 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Robert Small
Date: 2004-04-23 18:30
I'm thinking about getting a Patricola clarinet in C and am wondering if I should get one without the Bb booster mechanism. On my Eb Patricola the open Bb booster vent causes the "pinch" Bb to go very sharp. So I closed it off. The Bb is much better in tune this way. Has anyone else noticed this problem on their Patricolas. I'm particularly interested in hearing from anyone who has a Patricola in C.
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Author: javier garcia m
Date: 2004-04-23 19:34
you can ask direct to Patricola factory. I've asked for other issues and they are very kind people. I guess, they make all their models with the Bb vent mechanism.
patricola@patricola.it
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Author: Robert Small
Date: 2004-04-24 00:35
Patricola did respond to my inquiry as to whether I can order a clarinet without the Bb booster gizmo. They said "no poblem". Just order it through one of the dealers here in the states that carry Patricola instruments. So I assume there would be a wait involved. I could go ahead and order the standard model and have one in a few days and if the "pinch" Bb played sharp I could close off the booster vent and leave it like that. Or I could wait a while and get one without the unnecessary and undsirable keywork. I'm not sure what I'm going to do. But I'm curious--I know there are a number of people on this board that own Patricola clarinets; do any of them actually like the Bb booster mechanism?
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Author: kenabbott
Date: 2004-04-24 01:45
I have a Patricola C clarinet. I'm unimpressed by the Bb mechanism. I'm in the NYC area. If anyone wants to take it for a test drive, let me know.
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Author: Robert Small
Date: 2004-04-24 02:35
On my Patricola eefer I find that the booster mechanism does clear up some of the stuffiness in the Bb but at the expense of making the note about 15 cents sharp. Not a good trade-off. I'd rather wrestle with a little stuffiness than bad pitch. So I just closed off the mechanism with a piece of cork.
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Author: bob49t
Date: 2004-04-24 05:09
Sounds like a bit of bother - why not consider a Ridenour C clar.
Mine is fine in the area you've mentioned. I've got a wee belter.
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Author: Karel
Date: 2004-04-24 05:38
A disadvantage of ordering a "special" witout the Bb vent will almost certainly be that you will not be able to test a number of clarinets to choose from, and I imagine, no return policy. Remembering the oft repeated dictum that you should test as large a number of clarinets as you can and choose the one that suits you best, that is a disadvantage. Personally I would play-test as many as possible and use a removable plug for the vent, if that is possible?
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Author: Robert Small
Date: 2004-04-24 16:35
Yes, a special order would rule out being able to try two or more specimens. So for that reason I'm leaning towards going with a standard model and closing off the booster vent if necessary. Also, I've ruled out all other makes of C clarinet since none of them can be had with articulated G#/C#--a mechanism I find indispensable. Patricolas also come with a left hand Eb/Ab key which I also find indispensable (if only for certain infrequently occurring sequences of notes).
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