 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: E Stuart
Date: 2022-01-19 01:19
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I just purchased a VITO (vintage) clarinet to rebuild. It has oval logo with VITO inside and RESOTONE below oval. No number below the RESOTONE.
The interesting thing is that it is partial plateau. Third finger right hand and thumb hole are the only plateau keys. Anyone might know why only two keys? I have rebuilt full plateau models
efstuart@aol.com
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2022-01-19 01:30
That's to help players with small hands, narrow fingers, arthritis or other reach or mobility troubles to be able to successfully cover the thumb tube and RH3.
Bundys were also offered with similar keywork.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2022-01-19 07:59
I have a Bundy with this keywork. Great for small hands.
Tony F.
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Author: E Stuart
Date: 2022-01-19 21:04
Thanks for the replys.
I am very familiar with the concept of the Plateau clarinet. I have rebuilt two of them. (Yes, more involved that non-plateau instruments.) One wood Normandy (which I wish I still had), and a VITO which I now have and have played in concert band.
My question is "This VITO only has two Plateau keys." Third finger right hand and thumb key. WHY were only these two keys selected. Is there evidence that these are the two keys most needing help?
Thanks, Stuart
efstuart@aol.com
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2022-01-19 21:47
Yes - those are the two toneholes some players have problems covering. I've seen many older beginners having trouble with their RH ring fingers not fully covering the RH3 tonehole as they don't always have the same degree of flexibility in their joints as a primary school kid or teenager has. Similarly with young players with small hands and small fingers if they find the toneholes too much of a stretch on a Bb clarinet combined with the weight (and why there should be affordable, high quality plastic C clarinets available for primary school kids who want to play clarinet from a young age).
Adjustable or repositioned thumbrests also help with the RH hand position as do supports, although slings/neck straps do bugger all for posture as they just make the clarinet drop downwards rather than relieving the weight off the right thumb and arm which only causes the hand and fingers to constrict. Much better is an RDG BHOB which takes all the weight off the right thumb, wrist and arm and allows the player to play with much better posture whilst seating and can be adapted for use with a belt for playing whilst standing.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: E Stuart
Date: 2022-01-19 22:35
Thanks, guys for the contribution to my knowledge.
It's on to the restoration. I'm ready to install the new pads.
Thanks, Stuart
efstuart@aol.com
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2022-01-19 23:13
I haven't seen a Vito like this one.
Judging by the Normandy 140P-style plateau keys and the appearance of the plating, I'd estimate that it is an early-to-mid 1960s model. Should be a fine player once set up properly.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2022-01-20 02:19
They were also sold under the Holton name with keywork like this - maybe Martin as well as they were all under the Holton/Leblanc umbrella.
You're best using cork pads as they will remain flat and you can make them the required thickness so they sit level in the pad cups when seated.
If you haven't got enough venting on the thumbplate making the F# stuffy (with the LH1 finger only), then reshape the thumbplate underlever to effectively shorten it so there's more travel and therefore more venting when it's open and still making sure it closes the LH1 ring key vent. The RH3 fingerplate is independent and you want around 3mm of venting for a clear lower register A (xxx|xxo).
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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