 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2009-09-02 15:14
Hi
Some forum members might remember that a while ago (maybe even some years ago) I posted about a problem with the Buffet bass clarinets of the neck register tube. Basically the problem is a legato transition from low register to clarion regsiter notes which use the neck register key (i.e. E and above, where E is the most problematic). You can see the complete article about it (in Hebrew) here http://www.nitailevi.com/tests/bass_regtube/bass_regtube.htm or an older (not completely updated I think) version in the Keepers forum here.
I now have sound files to show the problem and comparison of the different sizes of tubes so I thought I'd post them here.
The first file has three examples of register tubes, each played three times, in different dynamics - quiet, medium and loud. The problem is bigger when playing loud and this shows this too. In all examples it is just playing low A and pressing the register tube to play legato to clarion E.
The first is a Buffet bass clarinet with 2.5mm register tube, this is an older model. The second is a newer model (same as current) with the original tube of 3.0mm. The third is the same instrument with the modified tube of 3.5mm.
You can hear the problem is worse when playing louder. All are ok very quiet. The first has a problem already when playing medium, and is terrible when playing loud. The second is pretty much ok medium, but still a small stall of E when playing loud (I consider it a problem). The third is smoother in every volume.
The second sound file is just the same three samples playing only loud, which shows the problem the best.
Sorry about recording quality, it is just a cheap computer microphone. But only important to hear the transition anyway.
http://www.nitailevi.com/temp/bass_clarinet_reg_compar_ver1.mp3
http://www.nitailevi.com/temp/bass_clarinet_reg_compar_ver2.mp3
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2009-09-03 09:32
What a dramatic difference after enlarging the hole.
But what negative effects, if any, does this have, for other notes?
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Author: William
Date: 2009-09-04 14:31
Also, does the 3.5 make the Db-Ab & D-A transitions more smooth as well? Those are the "leaps" that bother me the most. If the only advantage is with an ultra smooth A-E transition--quite manageable on my 1193-2--than the cost of replacing the tube may not be worth it (or even advisable with regards to Buffet accoustical specs).
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2009-09-04 16:14
>> But what negative effects, if any, does this have, for other notes? <<
I prefer to consider there aren't any, but to be really pedantic, there is a SLIGHT difference in lower altisimo. Most at D, slightly less at Eb and pretty much no difference above. But it's so small, I consider completely insignificant compared to the advantage of the clarion. I'd say most people wouldn't even notice the altisimo difference. However when enlarging it even more to let's say 4.0mm or above the difference in altisimo is getting bigger. This is why I choose the size 3.5mm since I consider this the only really acceptable balance.
>> does the 3.5 make the Db-Ab & D-A transitions more smooth as well? <<
A little bit, but, this legato problem is worst for A-E and gradually gets better up to F-C. Also gradually gets better the softer you play. So, the difference is smaller than for A-E.
>> If the only advantage is with an ultra smooth A-E transition--quite manageable on my 1193-2 <<
Well, "quite managable" is just not good enough for that interval IMO. Same for Bb-F and B-F# which are almost as bad with the smaller tube. I consider any type of a hint of an attack using tongue/air/embochure necessary is not good enough. I can manage with 3.0mm too, but "manage" is not what I want, it needs better control.
Not to say this about you William, but I decided I can't really know if somoene really has the problem or not based on what they write on the internet. Every good player who I actually know their level and actually heard them play, who use this model, agreed about the problem when I spoke with them. I have heard from some players they claim they don't have the problem, and some of them I will never know how they play. But some of them I did hear, and when the ypalyed the interval, they had the problem, in spite of them thinking they don't. So this made me skeptic when someone claims that.
>> or even advisable with regards to Buffet accoustical <<
Willaim, I can email you some more information that you might be interested and might help you. It is just not comfortable for me to write it publically. Let me know if you are interested.
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Author: William
Date: 2009-09-07 18:00
Good info, Clarnibass--thanks.
For everyones information, I did send a detailed request for accousitcal advice to Buffet Crampton, and received a terse, stock response to the effect, *Thank you for your interest in our products, please feel free to contact a local representative,etc*. Basically, no help whatsoever. OK, so I'm a "nobody", but I hate being treated like one.........maybe I will have to get my Leblanc's out of the closet LOL.
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