 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Bob Rausch
Date: 2001-11-15 01:44
Hello All,
A couple of weeks ago I posted the question about what people want to see in a clarinet case. I have been developing a line of hardwood clarinet cases. Presently, I am still in the Research and Test phases. I have a question regarding bore size versus physical clarinet Body Size. I know that there are various internal bore sizes among different models and makes of clarinets. Does the physical Body thickness change all that much between instruments ? I own a Buffet R13 , an old wooden Selmer, and a plastic Bundy clarinet. They all seem to be about the same outside thickness even though the internal bores are different. I seem to remeber test playing a clarinet once that felt physically thicker than what I considered the standard Bb Clarinet size. My concern is that the molds I will be using to cradle the clarinets inside the cases will not accomdate the thicker horns. I have been taking a "average" by making the tests molds out of all 3 of my Bb clarinets.
Any ideas ? Has anyone bought a clarinet that would not fit inside their case or fit a little too tightly. ?
Thanks
Bob
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: John Gibson
Date: 2001-11-15 02:21
Bob...
Only trouble I had was in my double buffet case....and it was accomodating an old CONN with wraparound register. But found it would cradle nicely, though snuggly in the slot for the A. I'm using my case for two Bbs. R-13 and the Conn.
Other than that I don't see any trouble with your making inserts for cases....
JG
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Rob
Date: 2001-11-15 03:15
I don't know what might constitute a significant difference. All of my clarinets are approximately the same size, except for one, which is a Selmer Recital, and it does appear to be about 1/8 or 3/16 of an inch larger in diameter than any of the others I have, both on the upper and lower sections, and the barrels as well. In fact, the barrels do not really fit in the barrel nest in the Selmer Paris case in which it was sold to me. However, I don't know if that's a significant difference for your purposes and after all, the Selmer Recital is not exactly owned by a lot of people (though I do think it's a pretty terrific clarinet). You may want to think of accomodating clarinets with the following keywork:
Articulated G# - which slightly shortens the upper joint and correspondingly lengthens the lower joint by about 1/4 inch, so the lower joint needs a bit more room on the upper end. Articulated G# is currently offered as an option by Buffet, Leblanc, Yamaha, et al. Maybe it's making a comeback?
Left-hand alternate Eb lever which has become almost standard on high-end clarinets and depending on the way the lever is designed and how the lower section of the clarinet nests into the case, may require a little additional space.
My biggest problems finding cases that fit are for the following items:
Room for at least two barrels
Selmer Series 10 Full Boehm
Selmer L Series Full Boehm
Buffet One-Piece Full Boehm
I would also like to see a case with sufficient storage space (of course) preferably with a spring-fit lid, similar to that which was used on the old Buffet 150th anniversary R13 cases (small attache-style, from 1975) and also found on the old Selmer Series 10 attache-style single cases, if you know what I mean.
I apologize for going on like this. I should have responded to your earlier post. I missed it.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Peter
Date: 2001-11-15 04:14
Hi Bob,
The only problem I've had has been a clarinet with a slightly longer joint that kept it from laying down right in the case I got it in. I don't remember which clarinet it was, at this time, I haven't seen it in a couple of years, but I can find out and let you know.
If it will help you any, I have a small collection of old, odd clarinets and I can measure some for you, if you let me know what specific measurements you are interested in, and let you know what they are.
Peter
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Katfish
Date: 2001-11-15 12:26
Try finding a case for a Selmer full boehm in A. Any suggestions?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Douglas
Date: 2001-11-15 13:09
Along with the outside clarinet body dimensions, be sure you have enough room in your case design for the newer adjustable thumb rests. There needs to be a greater hollow for the larger thumb rest design.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Blake
Date: 2001-11-15 14:23
Suggest developing a modular approach so that one can easily customize the case. Its nearly impossible to find a Bb/Eb sop double case. Easy to find Bb/A double cases but i'm sure i'm not the only doubler out there. Blake Arlington, VA
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Bob Rausch
Date: 2001-11-15 19:14
Once again I want to thank everyone for their input.
My design does happen to modular. In theory, I could develop internal molds for any shape / size clarinet. The only problem I have is making the molds for every type of instrument.
I own a number of different clarinets in different keys. I even have a full-boehm single piece clarinet to make a mold from. As a matter of fact, that is what started this whole project. Except for some old metal horn cases, I couldn't find a full-boehm clarinet case for single piece horns.
Do you guys think there really is a market for custom built clarinet cases ?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Rob
Date: 2001-11-16 02:57
I think there is a market if the price is not too steep and it does what the buyer wants it to do. I think I'd collect more information about what people want and need and begin collecting information about what it would cost to provide it.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Rob
Date: 2001-11-16 03:11
Katfish wrote:
"Try finding a case for a Selmer full boehm in A. Any suggestions?"
Try Buffet - the RC is offered as a full boehm model, in A and Bb, at least the B&H website says it is
Try Leblanc - the model 1199 is offfered as full boehm, in A and Bb, there was one in A offered on eBay earlier this year
Try Amati - the model ACL 675 is a full boehm model in A
I want to know where to find a Selmer full boehm in A. I've been looking for one for a while now.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Katfish
Date: 2001-11-16 16:20
Rob; If you will email me at kahrlj@lisco.com I may be able to help you with the Selmer.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Bob Rausch
Date: 2001-11-17 14:51
Making the molds.
My current process is to build a small internal module out of Balsa Wood. ( kinda like the old fashioned pencil boxes ) The module is then filled with a special modeling compound and the clarinet tenons are pressed into it. Next the impressions left by the tenons are carved out to adjust for different key positions. The whole thing is then covered with a light-weight cloth and the impressions are refreshed by a second press of the clarinet tenons. When the modeling compound dries its light-weight and flexible. That is as far as I have gotten so far, the next step would be to cover the whole thing with velvet. However. many people have suggested micro-fiber materials instead of velvet. So I have not made a decision.
Before you get too excited, the process has not been proven yet. I have had problems with the Balsa Wood frames and may consider trying Plastifoam instead. I will update everyone, when I come up with something that works for sure.
Bob
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
