 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2001-08-08 17:55
ReedWoman -
On Buffets, the wrap-around register key went out of use early in the 20th century, maybe around 1910 or 1915. It has two advantages. First, the opening is near the top of the instrument while playing, so condensation doesn't run into it. Second, there's little or no tubing inside the bore, so swabs don't get stuck.
There are also some disadvantages. The pad doesn't come straight down on the hole, but slides diagonally across it. This means you can't have a sharp rim on which the pad seats, and it makes the mechanism less unreliable. The long key has more play in it and is more easily bent out of adjustment than the straight key. The height is more difficult to adjust. A common tweak is to make the register key pad out of cork and bevel the edges to permit better venting. The sliding action of the wrap-around key makes this difficult or impossible.
The playing differences are small. I've played wrap-around Buffets that had no register key trouble. Most repair shops are unfamiliar with them and don't like them, and many (most) of the instruments with them are pretty much worn out.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Dee
Date: 2001-08-08 20:07
I've seen wrap around register keys on Buffets as recent as the 1930s as checked by serial number.
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Author: MarkP
Date: 2001-08-08 23:13
I agree with you, Dee. I have a 1937 Down Beat magazine with a Buffet add featuring a clarinet with a wrap around register key.
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Author: John Gibson
Date: 2001-08-08 23:16
ReedWoman...
I recently acquired an old Conn with a wrap around register. Had it overhauled and it plays wonderfully. Have no problem with it not venting or covering or anything.
The tech who did the overhaul was a young woman and did a fabulous job and never once mentioned it as a problem to deal with. Her name by the way is Kristen and she works at Quick's music in Phoenix. (in case you want to ask her about wrap arounds)
John Gibson
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Author: MarkP
Date: 2001-08-09 01:56
The only thing my tech has complained about with all the old instruments I've dragged into his shop has been a 1921 Conn Albert system with 15 keys and 5 rollers. The C#/G# key on the upper joint didn't have a contoured tone hole... it was just flat and he had a hard time getting that pad to seal.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2001-08-09 08:18
MarkP -
I have a C pitch Albert with a 'flat' C#/G# tone hole. I've found no problem with it.
- ron b -
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2001-08-09 10:20
When I come across a difficult uncontoured G# tone hole I contour it. No more problems.
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Author: MarkP
Date: 2001-08-09 22:52
Sounds like a good solution... maybe when that pad wears out I'll have that done!
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