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RE: Inline vs Offset trill keys

Author: jbutler
Date: 2002-11-28 15:30

I really like LeBlanc's approach. All four keys have their own posts. It is easier to swedge to tighten up the key action with this design. Most other makers have to top two trill keys on the same post with one the second from top riding on the hinge tube of the top key. It is easy to swedge the top key, but much more difficult to take the play out of the other. I've approached this in different ways; however, I have not found a solution which I am totally satisfied.

It seems that other makers have not progressed from early 1900's key designs. A lot of vintage clarinets had the same key design for the left hand lower joint keys. There was only one post for the two keys: C#/F# and B/E. The makers finally got away from that inferior design, but have not done so for the upper two trill keys with the exception of LeBlanc.

I also like LeBlanc's approach to the lower joint D#/G# and F/C keys. They are also on separate posts with room to swedge if necessary. One has to be rather inventive at times with other makes to take out the excessive play both end to end and side to side.

This is NOT an endorsement for LeBlanc. I do play a LeBlanc Bb now after playing Selmer for years and my current A is a Yamaha Custom SE. Both of these clarinets are lovely instruments to play. I still use my Selmer Centered Tone as my second/back-up clarinet.

jbutler

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