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Number of register keys on contras

Author: Low_Reed
Date: 2005-11-10 04:11

There have been many discussions on this Board about bass clarinet double register keys (DRKs). As I understand it, a true DRK mechanism (some have called it "triple") has three register keyholes: the "regular" one, one for throat B-flat, and a third for low clarion notes. The telltale signs for this mechanism include 1) a keyhole on the instrument's neck (or very high on a longish upper body, as in Kohlert) and 2) TWO bridge keys across the upper-lower body joint, one coming from the right-hand pinky key cluster. The consensus seems to be that this mechanism tends to improve one's opportunities for clear and natural production of lower clarion notes, without the need for compensating embouchure adjustments.

Can anyone confirm which contra-alto and contrabass clarinets have this mechanism? I am particularly interested in the Selmer 1440 resonite contra-alto, which seems to be my dream machine (as in: I dream about getting one). My study of several 1440 photos indicates that the two telltale signs are present.

I would love to see a thorough review of the contra clarinet register key issue, similar to the bass clarinet register key review that Ken Shaw posted in mid-2004. (How about it, Ken? I understand you have more than a passing familiarity with clarinets contra...)

Thanks,
Bruce

**Music is the river of the world!**
-- inspired by Tom Waits and a world full of music makers

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