 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: MIchael Kincaid
Date: 2000-11-27 12:45
I got my metal Bettoney back from being repaired and there is a mechanism for the left hand
that I have never seen. The key that is used to play C-sharp (one line below the staff) can
be used to play E-flat (first staff line ); you just play the usual E (thumb/first finger) then add the
left little finger for E-flat. Has anyone heard of this? By the way, John Butler of Intrument Restoration
( a sneezy.org sponsor) did a fantastic job on my clarinet.--it is gorgeous and plays well too! I couldn't
be happier with the results. Michael
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Author: Fred
Date: 2000-11-27 14:30
Michael - My Silver King has an unusual mechanism in that area as well, but I haven't taken the time to figure out exactly what it does. I'll do that and report back - you may have done my work for me. By the way, what model Bettoney did you have restored? What do you think of it as a player?
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Author: Fred
Date: 2000-11-28 01:58
I've checked out the extra mechanism on my Silver King, and while I think I know what it does, I'm afraid I think too conventionally to appreciate its value. If the left hand C#/G# key is depressed, the pad raised by that key can be closed by depressing any ring on the right hand joint. I'm glad I didn't pay extra for that exciting feature. Am I missing something?
Also, regarding the Bettoney, I don't really know the Model 23. I'm familiar (by name only) with the 3-Star, the Silva Bet, and the one just marked Bettoney. Which one did you get, and how does it play?
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Author: Brent
Date: 2000-11-28 20:04
Fred, the mechanism you describe is an articulated G# key. It makes the trill from F# (on top of the staff) to G# much simpler. It also allows you to be sloppier with G# (and low C#) when moving to lower notes (you don't have to move your left pinky at exactly the same time as the right hand finger(s)). On the downside, you can't play high F with the closed fingering.
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Author: MIchael Kincaid
Date: 2000-11-29 12:09
Fred, My Bettoney is marked, H. BETTONEY Boston, and is etched on the bell with a big
U.S.--I guess it was a government issue horn to someone in the military. The instrument
plays very nicely; I could take it to band and I don't think anyone would be able to hear
any difference. I have ordered a Pomarico diamond (open) mouthpiece with a Selmer silver
ligature and cap--I'm going for looks with it (and hoping it sounds good). I'm just going
to have fun with it. I hope I like the mouthpiece, I've never played on a crystal mouthpiece before.
Michael
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