 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: TheOtherJon
Date: 2016-09-27 01:22
Hello,
I've been playing clarinet off and and for a few years and am no expert on different makes and models. I just upgraded from a plastic Yamaha 250 (the first and only clarinet I've played) to a used Yamaha 450N, and the first thing I noticed after assembling the instrument is that the register key along with the tone hole on the bottom are a little off-center (slightly to the left from my PoV while playing). My 250 was dead center.
So is this a minor construction anomaly, or are they purposely designed this way? I find it a little less comfortable to play, like I can't really cradle the instrument in my hands as well. I have to keep my fingers and thumb a little more parallel to each other, rather than the curved 'C' shape I've grown accustomed to. I'm sure I'll adjust, but I was curious as to whether it was intentionally designed this way.
-Jon
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Author: ned
Date: 2016-09-27 12:09
The Apple Computer Company often makes unheralded upgrades/improvements/changes (choose one) to its range of hardware and software products.
We, the public, are suitably unimpressed as well. I speak for myself of course.
As for your Yamaha 450N, I assume that it was only in the company's interest to make this upgrade/improvement/change (choose one).
But, as you rightly point out, we will eventually learn to accomodate these upgrades/improvements/changes (choose one)
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Author: TheOtherJon
Date: 2016-09-29 06:46
But-but-but! Was it a genuine design change or a manufacturing fluke? I don't know how automated the manufacturing process for these 450 models are.
I guess what I'd like to know is: those of you using 450 horns - are your register keys dead-center when the bridge key is perfectly aligned?
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2016-09-29 07:50
>> I guess what I'd like to know is: those of you using 450 horns - are your register keys dead-center when the bridge key is perfectly aligned? <<
Aligned in relation to what? Do you mean symmetrical with the body? It's not? The thumb tube?
You mention the lower section now but that can be adjusted slightly so the register key or thumb tube don't necessarily have to be aligned with anything on the lower section.
The register key touchpiece (where you press) can be bent a little to either side (or maybe it is bent already and needs to be bent back).
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Author: TheOtherJon
Date: 2016-09-29 09:06
What I mean is, if both pieces of the little bridge bar (the two overlapping pieces from the lower and upper joints) are exactly aligned, all the top keys are also aligned and centered on top, and the thumb rest is exactly centered on the bottom, but the register key and tone hole next to it are slightly off-center maybe 2-3mm. Hopefully that makes sense. They do not look twisted, it just looks holes were not drilled/keys not mounted quite at bottom dead center.
I did try rotating the upper joint counter-clockwise a little so those become centered, but then the thumb rest becomes off-center (to the right of center now), and the left-hand pinky keys that control the lower joint (don't know the name of those!) slightly get in the way of the lower-most key on the upper joint (again, don't know the name! It's the one controlled by the left pinky).
The horn is entirely playable and it's not a deal-killer. It did come with a 14-day return policy but again, I think I'll just get used to it.
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2016-09-29 17:45
I think OP means that the register key is not 180 degrees from the front tone holes (excluding the LH-3 hole). This is common on different brands of clarinet and is mostly done to improve ergonomics for those with smaller hands. I use to notice it at first when I switched to my Ridenour Lyrique but eventually I just got use to it. After a few weeks you should be use to it.
-Jdbassplayer
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-09-29 19:59
You can always have the speaker key touchpiece bent sideways to line up with the centreline of the thumb tube, provided it doesn't create too much of a gap between them.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-09-29 20:58
I see. If the thumb tube is offset to the right as you're holding the clarinet, that could make reaching the throat G# key a bit easier for some players.
Yamaha do take ergonomics into account most times, but I feel the position or distance from the RH3 to the RH pinky keys on their 200, 400 and 600 series clarinets a bit wide compared to Buffet or Selmer. I've had to reangle the RH touchpieces for a player who had trouble reaching the RH E/B touchpiece even with the thumbrest on its lowest setting.
The only clarinets I know of with offset LH and RH chimneys were B&H with the RH toneholes sat round to the right when the joints were lined up according to the linkage. But the thumb tube and speaker tube/key were directly opposite the LH1 and 2 tonehole chimneys instead of offset.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: TheOtherJon
Date: 2016-09-30 07:38
"I think OP means that the register key is not 180 degrees from the front tone holes..."
This is precisely what I meant. And yes, the thumb tube is also off-center.
Now that I think about it, I see how it could make playing easier for those with smaller hands. I guess it's funny since it seems like that feature would be better-suited to the 250 (plastic beginner model - with register key/thumb tube centered) than the intermediate 450. I guess I'll assume it was intentional and take solace in the fact that I DIDN'T get manufacturing seconds. As I mentioned, I can live with it
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2016-10-01 08:01
Yes, those tone holes and keys don't have to be 180 degrees across from each other i.e. it's not a defect if they aren't. 180 degrees give the most support, but the most support is not necessary. That "center" is just theoretical and only in relation to other things, there is no real center. Some players prefer that certain keys are not "centered" and purposely move the mouthpiece and/or the lower section out of alignment.
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Author: TheOtherJon
Date: 2016-10-03 00:58
Thanks everyone. I'm entirely self-taught and don't know anyone in "meat space" that plays, so all the input in an immense help.
Happy tootin'.
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