 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: JryCYC
Date: 2013-11-18 19:24
I am interesting to order a pair French bore Rossi clarinets and curious about those two optional Bb mechanisms.
I had email Mr. Rossi, and he said:
"Bb mechanism makes a more resonant throat Bb , lets say in a 50 %. It is not necessary to have it , since by adding resonance fingers Rossi clarinet. Produces a reasonably good throat Bb. But of course , it is a good , practical adition if you are concerned about Bb resonance."
Can I ask anyone who had played Rossi clarinets, by your playing point of view, do you think these Bb mechanisms are useful or worthy?
If so, does it work any different in Bb or A clarinet? or even in different bore?
I am using R13 Bb and RC A.
Many Thanks
Post Edited (2013-11-20 07:37)
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2013-11-18 20:14
Other makers including Selmer and Leblanc have offered similar options in earlier years but these have never caught on mainstream in part because of musicians conservative stance on mechanical "improvements" but equally that it introduces yet one more thing to go wrong or out of regulation.
They are pretty standard on the lower pitch clarinets but really much more needed on those lower pitches and arguably the bass instruments aren't called upon to dash around in such virtuoso passages as the sopranos.
Yes I know there are exceptions to this but also complaints about the regulation of the speaker/Bb mechanism on the bass clarinets are also very common.
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Author: rtmyth
Date: 2013-11-18 20:28
Ted Lane plays Rossi clarinets. He has a web page for contacting.
richard smith
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Author: bmcgar ★2017
Date: 2013-11-18 20:53
I have two Bbs, an A, and C. One of the Bbs, the C, and the A are French bore.
When I order my next Bb, it'll have the mechanism on it. Though the Bb on all my Rossi horns is good, anything that will make it better is worth it to me.
Also, note that there are two different mechanisms available:
Here is a description of the two that Luis sent me, and that is also posted on the Friends of Luis Rossi and Rossi Clarinets FB page:
"Regarding the 2 options for the Bb mechanism: some people can not get used to the required LH thumb action for the model 1. They are only a few, I must say. With this model , if you do not clear well the thumb ring, then it affects the action of the Bb vent hole.
The model 2 is attached to G# key, so it does not involve the LH tumb. But the spring for G# key has to be a bit strong, in order to close the whole mechanism. Still playable, of course, I am mentioning you all details.
Some players prefer model 2 for using alternative fingerings for the altissimo. One example is : if you want to play top E sharper by uncovering the LH thumb chemny, with model 1 is not possible because the Bb venthole is attached to the thumb ring and will also open. But with model 2, it is possible, since G# key will remain closed.
I used both of them with good results."
If you have any further questions, you're welcome to contact me offline.
B.
Post Edited (2013-11-18 21:00)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2013-11-18 21:30
The Bb mechanism attached to the throat G# key could muck up the high E fingering with the G# key open and the F with the throat A key open - if throat Bb is fine as it is without any extra mechanism, then you're probably best off without either version if you use the throat G# and A keys or lift the thumb off for certain altissimo notes.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Fishamble
Date: 2013-11-19 13:18
I got a pair of french bore Rossis earlier this year. They have the regular Bb arrangement, so I can't address your concern directly. However, one thought that occurs to me is that they're heavy clarinets, and personally I'd opt again to mimimise additional keys.
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Author: donald
Date: 2013-11-20 03:02
Attachment: SK type mech.jpg (313k)
I can't comment on Rossi clarinet as it's about 10 years since i last played one that had the B flat vent.
However....
I have always maintained that such a mechanism is not necessary if you learn resonance fingerings, and (as noted above) we don't need more things to possibly go wrong- the simplicity of the standard Boehm system clarinet is the key to its continued success....
THEN
In July I played a Buffet Tosca A clarinet that had had a B flat mechanism added, and found that this improved the B flat so effectively that I MUST get one installed on my clarinet... my B flat clarinet probably doesn't need it, but the A definitely does.
I've attached a photo- please note that this is NOT the SK mechamism, but opperates in the same way (extra vent for B flat, vent is closed by thumb ring).
After playing this clarinet for 10min, i have been converted, i'm a believer- and if i had the chance to buy a clarinet that had one i would...
dn
Post Edited (2013-11-20 07:13)
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2013-11-20 14:00
I have a Rossi French bore Bb with the Bb mechanism in the back working off the thumb ring.
It significantly improves the Bb. It's about 85% of what you get playing Bb as A with trill key 2.
Yes -- it goes out of alignment. When it's off just a hair the added mechanism can vent a small amount creating a leak in the top of the clarinet. I played it for weeks before discovering exactly what it was that was increasing the resistance and the response. Now that I know it is first in line when experiencing any issues and is easily remedied.
But if your thumb is not completely clear of the thumb ring, your Bb response will be affected in pitch -- flat. I had never realized how much my thumb stayed in contact with the thumb ring (for example a fast G minor arpeggio) until the mechanism's arrangement made it plain.
And as with all things -- you adjust to it and move on.
Yes -- Rossi clarinets are heavy. Thick wood, substantial mechanism, etc...I use a neckstrap.
Hope this helps!
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: JryCYC
Date: 2013-11-21 15:09
Your experience and comments are really useful.
I do appreciate all of you. Many thanks!
Post Edited (2013-11-21 15:10)
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