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Re: Buffet RC - Replace cork with neoprene?

Author: bassclarinet101 ★2017
Date: 2017-01-20 03:33

Dear Brad,

I did do the alternate G-sharp location, and came up with two conclusions: One, it does not only nicely separate the notes (resulting in the need for different placements of both the G-sharp and A tone holes in the lattice, otherwise the pitch of the A is altered by their independence from each other). Two, and this was all done informally, but there was less variation in the overall tuning chart of the instrument with the G-sharp moved to fall along the same axis as the other keys. This was more effective at smaller tone hole sizes, and eventually the junker cracked before the work could be completed in a formal sense.

It also tied in to a curiosity that Walter Grabner had spiked in me about measuring the baffle. It is certainly possible, but impractical. Because of the different lattice structure from clarinet model to clarinet model, measuring the baffle of a clarinet mouthpiece and how it directs the air is only useful relative to a specific lattice structure, with an adjustment for reflectivity of the instrument's material.

This is best illustrated (in theory) by a mouthpiece directly attached to a three hole pipe on the three different axes. The pipe can be produced of different materials, showing the relative effect of material on the output (based on energy lost).
It's then emphasized by producing or rotating the pipe around the instrument to show how the air's movement affects the output.
In order to reproduce results, the pipe can be crenelated for exact positioning with the mouthpiece.

Unfortunately I'm out of junkers, so I'll have to wait until something comes up at the pawn shop that I can get fixed up before I run any more curiosities of my own.

I do also have an idea for a better clarinet "material" that is both more resistant to warping and decay, but can inhibit some of the reflectivity that comes from using the hard plastics. It stems from the 3D printing conversation we had, but I want to get things a little more concretely fleshed out before I spring the idea, because it's something I'd like to see put into production on instruments. I'd love to talk with you about it more some time, if you'd like to give me a call? I don't have any more surgeries for a month, so I have more time to do those kind of discussions right now.

-Daniel

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