 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-12-06 13:13
Does anyone on here own or play any of Yamaha's German or Oehler system clarinets?
I heard today from a German colleague that the bell wall is very thin above the bell flare, and can be as thin as 1mm in some cases. Is this still true with current Yamahas, or have they increased the wall thickness?
And what are they pitched in - 440Hz or 442Hz (or higher)?
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: skygardener
Date: 2006-12-06 15:04
i tried one a few years ago. as i recall they were basically a physical copy of wurlitzer in most respects. the bell seemed normal german shape.
it was a good sounding horn, but, like wurlitzer, the holes were a bit too wide for my hands- especially on the A. Bb was not that bad.
-S
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Author: jez
Date: 2006-12-07 15:52
I have a Yamaha Oehler system, which I play sometimes.
I've never noticed anything strange about the bell and haven't got the equipment to measure the thickness at different points. It feels the sort of weight I'd expect. I can't see why they would thin it down abnormally.
As has been said, it does seem to be a pretty close copy of the Wurlitzer(another player in my orchestra has one) even down to the decorative detail so I dont imagine the bell would be very different.
As I received it, it seemed set up to be at 444 or even higher so I had to have a barrel made to bring it somewhere near.
It's a nice instrument which I enjoy playing in the repertoire that seems appropriate and even stands up to comparison with the Wurlitzer which is remarkable considering the difference in price.
jez
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-12-07 16:55
My Keilwerth Oehler system is pitched at around 444Hz, but pulling the barrel out to the point of it wobbling is the only way to get it in tune (as the barrel had already been shortened well before I bought it), and also the throat notes are pretty sharp so tuning and intonation are better with the barrel pulled out.
What length barrel are you now using with your Yamaha, what mouthpiece do you use and which model Yamaha have you got?
Looking at the catalogue they come with two barrels, 54mm and 56mm for the German and Oehler systems - though the German bore Boehm system ones come with a 55mm and 57mm barrel.
One thing that I do find a pain on Oehlers is the F in the lower register (xoo|Fooo) as I need to think about it - though I'd imagine this will get easier with time - the oxx|ooo fingering for F is a bit stuffy and oxo|ooo fingering is sharp.
But playing Brahms or Mendelssohn on an Oehler certainly creates a different sound and feel to these pieces which I prefer, compared to playing the same pieces on a Boehm system.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
Post Edited (2006-12-07 16:56)
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2006-12-08 11:55
I have tried a number of Oehler German Yamaha clarinets and find they have super sound and excellent feel...in fact there in nothing abnormal in the design or construction of these clarinets that set them apart from keywork or bore design of the more pricey Wurlitzers....
of course Yamaha is also very interested in the European market so they are really working hard on producing a fine German system clarinet...the results are quite fine in both timbre and overall intonation... I have a student from Germany who is using a Yam Oehler(857II in Bb and in A847 II) clarinet and she really has super sound...!!! I think her mouthpiece is a Zinner..not sure which one though..these are I believe the top of the line models...I am not sure though.
David Dow
Post Edited (2006-12-08 12:02)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-12-08 14:03
The 800 series are Yamaha's top line in Oehlers (as these are the 'Custom' series) and the series II ones have slightly rationalised keywork compared to the earlier series I models (less solder joints).
The 600 series Bb Oehlers are available in full Oehler system (27 keys) and also without the low E and F vent mechanism (only a vent hole in the bell - 24 keys), whereas the A in this series has 27 keys.
They also offer 22, 20 and 18 key clarinets in their 400 series, as well as the 22 key version with a metal bell ring for the Austrian market (and may have other differences specific to the Austrian models).
But it's a shame Yamaha (and Jupiter) don't offer a more affordable plastic German system for students, as German systems are considerably more expensive in relation to Boehms which is understandable due to the more complex (and more variable) keywork. They both make plastic oboes, though not plastic German clarinets.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2006-12-08 14:57
The Amatis are comparably affordable. Roughly 500$ for a wooden one with plastic bell (their 242 model) isn't all that expensive. They're quite popular here.
--
Ben
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Author: jez
Date: 2006-12-08 17:47
Chris,
My B flat says 657 on it. The barrels that came with it were 54 and 56, but I had another made at 58 which I've used since I got it.
The problem of the F natural diminishes the more you get used to it. The biggest problem I'm left with is throat A, which although it seems the same fingering has the added complication that you can't leave down the G# key as you play it, as you can on the Boehm.
