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Unusual Boehm

Author: Late_returner
Date: 2013-09-15 10:25

Just seen a TV biog of Artie Shaw. In this there was a still photo of him holding a ( non-full) Boehm instrument with a ring on the 3rd left finger hole, the ring apparently connected to the usual column for holes 1 & 2. I think I could also see the usual C# /G# key lever.

What system would this be called ? and what does the ring mechanism add to normal Boehm ?

thanks

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Re: Unusual Boehm

Author: Chris P
Date: 2013-09-15 12:32

This is the forked Eb/Bb mechanism which allows you to play lower register Eb and upper Bb with the fingering xox|ooo and unlike long Bb (xoo|xoo) it is in tune in both registers.

It was an option offered by Buffet, Leblanc and Selmer to an otherwise standard clarinet (usually a special order, but no longer) and is standard on 19 key/7 ring clarinets and 20 key/7 ring full Boehms.

I fitted it to my plastic Yamaha YCL-24 as I use the forked Eb/Bb fingering a lot: http://www.clarinetperfection.com/galleryclar/Keywork/CP2/10.jpg

I don't particularly care for the 'sliver' key (the Eb/Bb cross key for LH3) fingering xx'o|xxx and I usually plug up this tonehole or remove the key completely. I notice on Artie Shaw's 'Gramercy 5' Buffet he had that key removed completely and all the holes filled in so it looks like it was never fitted.

Some passages, arpeggios, etc. with C-Eb or G-Bb are made easier as you don't need to use the side key with the forked Eb/Bb mechanism.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

Post Edited (2013-09-15 12:38)

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