 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: richardstone
Date: 2021-07-27 01:57
I have small hands and would like to know the clarinets with the smallest tone holes. I have difficulty always covering the tone holes. I am an adult player looking for a good clarinet.
Thanks
richarddstone@mac.com
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2021-07-27 02:03
If it’s an issue you should probably look into a plateau clarinet or a Bundy small hands clarinet if budget is an issue. Tone hole sizes can vary by a few mms, but if covering tone holes is a problem that may not be enough.
-Jdbassplayer
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Author: richardstone
Date: 2021-07-27 02:17
Tried a new Uebel plateau but did not feel comfortable with the overall fit. What model is the Bundy you reference.
richarddstone@mac.com
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2021-07-27 04:07
Attachment: 0CC4C8B1-EAD5-4920-9104-81708587A26D.jpeg (364k)
You have to do a bit of searching but some Bundys have semi plateau keys for the thumb, and both left and right 3rd fingers. You seem them commonly on eBay and they usually sell for very low prices too, often under $100. I’ll attach a picture to show you what they look like. Unfortunately I don’t think they still make them.
-Jdbassplayer
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Author: awildman
Date: 2021-07-27 06:07
If money is no issue, you could try having a clarinet made for you by custom maker, like Stephen Fox.
Another alternative is to look into a different size clarinet. Id recommend trying C clarinet, E flat clarinet, and bass clarinet. Maybe even a (gasp) Nuvo clarinet. Perhaps one of them will suit you better.
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Author: Matt74
Date: 2021-07-27 06:41
The problem may be the rings. The rings are usually just barely above the chimneys when closed. If you are having a problem getting the holes covered the rings may be too high, making it hard to cover the holes. If the rings are low you may be covering the holes, but the ring key pads may be leaking.
Also if your are playing with your fingertips, and your fingers very curved, it may help to flatten them more.
It also could be your position or flexibility.
- Matthew Simington
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2021-07-28 19:54
Vito student horns, in my experience, seem to have the smallest tone holes, particularly in the lower joint. Bundy student horns (not the plateau ones) have really large ones.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2021-07-28 21:21
Armstrong/Artley clarinets have small diameter ring keys compared to many clarinets.
With Buffet and Leblanc/Vito clarinets, the ring keys are shaped so the inside edge has a square edge instead of them being radiused which will give the feeling of the ring keys being narrower in diameter than they are.
Although with most clarinets, the RH3 tonehole (where A/E issues from) has to be relatively large as A/E isn't a fully vented note having the Ab/Eb tonehole closed immediately below it. Likewise with the LH3 tonehole (where D/A issues from) as the C#/G# tonehole is closed immediately below it. Those toneholes and especially the RH3 tonehole can be the source of leaks if RH3 doesn't fully cover it which is where ring key heights and having an adjustable thumbrest come in useful.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: richardstone
Date: 2021-07-28 21:59
Thanks to everyone who has responded. I have checked my clarinet and all of the rings are even with the tops of the chimneys when closed and all of the pads seat well and evenly. It is the third fingers on each hand that don't always cover the hole perfectly or move when I'm reaching for the next note. I understand that hole diameters are governed by the shape of the bore and its diameter so there probably isn't a lot that can be done to make my fingers seal consistently. I deploy on the pads of my fingers and not the tips. Maybe some cosmetic surgery to my fingers to inflate them would help.
richarddstone@mac.com
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Author: m1964
Date: 2021-07-29 08:46
richardstone wrote:
> Thanks to everyone who has responded. I have checked my
> clarinet and all of the rings are even with the tops of the
> chimneys when closed and all of the pads seat well and evenly.
> It is the third fingers on each hand that don't always cover
> the hole perfectly or move when I'm reaching for the next note.
> I understand that hole diameters are governed by the shape of
> the bore and its diameter so there probably isn't a lot that
> can be done to make my fingers seal consistently. I deploy on
> the pads of my fingers and not the tips. Maybe some cosmetic
> surgery to my fingers to inflate them would help.
>
Do you have a teacher? If you do, what does he/she says?
If not, I'd recommend to find a reputable teacher / performer and consult them first.
Visually checking the clarinet pads and rings does not guarantee good sealing when you play.
If you post where you are, members of this forum will be able to recommend a name or two.
Throwing money into a plateau clarinet may not be the best solution, esp. if your current clarinet needs a minor adjustment, or you need to change fingers position which may not be easy depending on age- ask me how I know
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