 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Boots
Date: 1999-11-12 04:44
I know this answer is in a book by Jack Brymer somewhere, but can anybody tell me what the different systems are for clarinets? I play and collect horns. I know the French is the Boehm, what the USA plays. I have a 13-keyed horn and another with the roller pinky keys like a sax (I think this is a German? system. I know there's an Albert, a Mueller, and an Oehler, but I don't know what's what? What are the differences? A follow up is appreciated. Thanks, Boots
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Author: John Scorgie
Date: 1999-11-12 18:02
The Muller system dates back to the early 19th century. Some of the old 19th century clarinets which you see on ebay are Mullers. They have several keys but no rings, like some old Meyer(?) system flutes. J.B. Albert was a noted instrument maker in Belgium who improved the Muller in the mid or late 19th century. Most of the Alberts I have seen have been 13 key 2 ring or 13 key 4 ring. Most of the old system clarinets in the US are Alberts.
The Oehler is sometimes called a "full Albert". It dates from late 19th or early 20th century. It has I believe 22 keys and 7 rings. Oehler was a maker in Berlin and may still be in business. Other German makers also made Oehler system clarinets. Some of them, such as Schmitt (Mannheim) made both Oehler and Boehm clarinets. Both the Albert and the Oehler use roller keys for the little fingers, like a saxophone.
The Brymer book has photos of many of these clarinets. Also the Rendall book has several photos of these and other system clarinets. These books may be out of print, but a good library should have copies available.
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 1999-11-12 18:15
The Rendall book is definitely out of print. However, the Brymer is available in paperback from Luyben for about $15. Everyone should have a copy. Also, Baines, Woodwind Instruments and Their History, is readily available in paperback (about $10 from Amazon.com), and once again everyone should have it.
Both books have lots of pictures and excellent commentary. The Baines is particularly useful, since it ties the woodwind family together.
Ken Shaw
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