 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Rusty
Date: 2009-01-04 08:10
I`ve often wondered when we talk of nicely polished clarinet sections why we have this little bit sticking down 1/3 way into the bore. The bit I`m talking about is the extension on the Register hole.
Is it there for a tone /tune reason? Must add some back resistance.
Post Edited (2009-01-04 18:59)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-01-04 10:25
It's meant to stop condensation blocking up the speaker vent, but fails miserably.
Though the length and internal shape is also a critical factor, so it's not only to keep condensation out.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
Post Edited (2009-01-04 10:53)
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2009-01-04 14:02
The length, interior diameter and shape of the register vent have a substantial effect on intonation and response. For example, Buffet R-13 A clarinets are infamous for a low register "grunt" in the upper clarion, which is fixed by shortening the vent slightly. See also the material on the Galper register vent, which I've tried and liked. http://www.mytempo.com/register.htm
Ken Shaw
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Author: kdk
Date: 2009-01-04 14:52
Has anyone tried removing the tube entirely? Did the old wrap-arounds (where the register vent is in the front and the key wraps around to it from the thumb key) have tubes going into the bore?
Karl
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-01-04 16:18
The old 'wrap-arounds' (and current German/Oehlers) have a metal insert with a large domed top (like a mushroom) that sits above the joint surface with only a small amount protruding into the bore, so the overall length of the speaker tube is one of the critical factors in the design. But even in this location high up from the joint centre-line, condensation can still get into it and cause gurgles, although less likely than the lever-style speaker key.
Leblanc LLs have a similar shaped speaker tube, though not much is in the bore and it's far more prone to condensation trouble than most clarinets - but they can be set into the joint by deepening the hole into which it's screwed into.
The lever style speaker key and speaker tube on the underside is a far older design than the wrap-around speaker key with the speaker tube on the top side.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Rusty
Date: 2009-01-04 18:57
Interesting, makes sense so it`s more than just something for the pull thru` to get caught on.
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2009-01-04 19:47
The Galper Design actually lengthens the register tube quite a bit hence the register key coming with the tube.
Since a longer tube inside the Clarinet wouldn't work, it extends outside of the clarinet. Clears up the Bb as well as frees up the upper register (from what feedback I've gotten from it).
Ken, glad you like it and thanks for the mention.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
Post Edited (2009-01-04 19:48)
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2009-01-04 20:12
Serious question for David, is there any manufacture making their clarinets using the Galper tube? If not do you know why? In all eriousness, if it's so good why doesn't every manufacture use it of one simuliar? One more question, is it easy to install one's self or does one have to go to a repairman to have it done? Sounds like it would make sense. Sorry for so many "serious" questions. ESP
www.peabody.jhu.edu/457 Listen to a little Mozart, live performance
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2009-01-04 20:45
It's very easy to install yourself - pop in, pop out. No special tool needed (rubber end of needlenose pliers work quite well). Instructions are on my website. The register tube (buffet and galper) doesn't screw in, it pops in.
Abe didn't sell a ton of these and had he lived longer possibly would have designed it for several more makes and models of clarinets.
Buffet doesn't manufacture it with their Clarinets for the same reason they don't do it with the Moennig, or Chadash barrel - it's an add on.
Buffet likes doing what they have been doing for many, many years and don't reinvent the wheel often.
For that matter, the Galper tube is only for the Bb Buffet Clarinet, not the A - that would have most likely had been Abe's next model.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-01-04 20:58
Which begs the question - are Buffet speaker tubes glued in place, or held in by sheer luck?
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2009-01-04 21:09
This topic has always interested me also, so I'll jump in. We have discussed this quite a few times, usually under the "pinch" mid-staff, Bb terms and its improvement. IMVHO, while the Galper [pat # available] was principally a Buffet solution [I believe], in the mid and later 1900's, both Selmer and Leblanc provided cls with externally-raised register vent tubes, CT's and L's etc, which considerably inproved the Bb and perhaps the upper clarion also, by decreasing the tube's penetration of the bore. I discussed this feature with Debbi Reeves [NMM clist,etc], author of several "Bb" papers [Edinburgh] and "Historically Speaking", ICA Journal, who may have published some info there. This "bit" was and is important, Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2009-01-04 21:24
Bees wax seals the tube in place, and the tube removes to the outside of the clarinet. They aren't glued in place.
Which makes me wonder why a really dried out clarinet wouldn't have a loose register tube?
(self answer - the clarinet would shrink, not expand so the tube would be even tighter if it was really dry)
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
Post Edited (2009-01-04 21:25)
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2009-01-05 13:48
>> For example, Buffet R-13 A clarinets are infamous for a
>> low register "grunt" in the upper clarion, which is fixed
>> by shortening the vent slightly.
I've heard about this problem although never personally had it on any of the Buffet A clarinets I've tried (R13 or other models). However me and another repairer, Tim Clark from USA, exchanged some ideas about clarinet register tubes. He told me that from his experience, he found the best solution to the problem you mentioned is changing the original register tube to a Buffet Bb RC model tube, reamed to 2.8mm, and flared to 3.0mm at the outer end. It's the best compromise of all options he tried, and better than the original tube or a Bb R13 tube.
Nitai
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-01-05 14:39
Pretty much every Buffet clarinet I've seen (apart from Greenlines) has a loose speaker tube that drops out at the merest touch. I usually clean them up and put them back in with melted shellac.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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