Normally we just use the Oehler in 'Germanic' music (Beethoven, Mozart etc) but recently I used it for the option of tuning the bottom notes with the thumb-key in Sibelius 2 which has a lot of low F's for the 2nd clar in octaves with the 1st.
jez
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Author: David Peacham
Date: 2006-12-08 20:05
jez wrote: "Normally we just use the Oehler in 'Germanic' music (Beethoven, Mozart etc)"
Leaving aside the question as to whether an Oehler is any more appropriate than a Boehm in music of this vintage....
...doesn't "Germanic music" cover quite a high proportion of the repertoire?
Given the extent of German/Austrian political influence, never mind musical influence, over Central and Eastern Europe in the late nineteenth century, isn't the Oehler the correct instrument for any romantic music from Germany, Austria, Hungary, Czechoslovakia and its forebears, Poland, maybe even Russia?
You say you play your Oehlers "sometimes". I'm surprised that isn't "most of the time".
On the specific case of Sibelius 2, where you chose the Oehler for tuning reasons: I wonder what the "correct" instrument is for Sibelius. They may not use the Oehler in Finland now, but Sibelius 2 was written just over 100 years ago, when Finland was part of the Tsarist Russian Empire. What did they use then? Sibelius had studied in Germany and Austria. What did he prefer? Or didn't he give a damn?
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If there are so many people on this board unwilling or unable to have a civil and balanced discussion about important issues, then I shan't bother to post here any more.
To the great relief of many of you, no doubt.
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Author: thomas.b
Date: 2006-12-09 15:13
The Yamaha German clarinet are very good instruments, very good germansound, very good intonation very good quality. I tried a set of the new 8-series. THey are much cheaper than the first version. But at the end I preferred a really hand made clarinet ( no... not a Wurlitzer... but a Dietz which is nearly identical but sounds a little bit different). But Yamaha has a very good German clarinet for students as well as for professionals...
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-12-18 11:31
I got mine today - a brand new YCL-657-24 which is the Oehler system but without the low E and F vent mechanism (which I could always add onto it later on), and at the bargain price of £646 including the very late postage.
I'm letting it defrost (as it's been sat at the delivery company depot since the 11th) before I play it.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-12-18 11:42
I couldn't wait, so I bunged a reed on and tried it - WHAT A SOUND!
I'm absolutely gobsmacked - I wish my Selmers made this sound!
And that's just with the plastic mouthpiece that came with it!
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-12-18 13:37
I've just taken the lot apart, oiled the bore, sealed the end grain and tweaked a few things here and there, so now it's all back together and ready to roll.
Funny that Yamaha use Rubco (gasket cork/Hycotex/Gummi-Kork/etc.) nearly everywhere EXCEPT under adjusting screws where they stick a cork disc on the adjusting screw pips instead - I know it's traditional, but I'd rather have the cork on the contact points onto which the screws are bearing upon. That's how we do things in the oboe world, and as these clarinets are nearly as complex as an oboe I'd have thought the same would apply as you can't get fine adjustment, and risk the cork falling off when the adjusting screws protrude through the pips. I'll change them all one day.
But otherwise I'm very happy with the new addition to my collection, and just playing snippets of Brahms and Weber on it earlier to try it out shows the best is indeed yet to come from it.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: David Peacham
Date: 2006-12-18 14:07
What pitch are they at?
How did you get them so cheaply (or is it a secret)?
Will you make some sound clips for us to compare you on the Oehler versus you on the Selmer?
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If there are so many people on this board unwilling or unable to have a civil and balanced discussion about important issues, then I shan't bother to post here any more.
To the great relief of many of you, no doubt.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-12-18 14:44
This one is pitched at 442Hz, though it's easy enough to tune down to 440Hz.
I got it off e**y (or *Ba*) (UK), so obviously not a huge market for German systems here hence the price.
Here's the completed listing (though the description was a YCL-450, the pictures speak for themselves):
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=019&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&viewitem=&item=290055363005&rd=1&rd=1
If I could record onto a computer I would, unfortunately I'm useless with these computer thingies, but I do use a Minidisc recorder which gives good results which I could send to you in the new year (when I find a competent/sympathetic pianist to record with).
Vandoren 'Black Master' reeds work best in terms of tone (being thick and dark) - they've got a shorter scrape than the 'White Master' ones - or have I got them mixed up? I can't remember which is which as they were all kept loose and lying around the place, but the shorter scrape Vandoren German style reeds (without the bark removed in a straight line) are the ones which I prefer, even though the other type are easier to play on(they're all 3s), the tone is much thinner and brighter.
