 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: contragirl
Date: 2003-09-23 21:58
I have an old Noblet alto clarinet that has the double register key mechanism on it. I am having problems playing high notes, I either get air or squeeks. I am thinking that there could be a leak on the bottom pad of the mechanism. I think I had this problem with another alto clarinet, so I am wondering if this is a common problem.
--Contragirl
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2003-09-23 23:14
Yes, it is a common problem with all instruments having multiple register vents (lower clarinets and all saxes, oboe, bassoon(?)) --- you have to make sure that when the upper register vent is "active" (open) the lower one is fully seated, and vice-versa.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2003-09-24 14:04
Dave, as usual, says it well. The DRK, IMHO, should be required on a "good" bass cl, optional on [not badly needed on my Selmer-Paris] alto cls, and available on the best soprano cls, ala the Stubbins, Mazzeo and McIntyre versions, where cost is not the critical factor. The DRK does [for my bass] require a playing inspection and perhaps a bit of pad "unsticking-adjustment" before each use. Well worth it! Just my thots, Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2003-09-24 14:53
The double register key mechanism on alto clarinets usually has one register vent, with the second vent for the throat Bb. Very few have the bass clarinet triple mechanism, with one register vent for the lowest 5 clarion notes (through Eb) and another for the higher ones, plus one for the throat Bb.
Nevertheless, I agree that trouble in the high register can often mean that the throat Bb vent isn't closing completely. You should also check for other small leaks, particularly near the top of the instrument, which can also mess up the higher notes.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Dan1937
Date: 2003-09-24 21:16
Though not directly responding to Contragirl's original post, I played a Buffet bass clarinet (about 42 years ago in the service) which only went down to low E, if I remeber correctly, and had a double register key. Its serial number was 117, and it was a GREAT horn! When it was sent in for servicing, I was given a newer Leblanc (single RK), and (possibly due to an adjustment problem) it didn't respond or play nearly as well. I still have fond memories of that old Buffet.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2003-09-24 22:17
Interesting, Dan1937 [my 19 means 1919!]. I have a '40's Conn B C to low E with a DRK key system! Quite good!. Ken [as usual] sagely points out the 3 functions to be served, hi and low reg keys AND a decent "pinch Bb. A "complete" system IMHO, would require 3 toneholes and [all] the operating structure. My Sel bass has 2, sharing the lower reg hole with the Bb, my Sel alto has a single reg hole and a Bb hole with thumbhole pad "switching". An old Pedler alto is similar but with "switching" by the A key. An old Pedler bass, with differing operating structure, and the Conn bass are somewhat similar to the Selmer 33. So, even with a compromised-sharing of tone hole, these systems are better than the simpler single reg hole, Bb hole. Back in the '90's, Yamaha issued 2 US patents for bass cl reg key structure, which I have been unable to find or even talk about them at symposia. Does anyone know of this "potential" 3 tonehole system, which should be at least somewhat better than the present DRK systems, and likely more expensive [and troublesome maintenance-wise], for an already costly inst!! Invention needed. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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