 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: KSCop
Date: 2017-02-16 08:49
Attachment: Normandy 1.jpg (317k)
Attachment: Normandy 2.jpg (450k)
I've been working on the Normandy for a while. I'm not entirely sure of the model. It's an older plastic (Ebonite?) barrel, body and bell. I'm thinking it is a Model 14P.
I had to replace the bell tenon and just completed the overhaul tonight. Keys polished, new corks and new Valentino pads. Keys adjusted and regulated.
It plays really quite well. Very easy. Not stuffy like I expected from a plateau key, at least not to my ears.
It was the first plateau key I've done and I have another in the wings to get done.
Post Edited (2017-02-16 08:59)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: wkleung
Date: 2017-02-16 09:45
Is the thumb hole also turned into a plateau?
This may be perfect for young students with thin finger tips.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Dan Shusta
Date: 2017-02-16 09:53
Aside from helping those who have trouble covering the entire hole with their fingers, are there any other advantages to playing a plateau clarinet?
The only thing that I can think of is that playing this type of instrument would be "easier" because only a portion of the plateau would need to be touched to fully close the hole, i.e., the fingering could be "off centered" slightly with no noticeable effect.)
Am I anywhere close?
Just curious...
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ursa
Date: 2017-02-16 12:22
Yes, this is a Model 14P--note the angled trill keys. The 140P, also a synthetic-bodied instrument, has inline trill keys.
The thumb hole is a plateau key on these.
I had one for a time, hoping the plateau system would help me manage the clarinet more effectively while recovering from some paralysis in the right hand. I didn't find much benefit to the plateau system relative to my particular situation.
However...a section mate who was experiencing some issues with tremor took notice of the instrument at rehearsal, tried it out, and bought it right there on the spot--he found the plateau keys to be very helpful for those times when his hands are shaky.
Believe me, when you're trying to make the best of a situation as vexing as paralysis, you try everything you can get your hands on that offers even a glimmer of hope for mitigation. I remain very glad that the option existed for me to at least try out.
Sadly, the most-recent descendant of the 14P--the Vito 7214P--has gone out of production.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: KSCop
Date: 2017-02-16 17:28
The plateau system does indeed make it easier for some people. Those with small fingers who might have trouble covering a hole or ring, trouble covering the thumb while also hitting the register key, etc.
This clarinet is a full plateau system; no rings at all. It's a bit different on the disassembly at it's picky on pads and pad thickness with a few keys being more trouble than others.
The thumb key was challenging as it interacts with another. When I first got it done it was very stuffy. The problem was pad thickness on the thumb and vent. Once I sorted that, it played great.
They key with these from what I found is to use thin pads (I like Valentino) on most keys but a small bladder type pad on the vent. (8 mm)
I know I'll end up keeping one, I don't see them come of for sale very often, but this particular one is listed at the moment. I'll see how it goes.
Overall it was a fun project and came out well.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Tony F
Date: 2017-02-16 19:10
A couple of years back I had problems with carpal tunnel syndrome in the right wrist and tenosynovitis in the left wrist. I found playing the clarinet increasingly difficult due mainly to the loss of sensitivity in the fingers, so I bought a Vito full-plateau clarinet on EBay. It was wonderfully effective and made it possible for me to continue to play without difficulty. Surgery to both wrists has resolved the problems and I'm playing my normal instrument again, but I'm going to hang on to the clarinet. I suspect I'll need it again at some point and they are hard to find.
Tony F.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: KSCop
Date: 2017-02-16 21:45
It sold this morning, just minutes after I listed it. I'll be keeping the next one for my collection. Just so happens I have one on the TO DO shelf.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ursa
Date: 2017-02-17 01:02
KSCop...good call on keeping one for yourself. Even if you never find it necessary for your own use, there could come a day when a friend or relative will need it--and you'll have a good one at the ready.
It's a complete mystery to me how there's apparently sufficient demand out there for Conn-Selmer and Yamaha to keep cranking out entry-level alto clarinets, yet not enough to justify making an affordable E-flat, A, or plateau-system B-flat instrument.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2017-02-17 04:53
I have in recent years found that as I age my fingers really tend to creep closer together, giving occasional problem in covering LH and RH 1st finget toneholes.
I suspect that sooner rather than later I will need to move to the old plateau system clarinet that has been on the back burner of my "to do" list for at least 10 years.
I know of at least two players who developed arthritis and found that using a plateau system clarinet enabled them to keep on playing.
Fortunately my Alto and bass clarinets plus the basset horn are all by design plateau. So when all else fails I will descend down into the nether regions to fade gently away.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: wkleung
Date: 2017-02-17 14:11
I didn't see the eBay listing, or else I would have seriously considered buying it. Children here are FORCED to take up an orchestral instrument by age 5 or 6. A plateau clarinet would come in handy!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Chris J
Date: 2017-02-17 14:45
Ha!
It seems I am in a club with wide membership! I also have a plateau clarinet, not for playing now, but for 'when the time comes'....
I gather they need quite a wide venting when set up, but can play well if set up appropriately.
Chris
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: djschwartz ★2017
Date: 2017-02-17 23:22
<"It's a complete mystery to me how there's apparently sufficient demand out there for Conn-Selmer and Yamaha to keep cranking out entry-level alto clarinets, yet not enough to justify making an affordable E-flat, A, or plateau-system B-flat instrument."
I agree completely, especially, as there seems to be an increasing number of older (as well as younger) players with issues that could be helped by being able to use a plateau system. Both of my Bb plateaus play well after the venting was adjusted. Buffet, Yamaha, Selmer, etc...pay attention. We want to keep playing!
David
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ClarinetRobt
Date: 2017-02-18 00:32
This sounds like an untapped market these instrument makers have either forgotten about or are not aware of the demand.
Sounds like if someone like Ridenour produced an offering, he'd might just hit it out of the park.
~Robt L Schwebel
Mthpc: Behn Vintage
Lig: Ishimori, Behn Delrin
Reed: Legere French Cut 3.75/4, Behn Brio 4
Horns: Uebel Superior (Bb,A), Ridenour Lyrique, Buffet R13 (Eb)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
