The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Previous Message | Next Message

Re: SILVA BET "B" serial number??

Author: SteveG_CT
Date: 2012-11-05 18:21

Clarineteer wrote:

> Thanks for your response Steve. How about the Silva Bet that
> has separate upper and lower joints and the articulated G# with
> the extra ring that enables the articulated C#/G#. Does this
> model play like a professional instrument?

Technically the extra ring on the upper joint is for the forked Eb and has nothing to do with the articulated C#. Regardless, the addition of these extra mechanisms typically won''t make the sound of the instrument better or worse. There is some argument that the C# is cleaner on a clarinet with articulated C# since the tonehole is in a more acoustically-correct location but in practice I can't say that I've ever seen it make a noticeable difference.

The additional keywork doesn't have much affect on sound but it can have a significant effect on playability. Players who are accustomed to having the articulated C# and forked Eb will find that they make playing some passages a lot easier at the expense of making some others a bit harder (due to the loss of some alternate fingerings). Conversely players of the regular 17/6 boehm will have a harder time with some passages that are easier to play with an enhanced boehm clarinet. Ultimately I think it's more a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer the advantages that the enhanced boehm keywork gives them while others feel that the benefits are outweighed loss of some alternate fingerings.

To answer your question, no an enhanced boehm Silva-Bet will probably not play up to the level of a modern professional clarinet because it will probably still have the same intonation issues as a conventional 17/6 Silva-Bet. Keep in mind that it is pretty harsh to expect any 70+ year old clarinet to play at the level of a new professional model.

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics