 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Roxann
Date: 2012-08-21 15:02
I'm researching intermediate level B flat clarinets in order to buy one. Most ads talk about the "bore" size. Would someone mind explaining why the bore size is important as well as the ramifications of a larger bore size vs. a smaller bore size? Any recommendations on which clarinets I should consider buying? I have very small hands so would prefer a clarinet that is on the petite side. I've been considering the LeBlanc Bliss 210 with the MoBa barrel, but am not totally sold on it. Thank you for your help and suggestions.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2012-08-21 16:03
Intermediate clarinets are most likely to be narrow bore instruments with bore sizes from somewhere between 14.6mm to 14.7mm (.575" to .580" I think) and most are based largely on Buffet or Leblanc bores depending on the make.
You'll mainly find large (English) bore clarinets in the pro level instruments by Peter Eaton, Luis Rossi and others that use the large 15.2mm bore. The largest French bore is 14.9-15mm (around .590") - Bundy clarinets (apart from the .577) had the 15mm (.590") bore.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2012-08-22 00:33
Don't concern yourself with the bore size. Just try out several brands and pick what you feel comfortable with. I've never even given it a thought in all the years I've played and all the clarinets I've helped students choice a clarinet. All the major brands are good, it's just a matter of preference. I play a Buffet A and a Selmer Bb.
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: SteveG_CT
Date: 2012-08-22 04:23
I agree with Ed that you really shouldn't be concerned about bore size. Bore size can have an effect on intonation and playing characteristics but based on my experience (I own several Bb clarinets with bores ranging from 14.3-15.2mm) neither bore size is inherently better or worse than the other. They are just different. You should just try out as many clarinets as you can and find one that plays well for you. If it plays good then it is good regardless of what bore size it has.
Finding a clarinet with a smaller diameter to suit your small hands might be a bit troublesome as there typically isn't a lot of variation between models in this regard. You would probably be well served by trying clarinets from a few different makers to see whose keywork is most comfortable for you (keep in mind that you can also have a tech bend/adjust the keys to improve the ergonomics a bit).
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2012-08-22 10:08
I find that Yamaha clarinets seem to work well for the smaller hand.
Tony F.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2012-08-22 10:23
Where Yamaha student clarinets could be better is the positioning/angle of the RH pinky keys - if you do find it a stretch to reach them, they can be bent sideways fairly easily so they angle upwards (but still in the same plane) towards the lower ring key pillar to reduce the stretch.
But have someone who knows what they're doing instead of bending them yourself if you've never done this before as they will need regulating after being bent and the gap between the F#/C# and E/B touch for the crow's foot to run in has to be spot on so it doesn't catch.
I did this on a YCL-250 for a player with small hands who couldn't reach the RH F/C and E/B touches easily as well as moving the thumbrest. She had no problem with the RH pinky keys on my old Selmers so I re-angled the keys on her Yamaha to be more like that as seen on Selmers.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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