 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: David S.
Date: 2024-09-18 22:06
I’ve recently developed some kind of impairment in my left hand. Not sure if it’s a trigger finger, dupuytren’s contracture, arthritis or a combination of all three. Will soon see a hand specialist. Due to the impairment, I have difficulty covering the tone holes of the upper joint on my Bb Buffet R13 clarinet. The left hand is totally misaligned. I’ve tested the instrument for leaks and damaged keys, and there are none. Also, I’ve had no problem playing alto saxophone. Since i’m playing regularly and have several engagements lined up I’m trying to be proactive in handling this situation. So, currently exploring plateau keyed clarinets. I know there are models of plateau keyed clarinets made by Uebel, however they are quite expensive. I’m expecting delivery soon of an AUROSUS brand plateau keyed Clarinet I saw on Amazon. I know it’s a long-shot in thinking it will serve my needs but needed a place to start. Any information on this site about how others may have handled similar situations will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
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Author: Burt
Date: 2024-09-18 22:34
I have a broken left pinky, which affects ring finger motion. I had a key put over the ring finger hole (by Seven Fox) like on a sax, so I don't have to hit the hole accurately. I also blocked the left bis key with a cork to keep it from opening because I was accidentally hitting it, and built plastic extensions to the C#/G#, E/B and F/C keys.
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Author: m1964
Date: 2024-09-19 02:10
I have tried three plateau clarinets: Normandy, Malerne and Uebel.
Normandy was OK(ish), sounded like a student-level instrument but was mostly in tune.
Malerne sounded like a student level instrument but was not tuned well at all.
Uebel sounded, tuned and felt great. I think if a good plateau clarinet is needed, Uebel is worth investing into.
Of course, much depends on the playing level/needs of the performer: the Normandy would do just fine playing a 2nd or 3rd in a band, Uebel is a level or two above that.
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Author: m1964
Date: 2024-09-20 07:40
Hi David,
Your are very welcome.
If you decide to get one, I recommend to buy it from their dealer. Take your clarinet there too and explain/demonstrate your problem. The shop owners are often very good players and teachers so may have a solution to your problem.
Also, there is a possibility your problem is reversible.
In any case, good luck!
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Author: m1964
Date: 2024-09-21 00:55
I wonder what's the price of that conversion would be.
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Author: Julian ibiza
Date: 2024-09-21 11:58
I think that Lohff&Pfeiffer's advice about getting the expected development of your condition from your doctor is very wise. I find however, that doctors tend to be cagey about offering a prognosis if they feel there is a gray area there, but if you demand..." What is the worst case scenario here?", That's a more straightforward question for them, and you should get an answer that will help you with your choice of instrument and subsequently its cost.( At least with the range of options as offered by Lohff & Pfeiffer.)
Julian Griffiths
Tel. 34 696 798 853
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2024-09-21 12:04
i have the same problem as the original poster. Arthritis and deputryns contracture have caused the middle finger of my left hand to twist sideways. I'm advised that at my age (85) the chances of a good surgical outcome are not great, so I moved to plan B, a plateau clarinet. As has been noted, they are thin on the ground these days, but I managed to find a Normandy in good condition. Initially I was disappointed with the overly bright tone, but careful selection of barrel and mouthpiece has resolved that problem. Tuning is good and the only thing I really miss is a good, easy glissando.
Tony F.
Post Edited (2024-09-21 18:53)
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Author: crazyclari
Date: 2024-09-24 01:48
It may well be worth going to a hand therapist, likely a good therapist will have more experience with the various potential conditions and more working knowledge. Clearly a proper diagnosis is important. Best of luck.
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Author: David S.
Date: 2024-09-25 14:15
Y.L., Tony, Glen, Andrew, Julian, and Burt: Thank you, all. Your responses and suggestions are very much appreciated.
David S.
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Author: Hurstfarm
Date: 2024-09-28 16:37
I experienced similar problems as a result of loss of feeling in my hands following a punchy course of chemotherapy. I found an old Noblet plateau key clarinet that convinced me plateau keys were the way to go, but it wasn’t a great instrument and ultimately I sold it as I managed to get hold of an Uebel Superior. The Uebel is a great instrument, and I think is the match of its standard-keyed equivalent, but comes at a price. Since then, Hanson have started producing plateau instruments at different price levels which would be worth exploring. See https://hansonclarinets.com/plateau/.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2024-10-03 16:35
Since my previous post concerning plateau clarinets I've had the opportunity to test 3 against each other. They were my Normandy, a Vito and the offering from Hanson, in the UK.
My Normandy was the yardstick against which the others were compared.
Normandy: Tunes quite well, a bit flat at the lower end of the scale. I'm using a Fobes Sanfransisco CF+ and a barrel of my own manufacture, which improved tone and tuning compared with the original. Articulation is good and the keywork suits my very large hands.
The Vito: Tuned fairly well, getting a bit flat at the lower end of the scale. Tone was a bit bright, articulation with a Vandoren B45 was good. Keywork is typical Leblanc, bulletproof.
Hanson: This was the lesser of the Hansons, priced at 439 pounds sterling. They offer a more expensive model at 2739 pounds sterling. Tuned fairly well, a bit better than the Vito or the Normandy. Tone was a bit bright, articulation was very good and the overall quality was excellent. I found the keywork a bit cramped for my large fingers, but for people with more normally sized hands I think it would be an excellent choice at a relatively modest price.
Overall, I think I prefer my Normandy. Using my own barrel helped resolve some tuning and tone issues and the keywork is more to my liking.
Tony F.
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