 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: DougR
Date: 2026-06-24 17:01
My A clarinet has become virtually unplayable due to RH arthritis and mis-aligned fingers. (The Bb is doable, but it's the increased space between the 1st and 2nd finger rings on the A that makes it problematic.)
Nobody makes a plateau A clarinet, as far as I can tell. But I just ran across a post on FB that mentions 3D-printed finger wedges that presumably keep the fingers aligned correctly to cover the ring holes. That's all I know about it, no examples were provided, so my question is, IS THIS A THING?
Anybody know about this? Is it something repair folks can do? Will I be able to rip thru the Brahms quintet once again?? (or, in my case, take a slow amble thru it)
I know Chris P has come up with some creative solutions (i.e. a single-hole plateau key) but I'm loath to carve up a perfectly good R13. Can anyone add some perspective on this?
EDITING TO ADD: I've tried all sorts of thumb rest modifications, Kooiman and Ridenour thumb rests, moving the thumb rest up, moving it down, changing my hand position, blah-blah-blah. Regardless, my forefinger wants to nestle with my 2nd finger right in the space where there's no hole. Would a wedge help? ?? maybe??
Post Edited (2026-06-24 17:05)
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Author: Mojo
Date: 2026-06-24 17:27
Lohff & Pfeiffer Can do custom plateau conversions.
MojoMP.com
Mojo Mouthpiece Work LLC
MojoMouthpieceWork@yahoo.com
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Author: MarkS
Date: 2026-06-24 19:02
I bought a Uebel Superior plateau B-flat clarinet from Michael Lowenstern (Earspasm Music) a few months ago, and am very happy with it. It was relatively easy to make the transition from my Buffet Festival, and solved my arthritis-related issues.
Contrary to what I previously thought, Uebel sells the same clarinet in key of A on their website. So you can buy it there. However, from a conversation I had with Michael, it seems likely that it will become available through him in the future.
In the next few months, I plan to decide whether to purchase the Uebel or to have Lohff & Pfeiffer convert my Yamaha CSVR A-clarinet to plateau.
Mark
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