 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Brian
Date: 2002-02-21 10:55
Hello Fellow Clarinet Lovers!
I have always wondered why some clarinet makers build their instruments with inline trill keys and some with offset trill keys. I have even noticed that some manufacturers (like Leblanc) use both on different models of clarinets.
Does it make a difference in the tone quality? I have played instruments with both types of trill keys and I have never noticed a difference. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?
Happy Clarineting!
Brian
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Author: Eoin
Date: 2002-02-21 12:35
I don't think it could affect the tone quality. In either case, all that happens is that a small hole high up on the clarinet is uncovered. It shouldn't matter what mechanism is used to open the hole.
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2002-02-21 14:06
Without inline trill keys, three of those four pads will contact the tone holes at some angle away from perpendicular to the Clarinet's axis. Inline trill keys (first found on Leblanc's most expensive models) allows each pad to contact its tone hole in a "flat" orientation, like other pads on the instrument. The only result is intended to be improved pad seating. While the actual improvement may be marginal, it is real, and some say it could help to prevent a leak. Most manufacturers evidently don't think there's a problem. Leblanc has been building Clarinets like this for over fifty years, so any patent protection would have expired long ago. Thus anyone is free to use a similar design.
Regards,
John
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Author: David Spiegelthal
Date: 2002-02-21 15:32
It's pure marketing (or, to use a less nasty word, let's say it's pure esthetics). Do white stripes on your tires help the car handle better?
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2002-02-21 16:11
I don't think there's any inherent advantage to in-line trill keys, though they look nice. Leblanc ads used to say the design was more accurate and reliable, but I think that's more theory than practice.
However, the Leblanc design has one big advantage for those who, like me, have large hands. The trill keys are set more toward the front of the tube than on Buffet, Selmer or the Leblanc Opus/Concerto. This puts the trill keys, including the constantly used lowest one for Eb/Bb, in a position where it takes no contortions to press them. I've had the side Eb/Bb key lengthened on my R-13 to get the same effect.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Douglas
Date: 2002-02-21 17:26
Besides the changed angle for the pad to contact the surface of the tone hole on the Leblanc style "jump" keys, the true advantage is that the in line side keys allow the tone holes for those keys to be placed higher toward the top of the clarinet, making water in those tone holes less likely. It is a subtle difference and shouldn't be a major deciding factor in picking one clarinet brand over another. Leblanc dropped the in line style for Opus, Concerto, etc. to compete with Buffet more effectively, knowing that many clarinetists want their instruments to look like the "traditional" professional model, that is, the Buffet.
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2002-02-21 20:33
Douglas: Interesting information.
And David asks: "Do white stripes on your tires help the car handle better?"
No, but it does handle better after the wiper blades are replaced. Never could figure that out.
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Author: Brian
Date: 2002-02-21 22:08
I'm with you John.
I find my truck runs better and rides smoother when it has been washed and waxed.
Go figure...!
Brian
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Author: diz
Date: 2002-02-21 23:47
yes - well - that's a boring deviation from a topic if ever there was one
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