 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Bill
Date: 2025-03-26 23:38
I'm starting on Albert system, and the progress has, quite literally, all the instability and fall-downs of baby's first steps. The theory -- when I muster the patience to do it -- is simply a (glacially) slow chromatic scale to try and locate the tone holes and keys.
Unbelieveable that jazzers prefer these because it's easier to move from note to note! I get that, but at this stage (for me) nothing is harder!
My "why" for this project is mostly a "why not"? I've heard the sound is addictive.
Bill Fogle
Ellsworth, Maine
(formerly Washington, DC)
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Author: Fuzzy
Date: 2025-03-27 00:03
Hi Bill,
I'm not sure what advice you're looking for...but if you're using a period instrument (like late 1880s or so) - you might find lowering the thumb rest a bit will help. I shellac'd a 3/16" thickness piece of cork to the underside of my thumbrest, and then placed surgical tubing over it. Was going to be a temporary thing - but here I am nearly 20 years later and still use it that way. I've replaced the cork once, and the surgical tubing a handful of times.
The main thing is just to get used to the F#/F difference (B/Bb). To me, it seems like every Albert is a little different, so it might be beneficial to determine which fingers to use for various notes/colors you're going for. (For instance, the 1+3 right hand fingering is sometimes better than the 1+2+sliver right hand, etc. Or might be better in one register and worse in another, etc.)
The fingering charts here on the bboard are pretty good too.
Otherwise, I can't think of much advice to offer. That right hand will need to adjust to the stretch a bit...so I'd play tunes as soon as you can and get away from too stringent of fingering exercises - otherwise your hand might develop some pain/cramps. Try to keep it relaxed and work on fingerings while you play...you can always come back to fingering exercises once your hand adjusts to the stretch.
Just my thoughts. Enjoy and have fun!
Fuzzy
;^)>>>
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Author: Bill
Date: 2025-03-27 03:06
Good advice Fuzzy! I did launch into the Saint-Saens clarinet sonata, then thought I'd better start with some slow chromatic tones. I'll try some simpler etudes. Thanks!
Bill Fogle
Ellsworth, Maine
(formerly Washington, DC)
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Author: m1964
Date: 2025-03-28 02:57
Bill wrote:
" I'm starting on Albert system, and the progress has, quite literally, all the instability and fall-downs of baby's first steps. The theory -- when I muster the patience to do it -- is simply a (glacially) slow chromatic scale to try and locate the tone holes and keys..."
Uebel Boehm system clarinets played/sounded closer to the "German" sound than any other clarinet I tried.
I wonder if a Uebel combined with a German mouthpiece (made for Boehm) such as Gleichweit would produce the sound close to what you are looking for.
I also know an excellent player who uses Vandoren German MP on Buffet R13 and sounds great- very soft and full sound.
Post Edited (2025-03-29 07:28)
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Author: super20dan
Date: 2025-03-28 06:25
there is no advantage to playing albert system if you want a big sound. get a large bore vintage selmer or conn and develop some attitude!
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Author: m1964
Date: 2025-03-28 18:55
Not to forget the Selmer Recital.
I have an older A clarinet and it sounds very very close to Oehler system clarinets, much closer than Buffets and even other Selmers.
Post Edited (2025-03-29 07:28)
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Author: Bill
Date: 2025-03-29 00:14
So happy to report I'm doing much better on my Albert!!!
The Albert is just a curiosity. I do have every Selmer Paris model from Winged Globe to Centered Tone. But I wanted to expand. My favorite Selmer for a really big sound is the "55."
I'm thrilled that I can produce some good sounds and do some scales on it now. It set me back $60. Got it with new pads from a young man just learning to overhaul instruments. Old Carl Fischer not marked either HP or LP so assuming it's HP.
I'm starting to really have fun with it!
Bill Fogle
Ellsworth, Maine
(formerly Washington, DC)
Post Edited (2025-03-29 00:15)
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Author: Fuzzy
Date: 2025-03-29 02:26
That's great, Bill!
I would have never found the instrument I've fallen in love with had I followed the normal recommendations. I followed those recommendations for far too long and cheated myself out of a lot of fun! Haha!
Hope you continue to enjoy the journey!
Fuzzy
;^)>>>
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Author: super20dan
Date: 2025-03-30 19:50
playing jazz clarinet is all about spontaneous improvisation. using a clarinet with a profoundly different key system is going to be difficult as you will have to think ahead of your fingerings -rather than just let your creative thoughts flow
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Author: Fuzzy
Date: 2025-03-30 22:32
Super20dan,
I wouldn't really consider an Albert as being "...a profoundly different key system..." F/F#/B/Bb - other than that you're pretty much good to go. The stretch and lack of the alternative fingerings you're accustomed to are really the only adjustments necessary. (At least that was my experience.)
Fuzzy
;^)>>>
[Edit] Coming back to Boehm is another story entirely, though - as there are so many touchpieces in the way that I can't help but to bump them open inadvertently. Hahaha!
Post Edited (2025-03-30 22:34)
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