 The Fingering Forum
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Author: Howard Horn
Date: 2001-01-18 11:52
I have inherited an unusual woodwind, which I have been told is called an 'octavine'. I am trying to find information about it and its history. Fingering chart and source for reeds would be lovely, too. Physically, it is about 13 in. long overall and has a single reed. It consists of a short, straight neck which enters an oval barrel containing 2 bores which cross over at the far end. These bores are sealed with a twin cork which removes for cleaning. Essentially, the bore 'folds back', terminating in a small silvery metal bell about 4 in. in diameter. Tonally, it sounds roughly like a soprano sax. Can anyone help, or suggest sources of information?
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Author: Eoin McAuley
Date: 2001-02-05 14:22
There is an Octavin on offer on eBay at the moment. The information that comes with it suggests that they were made around the period 1890 - 1900.
I would guess that a clarinet reed will fit it, although you might have to use a small one such as the reed for an Eb Sopranino clarinet.
It looks like you will have to figure out the fingering yourself, but it shouldn't be too difficult if you play clarinet.
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Author: Eoin McAuley
Date: 2001-02-06 12:40
I've had a careful look at the two Octavin's that are on eBay at the moment. As far as I can see, they use the same fingering as an Albert System Clarinet. You will find fingerings for these here on WFG at http://www.wfg.sneezy.org/ listed under Albert/Oehler clarinet.
The octavin has a few extra peculiarities: extra keys operated by the left thumb or possibly the palm for going down to the really low notes below E. It probably can go all the way to written C. It also has the hole for the left first finger covered by a pad with a hole in it. This is used in the same way as in a bass or an alto clarinet for playing the altissimo register. When the fingering charts show the 1 hole open and the 2 hole closed, leave the pad down but uncover the hole in the pad.
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Author: Ellie
Date: 2001-04-09 02:12
I know nothing about this subject, but I think that this instrument sounds very interesting and I too want to know more about it.
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