The bore is 14.8mm at the middle tenon, and no vent hole in the bell - but the low F and E seem to be well in tune, so I won't muck around with it.
Just yet!
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
Post Edited (2006-12-18 15:05)
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Author: thomas.b
Date: 2006-12-18 15:47
but the price is unbelievable...in Germany you have to pay around 2000€ street price ( about 1350 BGP or 2600 USD)...
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Author: Terry Stibal
Date: 2006-12-18 15:48
One thing that surprised me about the German way of clarinet making is the lack of the "connection" between the G# and A keys. I've yet to see a reason why they don't have the standard-to-Klose/Boehm adjusting screw, and having to "hook" the first finger left hand down to open the G# key is something you just have to remember to do.
Playing a "German" or "simple" clarinet reintroduces one to the wonderful world of forked fingerings. Most of the time on the Klose-Boehm, they're only useful in extreme circumstances, but on the Oehler they are there "front and center" all of the time.
And, the little finger issues, while troubling to some, are not that big of a deal. I miss the alternative Ab/Eb key for the left hand, but the wide roller-equipped touch pieces on the Oehler are more suited to my fat fingers than are the tightly spaced touch pieces on the Boehm. Due to hand size issues, I have almost given up using the LH key for F#/C# (reaching "in" to get to it causes me to lift my ring finger too much), and (in effect) I was already playing the Oehler arrangement on the Klose/Boehm. The patent C# is just a bit of icing on the cake.
The Eb/F transition issue is another question entirely. I find that the long touchpiece of the side key opened to produce the Eb note to be a bit of a nuisance, and have toyed with having it cut down a bit. The added length does facilitate transitions from F to Eb somewhat, but the angle of the touchpiece and the overall long length means that it doesn't always work as intended with my fat hands. There are probably fork fingerings that will ease this, but I've not gotten that far along yet in reintroducing myself to the "other" fingering system to feel comfortable with the fine grained detail of same.
As I'm stuck in New Orleans (on "real work") for the entire month of December (Christmas and New Years Eve included), one of the time passers that I brought along was my Amati Oehler horn, the better to work on fundamentals. Having played Albert horns as a youth, the basics are pretty easy but my goal is to get the interval studies to come out as well as they do on the Boehm - lofty aspirations indeed.
Each night after work (i practice in my office building for an hour or so, instead of at the hotel downtown), I cycle through the scales on the horn (including the real bitches like C# major), the intervals, and chromatic runs as far as I am comfortable to carry them, all with differing articulations. The security guards downstairs probably think I'm nuts, but that's the only way to master something. (I have thrown in a Christmas carol now and then, just to show them that I can play "real music". God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen on an Oehler horn is like falling off of a log - almost like it was written around the quirks of the system.)
And, I too am impressed with the tone, even on such an imperfect instrument as the Amati horn. It's so impressive that I would love to try an Oehler bass clarinet. Fat chance of that happening, though...
leader of Houston's Sounds Of The South Dance Orchestra
info@sotsdo.com
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-12-18 18:33
As the throat A is usually a sharp note it's better that it has independance from the G# key (as on Alberts) and also closes the vent soldered to the ring for LH 1, the high E correcting vent wasn't closing with the Ab/Eb key, but that was only because the lower point screw for the RH main action (rings and fingerplate) was loose - it works perfectly now I've tightened everything up.
The whole instrument feels much chunkier, though the actual weight is as light as a feather.
Even though it has stainless steel springs throughout, the action wasn't heavy like most Yamaha clarinets are when they're box fresh, I only had to lighten three springs to make it more comfortable.
But this clarinet definitely has to be played with 'clarinet fingers' - all fingers perpendicular to the body as opposed to 'sax-' or 'oboe fingers' which are all angled downwards.
And the forked fingerings for top Bb (xox|ooo) and C (oxo|ooo) are priceless - as is the 'Patent C#' so playing B-C# above the break is a doddle - hold down the B and lift the RH pinkie off the C key, and an isolated C# (or F#) can be played as xxx E/B|xxx. Though I still have to be conscious about the lower register F4 - xoo|Side F/C ooo.
