 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Enatural
Date: 2017-12-23 22:40
Hi,
I have been trying to find a good method of establishing the key of a clarinet by measurement. I have several clarinets, all with different barrel and bell lengths. When I measure from top of barrel to to bottom of bell I get measurements for the shortest 384mm and the longest 630mm. I know barrels and bells are often swapped so I cannot be sure if the originals are the ones still in the case.
So for the longest at 630mm it must be in Bb Full Bohme, but the shortest gives me an odd key with C = E natural, that clearly must be wrong, so I am looking for the right method of measuring establishing the key.
Thank you
Post Edited (2017-12-26 15:44)
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Author: TrueTone
Date: 2017-12-24 01:37
The longest measurement seems about right for a Bb FB or a normal A, but that shorter measurement seems really short for a normal low pitch Eb, at least comparing it to a chart I found on the internet (I have no idea how accurate it is for the average Eb, but here's a link: https://vintageclarinetdoctor.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_14.html?m=1 )
Maybe the shortest is a HP Eb? Are you able to play the shortest one?
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Author: Enatural
Date: 2017-12-24 14:44
Hi,
Yes, I looked at this chart, but I have 3 very small clarinets at 384, 390, and 400, they all have different barrel, bell and mouthpiece lengths and bores. So there are several options I can have for my clarinet length. I can mix and match.
I have only tried playing the smallest with top holes covered and it gives me a good B when I play the open clarinet fingering G so it appears to be in E natural. But as I can change this note with barrels and mouthpieces, I am looking to find a more reliable method of measurement, to establish what these clarinets are.
Unfortunately I cannot find any info about E natural or F clarinets on the internet.
Post Edited (2017-12-26 15:46)
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Author: Johan H Nilsson
Date: 2017-12-24 17:47
I would look for a strategy that is based on the distance between tone holes, e.g. between A4 and F3. Hole size can vary apparently but at least you eliminate tenon sizes and non-original barrels and bells.
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Author: Burt
Date: 2017-12-24 18:59
I would use the distance from the tip of the mouthpiece to the last tone hole (the only one open for low "F"). That long distance makes the percentage error in measurement very small. Then use the ratio between half-steps (1.06, which is the twelfth root of 2).
On my Bb setup, it's 21.4" (54.4cm).
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Author: Enatural
Date: 2017-12-25 15:46
Hi
So, that was interesting, I measured from A4 to F3, that mixed up the shortest to longest order that I had used from the blogpost chart, the shortest of the 3 clarinets which gives me C = E became the longest of the three, which may make the others E hp, and F. I like that idea, but it cannot be possible.
I also measured from MP tip to bottom hole, and on a Bb clarinet was 543, very close to the size given by the suggestor. However for my three small clarinets, it mixed the order again, making the one that gives me C = E the middle one of the group. These may still give me 2 E's and an F.
I also tried some other measurements but these instruments change their order, shortest to longest, depending upon where they are measured from.
Thanks for the suggestions, so far, I think I am moving forward.
Post Edited (2017-12-26 15:47)
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Author: donald
Date: 2017-12-25 17:03
If C = an E, I think that makes that clarinet a "High pitch E flat clarinet". I have one of them as well as a high pitch C clarinet, and it's a real pity that they are HP as they are both very fine instruments (well made, and not terrible ergonomically) that I'd like to be able to perform on now and again.
dn
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Author: Enatural
Date: 2017-12-25 21:49
That could be correct, one or two of mine may be in HP, so, out of interest, how long are your Eb and high C clarinets from the end of the bell to the top of the barrel? And what is the measurement from A4 to F3?
Having 3 clarinets with a 16 mm total length difference may give me a clarinet in a usable key it is just a matter of measurment to find out which one, before I carry out a full refurbishment on all 3.
I would like to use one of these clarinets to play historic Moravian folk music along with a soprano C natural clarinet.
As much information as is available would help.
Post Edited (2017-12-26 15:48)
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