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What is this Bundy clarinet with 3 plateau style keys?

Author: greatlakeswinds
Date: 2024-10-14 01:41
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I came across this unusual Bundy clarinet the other day. It has plateau-ish style keys for the thumb, and ring finger of each hand. I say 'ish' because the keys aren't completely solid...they do have a center hole. My questions are...

1. Is there a special name for this version of the Bundy?

2. What exactly is the point of making these few keys like this?

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Re: What is this Bundy clarinet with 3 plateau style keys?

Author: Chris P
Date: 2024-10-14 02:35

It's a partial plateaux model designed for young players who have trouble covering the LH3, RH3 and thumb holes and also beneficial for players with arthritis.

They all have centre holes for venting purposes, but you can always fill them in or install pads without the centres punched out should you want them solid.

Just be sure the ventings on the thumb and fingerplates are set well otherwise the lower register F#, D and A will be stuffy.

Here's the description from a '70s Selmer catalogue:

1404 Bundy Resonite Convertible Bb clarinet: same fea-
tures as 1400 but with 17 keys, 4 rings, 2 converted finger
holes', thumb plateau

'Plateaux for right and left third fingers convert to standard Boehm with
spare parts furnished.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

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Re: What is this Bundy clarinet with 3 plateau style keys?

Author: greatlakeswinds
Date: 2024-10-14 04:37

Thanks! I have seen these referred to as partial plateau...I thought maybe it had a special name, like the Mazzeo model, but I guess not.

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Re: What is this Bundy clarinet with 3 plateau style keys?

Author: Chris P
Date: 2024-10-14 19:51

Mazzeo models are a very different beast, but do have the covered LH thumbplate.

The significant difference with Mazzeos is the mechanism whereby if the thumb is off the thumbplate, putting LH2 or any RH fingers down will open the side Bb vent (2nd trill key down from the top) which was an attempt to simplify the throat A and Bb fingerings.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

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Re: What is this Bundy clarinet with 3 plateau style keys?

Author: gwlively
Date: 2024-10-14 20:40

This clarinet is also for folks who have lost some feeling in their fingers. The thumb is the most important, then the left hand ring finger, and last the right hand ring finger. It would be just right for me. I've not played clarinet for a while, only alto sax because of my hands.

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Re: What is this Bundy clarinet with 3 plateau style keys?

Author: greatlakeswinds
Date: 2024-10-15 01:26

I understand it isn't the same as the Mazzeo...just meant that I thought this design might have a special name associated with it like the Mazzeo does.

Thanks for the help!

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Re: What is this Bundy clarinet with 3 plateau style keys?

Author: Chris P
Date: 2024-10-15 21:51

Vito/Holton/Martin also offered a similar clarinet with fingerplates in the same places.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

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