 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: 1958SelmerMarkVI
Date: 2010-01-22 23:00
I just got this very old Buffet clarinet at an auction and it has got me stumped. The serial number is 928G, which, if I am looking it up correctly, indicates it was made in 1893. It is an albert system instrument. Now here is the weird thing. It is stamped with both the letters "A" (above logo), and "H" (below logo). I assumed that this would indicate that it is a high pitch key of A instrument. The thing is that it measures 23 1/2 inches in length, which as I understand it is the typical length for a Bb low pitch horn. This horn is in need of an overhaul so it isn't really playable, but I can play a few open tone. When I finger a Bb or A and play it with a tuner I can play them in tune at A=440 and the transposition indicates it would be a Bb instrument. I do take that slightly with a grain of salt though because I am really not much of a clarinetist (I am a sax player). I usually play pretty flat on clarinets with a standard barrel. Also, i was using my modern Bb clarinet mouthpiece. So, my main question is could the "A" and "H" mean something else? Any input would be greatly appreciated.
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2010-01-22 23:49
I'll wager it is indeed a high pitch (A-455 or so) instrument in "A", and actually the length you mention seems a tad short for a low pitch Bb clarinet, but it's pretty darned close. Try playing a written C (concert A) with your tuner set for A=455 (if it will go that high, which my inexpensive little Korg will), it should be "in the green" if I'm correct.
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Author: 1958SelmerMarkVI
Date: 2010-01-23 00:59
You say that the length seems if anything to be a little short for a Bb clarinet, but if it were an A clarinet then it should be longer, even if it were a high pitch model right?
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2010-01-23 03:47
Not necessarily. Is the frequency of written C (for example -- standard orchestral tuning note) played on a HP "A" clarinet pitched at A-455 lower or higher than B natural played on a LP Bb clarinet pitched at A-440? I don't know off the top of my head but it could be calculated (or determined quickly using an electronic tuner).
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