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Custom Key Work

Author: JennyA
Date: 1999-01-25 09:45

Does anyone know if it's possible to add a left hand Eb key to a standard clarinet? The latest Woodwind and Brasswind catalog has a picture of a high-end Leblanc with such a key. The person I'm thinking of doesn't have the means to spend several thousand on a clarinet, however.

A little background: she was born with some kind of nerve damage (she's told me the name of it, but I can't remember). When she decided to play an instrument, she picked clarinet and she enjoys it. However, she has quite a bit of trouble with quick movement and flexibility in her right pinky and simply cannot reach the standard Eb key.

Any ideas?

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RE: Custom Key Work

Author: Arnold the basset hornist
Date: 1999-01-25 10:02

If she could reach the Eb key with her right hand pinky if it would be at another position (downwards the C/F key) check as an alternative to solder an additioal key at the same mechanism (could work without new posts).
(The repairswoman I know she could do it is in Germany, too far away for you, I think).

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RE: Custom Key Work

Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 1999-01-25 13:44

JennyA wrote:
-------------------------------
Does anyone know if it's possible to add a left hand Eb key to a standard clarinet? The latest Woodwind and Brasswind catalog has a picture of a high-end Leblanc with such a key. The person I'm thinking of doesn't have the means to spend several thousand on a clarinet, however.

A little background: she was born with some kind of nerve damage (she's told me the name of it, but I can't remember). When she decided to play an instrument, she picked clarinet and she enjoys it. However, she has quite a bit of trouble with quick movement and flexibility in her right pinky and simply cannot reach the standard Eb key.

Any ideas?

JennyA -

Perry Ritter in New York does this kind of work. His phone number is (212) 956-6174. He has made a number of alterations for people with injured hands. It should not be too expensive to do what Arnold suggests -- making an extension for the right hand Ab/Eb key to put it where your friend can reach it. Adding a left hand key would be more expensive, since it would involve mounting additional posts.

I also know a couple of other people. E-mail me if you need further information.

Best regards.

Ken Shaw

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RE: Custom Key Work

Author: JennyA
Date: 1999-01-29 09:26

Thanks for your suggestions! I mentioned your ideas to our band director and he's checked with our local repair wizard who is going to see what he can do. The student is thrilled and looking forward to actually playing those pesky Ebs!

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