 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: mamanvatsa
Date: 2015-07-08 14:18
Hi! Recently I had some considerations of where the register key should be placed, so that it does not fill with condensed 'water'.
I had a 'R.Gotsmann' Boehm clarinet (register key on the back). Then, a French Gautrot with a backside register key. Now I play a 'Hans Kreul Tubingen' Albert (register key: on left-top side). Can't say it fills with water less, even more, and faster. I see some instrument have it on the very top.
I consider making my own clarinet. So, question is where to put the register key?! Thanks and regards!
Vlado
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Author: mamanvatsa
Date: 2015-07-08 16:18
Thanks for the fast and comprehensive reply!
In my opinion also the 'stand pipe' is better on the back side of the instrument. Gravity, logic and my experience tell me that this one placed on the top or top-side causes the water to slide down outside the 'stand pipe' walls and into it. When it is on the back water simply by-passes round it. Cheers!
Vlado
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Author: WhitePlainsDave
Date: 2015-07-09 21:38
Do appreciate that the register key's placement represents a compromise between keeping the 12ths in tune, and producing an in tune throat A#/Bb--
...but I appreciate that your placement issue deals with where in the imaginary circle that wraps the upper joint at the correct distance from its top for the key's placement, should it be placed along this circumference, holding distance from the top of the upper joint constant.
David brought up distance from the top of the instrument, which I suspect you know matters greatly for this key's correct placement, but wanted to make sure you're aware it does.
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Author: chris moffatt
Date: 2015-07-10 00:41
I am currently using these clarinets:
Conn extended 18-key Albert system - key on back with stand pipe; no issues
Conn standard 14-key Albert 4 rings - key offset from top with no stand pipe; occasionally clogs
Adler 20-key german system - key offset from top with stand pipe; no issues
Besson 14-key Albert 2 ring (simple) system - key on top no standpipe. Clogs quite frequently
Selmer 10 standard boehm - key at back with standpipe; no issues
I realise it's anecdotal but it seems to me the standpipe is one major factor but another is the position of the key. If it's on top I hypothesize you will get moist air rising vertically when the key is open and it will tend to condense in the opening. Offsetting the key may prevent this?
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Author: donald
Date: 2015-07-10 02:37
Funny this should come up- last night I was in conversation over dinner with 1) a friend trained in instrument making in Germany who has worked with Herr Seggelke and Daniel Bangham, very experienced in repairs... and 2) a friend trained in instrument repair in USA.
The topic of the register tube... underside vrs wrap around... came up. My opinion that the wrap around was to reduce condensation/water etc was greeted with surprise (which surprised me, and it's a theory I've heard many times).
The consensus (and despite different backgrounds, they both agreed) was that the wrap around key was to aid projection on throat B flat and that the only reason it was no longer used in French clarinets was that it is a "less robust" design (ie, more likey to be knocked out of adjustment, and that the pad doesn't descend vertically on to the tone hole).
As for condensation in the register key tube- they then discussed the thermal properties of various metal/delrin alternatives. Of consideration was the "surface" of plating etc- and whether the gold plating of register and thumb tube would have a beneficial effect on the water droplets etc.
My personal experience with this has been playing German system clarinets, and Schreiber Boehm clarinets with wrap around register keys. I couldn't say if there was more or less condensation, but it is my opinion that yes- the throat B flat projected better.
This was not necessarily a good thing though- when I could use a resonance fingering, it was an advantage. However, in situations where I could NOT use a resonance fingering the "fuzzy/bad" tone of the B flat was more obvious.
Like many things in clarinetland, it takes with one hand while giving with the other!
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2015-07-10 03:04
I've got a Yamaha Oehler system with the speaker bush offset on the top side, but that still collects water and the throat Bb gurgles on it nearly as much as my Selmers with the speaker bush on the underside.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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