 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Brad Cohen
Date: 2002-11-26 17:15
I am looking to purchase a new Eb. My biggest concern (other than intonation) is my very large hands. My Bb and A are Buffet R13, and my Bass is a Buffet Prestige, so I am thinking of a Buffet R13 Eb. Last time I seriously played Eb was in my College orchestra about 17 years ago, it was a Selmer and was a real chore. Since then I have been avoiding Eb playing opps.
I am looking for recommendations of Eb's that might be more suited for large hands, ways to possibly adjust the keywork, or any other suggestions.
Thanks!
Brad
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Author: Franklin Stover
Date: 2002-11-26 17:55
Hi.
shrinking your hand size might be as probable as finding an Eb piccolo clarinet with key extensions. If your hands are as big as you say, I probably wouldn't bother with the Eb. Conversely, because of my small hands, I find playing the alto & bass clarinets problematic. I wish you good luck in whatever course you choose.
f/s
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Author: Wes
Date: 2002-11-26 18:02
Hi Brad!
One can thin the keys that go between the fingers and also grind a little off the Ab/Eb key for the right hand. One may also grind off a little bit of the A key if needed. Some of the keys between the fingers may need to be bent a little also. My fingers are bigger than anyone elses and it is still possible to play the Eb with these modifications. They can be done carefully with files and silicon carbide abrasive paper so that no one can tell the difference. I have three Ebs, including a full Boehm with donut key. Good luck!
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Author: jez
Date: 2002-11-26 18:37
After having to adjust keywork on Ebs for years (I have big hands too) I've at last found one which I can play without taking off, cutting short or filing down any keys.
Try a Selmer Recital. They're a bit expensive, but the sound and intonation are excellent and the keywork so well spaced it feels like holding a Bb.
jez
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Author: Robert Small
Date: 2002-11-26 19:19
I just bought a Patricola eefer that I find pretty comfortable. Much better spacing than my Vito. The right hand sliver key (alternate F#/B) is well designed and is less in the way than the one on my Bb. The left hand sliver key (alternate Bb/Eb) I closed off since I never use it.
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Author: John J. Moses
Date: 2002-11-26 19:44
Use a standard Buffet.
Remove the left hand Eb/Bb key, plug the hole with cork.
Remove the right hand B/F# key, plug the hole with cork.
Works just fine, you just won't have those handy alternate keys.
Two of my former students, 6'6" & 6'8", had enormous hands and both managed very well with those keys off.
The other instruments suggested above are probably fine, but I prefer the sound of the Buffet Eb to all the others.
Good luck big guy,
JJM
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Author: GBK
Date: 2002-11-26 19:53
Another possibility to the above suggestions is to wedge a thin shim of cork under the alternate left hand Eb/Bb key, and another shim under the right hand alternate B/F# key. Both keys will be then frozen and closed...GBK
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Author: Mitch K.
Date: 2002-11-26 21:22
I'm 6'5", and when I mentioned to my current teacher that I was looking for a new e-flat, he suggested that I invest in a Buffet RC instead of the R13. According to him, the RC is a little longer than the R13, therefore the keywork has more space.
His hands are almost as big as mine and his e-flat is a R13 with some modifications: the sliver keys have been filed down.
Mitch King
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Author: Morrigan
Date: 2002-11-26 22:15
Plug the LH Eb/Bb key?! But it's so essential! I think I'm the only one in the world who uses it as a standard and the RH one as an alternative - it's just so out of the way and illogical to the chromatic and scaleic line!
Anyone else use it?
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Author: William
Date: 2002-11-27 00:21
Along with John Moses lab report on "instrumental dissection", I would recommend trying a Yamaha effer. They are quite well in tune and the little finger keys are built just a bit larger than on "the competition." I also play a set of 1960's R13s and a brand new Buffet Prestige bass that simply "Kicks A--." But my effer is a 1990's Pro Yamaha that "fits right in" with the Buffets. At least, try one before you decide (and begin the customization process that most effers suffer).
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Author: ted
Date: 2002-11-27 01:14
In response to Morrigan...
I only use the LH Bb/Eb key when trilling to B/E. I guess there are two reasons I use the side key in chromatic scales and major/minor scales: 1) I was taught to use the side key as the primary fingering 2) The LH Bb/Eb key is in an awkward position for my average sized hand on my Bb instrument (R13 from 1961). The position of the key is fine on my A clarinet (Leblanc LX).
My guess is that your way should be "better" since the coordination would all in left hand in scale work when moving from A to Bb to B ...
Ted
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Author: Kat
Date: 2002-11-27 02:30
Morrigan,
I'm with you...I think that the RH Bb/Eb is awkward (at least on my R13...) and prefer to use the LH sliver key...
Unless coming from G/C of course! ;^)
Katrina
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Author: jenna
Date: 2002-11-27 03:24
I agree Morrigan - I always play my Bb with the left hand, and my C with the right. It was how I was taught as a kid because it was easier for me (I had little hands and short fingers). I still do it now, and use the standards as alternates. Other people just can't do it. To each his own, I guess.
It's great though when you're showing someone how to play something and the finger switch confuses them. =) My high school clarinet section fell victim to that a lot.
jenna
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Author: William
Date: 2002-11-27 15:19
The little "banana" keys are primarily for use in chromatic passages and certain alternative fingerings. They are nice to have, but not essential--especially on the Eb clarinet--if your technique is advanced enough. Often on the effers, these keys are simply "in the way" for clarinetists with larger fingers and are routinely removed and the remaining holes plugged. As for little finger ease, again I would recommend trying the Yamaha effer with its larger keywork.
In response to above comments regarding technique, the RH Bb/Eb side key should be your primary fingering in most technical situations. It is often better sounding and better in tune than the banana key and essential in advanced key signitures for smooth execution. And your little fingers should be equally adept at playing B/E, C/F or C#/F# left or right. If you have an auxillery Eb/Ab lever, your little fingers should be similarily adept to either left or right. Not a question of hand size, just a question acquired ability and talent. No excuses, just learn through effective and relentless practice--it can be done!!! Good Luck!
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2002-11-28 05:05
I count nine fingerings for the Eb/Bb *without* using the sliver key. I don't think I missed any. Of course, a couple of them are pretty bizarre things that you'd likely never use, but this is the biggest reason I've never been Gung-Ho about the fork fingering scheme. Thanks to the bridge mechanism, that one note pair probably has more fingerings than any other on the whole blasted instrument.
Regards,
John
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Author: Burt
Date: 2002-11-28 13:36
I use the LH Eb considerably because I like the side (3rd line) Bb for its clarity.
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Author: jez
Date: 2002-11-30 17:27
Brad,
To return from the debate about LH Eb's.
If you try all the suggestions here perhaps you could let us know what you decide in the end. If you try Buffet, Yamaha & Selmer (recital) it would be interesting to hear which has the best layed out keywork. The new Leblanc Eb is also highly spoken of, but my girlfriend has one and I can't play it at all due to my hands so I don't think it would suit you.
I can stretch a 12th on the piano and can't play the white notes at the far end as my fingers get jammed between the black keys but, let me reiterate, I can play my Selmer Eb without any adjustment.
Good luck & keep us posted
jez
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