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Metal Clarinet Toneholes

Author: Mary Jo
Date: 2005-12-17 15:20

I bought a cheap EBay "Triomphe, Paris" B-flat clarinet with lipped toneholes for keypads. At first, I thought these toneholes were beveled, ala Martin sax toneholes, but that's not the case. It is a straight 50-percent reduction in the metal around the top of toneholes for keypads. Can anyone shed some light why this was done? My other metal clarinets don't have this feature, a 20's Selmer and a 40's Conn.
This Triomphe clarinet, serial 915, appears like it was jointed at one time--now one piece--plus tunable barrel. It has some finish issues and ancient pads, of course, but seems well made.
Thanks in advance for information on the tonehole design and/or this "Triomphe" clarinet model.

Mary Jo

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Re: Metal Clarinet Toneholes

Author: ron b
Date: 2005-12-17 18:16

I have a metal Albert with "stepped" tone holes. The holes are like a regular chimney but with a slightly rounded ridge around the inside top where the pads make contact. That may be similar to the Martin sax design. The purpose, I imagine, is to impart a more pronounced indentation in the pad to make a better seal. On that small a tone hole, however, the question is moot whether you'd get the same advantage as with larger leather sax pads. If the clarinet has kid skin pads now, that would indicate that the holes were originally intended for that type pad -- a more rugged student-friendly design for sure. In any case, I find no disacvantage to the design; just a little different than usual.

That's my guess, and you're welcome....

- r

n b -

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