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Re: Albert vs. Oehler

Author: Kalakos
Date: 2010-08-30 23:38

I saw you post on the other board also, and I made a short comment. The German Oehler system can have 6 rings and all sorts of extra keys and connections, but basically it is like the older "simple system" and "Albert system." To be honest, I've forgotten all the little differences which make the name of each system different (there are several different names for each of the little variants). The bottom line is that the picture you showed is what most of us call the "Albert system." I am a Greek clarinetist, so my viewpoint may be different from that of a classical musician.
The one in the photo is the most popular set up. It has 2 rings on the upper joint as well as the lower. It has the patent C# set up (we Greeks call it "diplo do" or "double C") which is the two cups on the bottom right hand side. This is the form that many of the jazz players in New Orleans jazz used. Thereare some web sites on this by the way.

http://webspace.webring.com/people/bs/silverleafjb/clarinet2.htm

http://usuarios.multimania.es/albertsystem

I prefer the "Albert" without the upper rings and without the "patent C#" (we call it "mono do" or single C). I also don't like the extra bottom trill key on the upperjoint. There are all kinds of extras that a person can have. My first Buffet C had 3 rings on the upper joint, an extra left hand pinky key, and an articulation/connection between the upper rings and the octave key (which goes up the back instead of being a wrap around key). So that clarinet was closer to the Oehler system). In fact, later in the jazz age, many of the Albert players moved over to these clarinets with more rings and keys, especially favoring the Selmer "Alberts."
I'm sorry if I've gone on too long, but suffice it to say that the clarinet looks like a good one, BUT, be sure that it is Bb low pitch and not Bb high pitch which would make it closer to a B natural instrument and thus not good for playing in modern groups with Bb low pitch instruments.
Good luck.
John

www.greekfolkmusicanddance.com

Kalakos
Kalakos Music
http://www.TAdelphia.com

Post Edited (2010-08-30 23:43)

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