|  The Clarinet BBoard 
 
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    | Author: joseph o'kelly Date:   2001-04-22 16:04
 
 Why dosn't Buffet produce a full Bohem model anymore? If you ask me I'd love to have a full Bohem model Bb as it would be possible to transpose A parts that go down the low E (low Eb on clarinet) so I would not have to keep switching instruments in an orchestra setting. Not only that I but like playing Bb clarinet more than A. the most recent full Bohem system by Buffet I've seen was the R-22 recently listed on E-Bay. Why did Buffet stop production of this instrument.
 Also I noticed when checking out the Selmer site they included a vent key for low F on certain models. Is there any advantage to this?
 One final question regards the oboe. I know this is a site dealing in clarinets but I was wondering if anyone knew if a left hand F key could be added to an oboe. If so around how much would this cost?
 Thanks for your help.
 
 
 
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    | Author: Mark Charette Date:   2001-04-22 16:33
 
 I believe that if you contact Buffet you will find that they will produce a full Boehm for you. The commercial demand for the models determines whether or not a model is produced and advertised, but most of the manufacturers will accomodate your request for custom models. Just be prepared to thin your wallet significantly.
 
 Also:
 
 Casual inquiries are dealt with casually! Calling Buffet and asking "How much would a full Boehm cost me?" is not likely to get much of a response. Try more on the lines of "I'd like a full Boehm clarinet and I'm willing to put 5 grand down right now if you can build it." That'll most probably get more attention ;^)
 
 
 
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    | Author: Rob Date:   2001-04-22 19:03
 
 The Buffet website says that the RC Prestige is available in a full boehm model, 20 keys, 7 rings, etc.
 
 
 
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    | Author: Robert Small Date:   2001-04-22 19:32
 
 Leblanc makes a full Boehm based on the LL model. It is a special order item and costs about $1000 more than the regular LL which would put it at about $3000. My LL has all the full Boehm mechanisms (articulated G#/C#, forked Bb/Eb, and left hand Eb/Ab key) except the low Eb. I find the extra keywork comes in handy quite often. I am considering having instrument maker Steven Fox convert my LL into a basset clarinet, extending the range down four semi-tones to low C.
 
 
 
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    | Author: Rob Date:   2001-04-22 20:12
 
 In my earlier post I only referenced that Buffet does still offer a full boehm model for sale, but I did not refer to the other question about the low F vent key offered by Selmer.
 
 I have heard that the reason for the low F vent key is to correct an intonation problem with that note on the Recital.  I play on a Recital (without the vent key) and have not really noticed a problem with intonation on the low F that I could not correct.  If you want more information on the Recital and the reason for the vent key, check out Sherman Freidland's articles about it here on Sneezy.
 
 I have no idea if a left hand F key can be added to an oboe but adding keys can be a dicey proposition on a clarinet which has a much more logical key design (at least on boehm clarinets) with fewer fine adjustments required.  Personally I would consider buying a new oboe that was designed with the left hand F before I would consider having a key added.
 
 
 
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    | Author: Ken Shaw Date:   2001-04-23 19:19
 
 Joseph -
 
 A left-hand F key definitely can be added to an oboe.  Any oboe technician can do it.  It involves adding a pair of posts and an additional key, with the same design as used on oboes built with that alternative key.  I doubt that you would find anyone to do it for under $100.
 
 For more, go to the International Double Reed Society site http://idrs.colorado.edu/ and ask there.
 
 Best regards.
 
 Ken Shaw
 
 
 
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    | Author: Graham Golden Date:   2001-04-24 02:07
 
 AMATI ACL 605 is a full boehm, Patricola also makes some full boehm instruments as does Ripamonti.
 
 Graham
 
 
 
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    | Author: Jonathan Date:   2001-05-01 12:05
 
 There was a Buffet RC Prestige Full Boehm System Bb clarinet in australia about a year ago. It was selling for $7,000 Australian (around $4,000 US).  At the moment I'm in the middle of changing from a pair of Leblanc L7 full boem clarinets (the A is also Full Boehm) to a pair of Buffet Festivals.
 
 Jonathan
 
 
 
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