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Antique clarinet length determines diapason?

Author: Simon Aldrich
Date: 2009-09-27 17:45

In the murky world of determining an antique clarinet's diapason (A430, A435, etc) is length of the instrument any sort of indication of its possible diapason?
Specifically I am thinking of an 1860 boxwood Lecomte 13-key clarinet of 20 inches (without mouthpiece).
Many sellers don't know the diapason (let alone the key) of the clarinet they are selling. In such a situation, is the length helpful in determining characteristics of the instrument such as its key and possibly diapason?
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Simon Aldrich

Clarinet Faculty - McGill University
Principal Clarinet - Orchestre Metropolitain de Montreal
Principal Clarinet - Orchestre de l'Opera de Montreal
Artistic Director - Jeffery Summer Concerts
Clarinet - Nouvel Ensemble Moderne

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Re: Antique clarinet length determines diapason?

Author: Alphie
Date: 2009-09-27 19:15

The simple answer is no, you have to play the dern thing to get an idea. The length has a relation to the bore size and even for those who know the equation for that, reality is something different anyway. The easiest way to find out is to find a mouthpiece that fits and to pull the barrel until open G and C5 harmonizes with low E and B4. The long way is to have several mouthpieses and barrels and try various combinations. Play octaves and fifths in various keys to see where you end up.

Alphie

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