The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Clarsax
Date: 2016-05-29 02:26
Hello,
I'm looking if it is possible make a key mod for the articulated C#/G# on a standard 17/6 clarinet.
Someone has had this mod and how it was made?
Ideas, costs and pictures?
Thanks!
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-05-29 07:30
Patricola fit an articulated C#/G# mechanism to their otherwise standard form clarinets, so have a close look at how they fit it when you get a chance.
It can be done to any clarinet, but it will be expensive.
The only way round it I can see is to split the C#/G# key barrel and fit a clutch and a flat spring to the underside of the touchpiece to close the C#/G# pad cup (which will be lightly sprung open). One make of modern Viennese oboes has an articulated G# key made in this fashion which looks relatively normal until you look closely and see the clutch on the key barrel linking the two parts of this part of the mechanism.
If the C#/G# key barrel is found to be too short or there's simply hardly any room to fit it all in (or the keywork becomes too sloppy due to the very short key barrels), then the pad cup end of the C#/G# key can act as an overlever (remove the pad cup) and then mount the pad cup like a lever key running parallel to the bore on a separate set of pillars (like an oboe low C# key).
On the lower joint lever linked to the RH ring keys will close the C#/G# pad cup when the RH rings are closed. You'll need to mount this linkage on a set of pillars most likely soldered to the socket ring and fit a light flat spring to the underside to keep the free end (that closes the C#/G# pad cup) raised so it won't get bent during assembly/disassembly.
It will need an adjusting screw at the RH ring key end so it can be well adjusted (and a plain end to the free end with rubco glued to the underside), but the joints will have to be perfectly aligned in order for it to work well - so either have alignment marks >|< or a lug soldered to the socket ring to engage against a stub on the top joint (the socket ring will have to be secured with a wood screw going through it so it won't turn).
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2016-05-30 00:52
The Fox mechanism is not articulated, it just allows to trill the C#/G# lever with RH first finger.
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Author: Wes
Date: 2016-05-30 04:46
The alternate high F note would be gone with the articulated C#/G# which I use much more often than the F#/G# trill.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-05-30 05:07
... as is one of the altissimo Bb fingerings, but that's easy to work around by using the different fingerings available for these notes that don't rely on the C#/G# tonehole being open while any RH fingers are held down.
It's not just there for the F#-G# trill as it also makes playing some intervals and passages with loads of flats or sharps easier. It's standard equipment on oboes and saxes, so no reason why it should be dismissed on clarinets or by clarinettists.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2016-05-30 07:51
>> ... as is one of the altissimo Bb fingerings, but that's easy to work around by using the different fingerings available for these notes that don't rely on the C#/G# tonehole being open while any RH fingers are held down. <<
True, but not for the several other fingerings I use very often that would be impossible with an articulated C#/G#. Though this is just a personal choice.
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Author: Clarsax
Date: 2016-06-05 21:13
Thanks for all replies, especially Chris for detailed explanations
I understand that it is an expensive works that would appropriate only on a special clarinet
Yes Patricola make this system on model CL5 and CL4, but both models have 7 rings and the additional 2 toneholes (one near the middle joint and the other little one just below the third ring) which I do not like at all
(I mean I do not like that mechanism in general, not the Patricola in particular)
So I wondered if the articulated mechanism could be done on a standard 17/6 model...
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-06-05 21:25
Patricola have changed things since I last looked as their otherwise standard 18/6 clarinets (with LH Ab/Eb lever) had a special articulated C#/G# mechanism as I described.
So yes, a standard 17/6 model can be converted to have an articulated C#/G# key, so long as you're willing to pay for it as it'll probably be in the €500 region to have it fitted.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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