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info help on Boosey 2-20

Author: john gibson
Date: 2003-10-11 22:53

Got this great English horn.....big bore....need some info on it....serial number 192xxx places it at around '79-'80.....what I want to know is...
the left hand pinky C-F key has a "tire tread' sort of engraving on it. I know this was a modification/improvement by....."Ray...somebody or other" and would like some more info as to "why"..."??"...etc. And if it really makes a difference. Clarinet plays great thanks to "sneezy" sponsor Speigethal, but would like some history. You are the best of the best.....

Gibson

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Re: info help on Boosey 2-20

Author: Clare
Date: 2003-10-12 05:05

That modification to Boosey & Hawkes instruments was the design of Reginald Kell. The purpose is exactly like a tyre tread - to stop your finger slipping, since it's a slightly awkward move for the left hand pinky (well, more so than the other fingering manoevres), especially at speed and/or with sweaty fingers(!).

I think he was also responsible for another modification to the B&H line: the bottom trill key on some of the later models is much longer than most other instruments, again to make it easier to hit at speed.

Am sure the others on the bulletin board can give you more detail but hope this helps a bit.

Clare

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