb/Bb key.
I had envisioned a right Eb/Bb key on the 12-key upper joint but as
the maker points out, it is not possible to have a right chromatic
throat F *and* a right Eb/Bb key. The presence of the right F obliges
the left sliver Eb/Bb key. But the Eb/Bb key can be put on the right
if the throat F is put on the left.
Everyone I have asked about this, including the maker, suggests
preserving the Eb/Bb key on the left and the throat F on the right.
Is there any reason to break with convention and request a right Eb/Bb
key with a left sliver throat F?
Thank-you in advance for your thoughts.
----------------------------------------------------
Simon Aldrich

Clarinet Faculty - McGill University
Principal Clarinet - Orchestre Metropolitain de Montreal
Principal Clarinet - Orchestre de l'Opera de Montreal
Artistic Director - Jeffery Summer Concerts
Clarinet - Nouvel Ensemble Moderne