I have now found the low F is slightly on the flat side, but hardly too much to worry about at this moment.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
Post Edited (2006-12-18 20:14)
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2006-12-19 02:41
Chris
I would expect the low F on the Oehler fingering to be flat in order to get the upeer 12th to be in tune due to the internal diamers of the bore...some Oehler's have venting but I would not worry about this too much. Congrats on the clarinet by the way!!! The Oehler/German system has a super sound and very fine throat notes...these too at times may be perceived to be low but they are really simply dark and resonant.
YOU also may find a different mouthpiece for the instrument will yield very different results in tuning ratios...
Regards
David Dow
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2006-12-19 03:03
Given all the positive postings above about the German/Oehler system, I have to wonder why most of us are playing Boehm system instruments?
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Author: thomas.b
Date: 2006-12-19 08:29
@ David: Yeah! In Germany we ask this question every day! ;-) But to be honest: The Boehm clarinet has other advantages (imho): simpler, very elegant, agil keywork (imho), quick response, more flexibility in sound production, more resonant...the german clarinet has more resistance, the sound "holds" better, keeps his contour in pianisssimo and does not break aut in fortissimo ( especially in the higher range...)... hmmmmm I love both
@Chris: it is normal that low f und e are a little bit flat. Therefore most professionals use a clarinet with low e- and f correction key.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-12-19 09:01
I'm used to the low F and E (and low Eb) being flat on my Selmers, so this isn't a problem at all, just something that's expected.
I'm amazed at playing FF a the tone definitely holds together without getting harsh.
As for mouthpieces, I have read on here that Viotto definitely get the thumbs up.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: thomas.b
Date: 2006-12-19 10:22
in Germany in the last years a lot of professionals play Viotto. Many of them use the G3 and Vandoren White Master 3 ( I use a Viotto G3 / Vandoren WM-Setup for my Oehler and my Buffet). Wonderful mps....
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-12-19 12:24
Aah - 'tis the White Masters I like best - they offer the resistance I feel suits this setup and clarinet. I'm not too keen on the BG ligature that came with it though, and I can't find any thin cord or bootlaces long enough for the job! But I have a narrow Rovner ligature that I can use.
The Black Masters (with the file cut) worked well with my old Selmer table A mouthpiece that came with my Centered Tones as the facing was too narrow for French reeds.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Escsrc
Date: 2006-12-19 16:03
Speaking of which... any german players who can get some pictures/identification on what the professionals use for their shoestrings? I remember reading on some internet tutorial that music shops in germany actually sell some brand name or some such...
Getting a chance to play a Yamaha (the 20keyed model) some time this winter college break; I'll post up whatever I find interesting to here, I guess.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-12-21 13:52
I've had an old Adler 'Caradl' German system for a while which I borrowed over 10 years back (I've replaced some missing keys and repadded it, so at least the owner hasn't lost out there). It has a wooden mouthpiece, complete with a length of twisted silk Blattschnur which is still useable.
Even though the Adler is only an 18-key model, it definitely has the better tone compared to the Yamaha, even though the Yamaha itself plays incerdibly well.
Now I've probably done the wrong thing which could most likely take a huge chunk out of my savings, but I'm going to try a pair of '50s Fritz Wurlitzer Oehler systems over the next two weeks which should be arriving tomorrow.
Nothing like living dangerously!
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2007-01-08 05:06
Just puttng this on here for future referrence:
http://www.hueyng.de/
(and click on 'Werkstatt' for a pic of the low E/F vent mechanism)
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2007-01-09 00:40
Incredible! The A plays like a dream, and both have a certain resonance that my Yamaha lacks, and with the low E vent (Bechermechanik) takes a bit of getting used to using (I end up resting the bell on my knee when using it!), and definitely helps the resonance on the low F as well as putting the low E (and B) in tune.
They have been completely rebuilt, replated and had a lot of tuning work done to them a while ago, but could still do with being fully overhauled.
But still worthwhile having them to try out just to see how they compare.
I wouldn't mind trying Wurlitzer Reform Boehms, but the one player I know of that has a set uses them full time, and I don't think he'd swap them for my Selmers for a day let alone a couple of weeks trial.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2007-01-09 15:32
They're around 442Hz, but I'm using a 2mm spacer/tuning ring with the long barrel (57mm) to get them to 440Hz.
Since there are loads of scrap barrels at work, I might make myself a 58mm one to fit my Yamaha.
Hueyng lists F.A.Uebel barrels at 58mm, and I noticed they list Yamaha bells with the vent key on their site.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: John85
Date: 2008-12-24 23:05
To Chris P:
I know this is an older message, but it was the most relevant I could find in order for me to contact you. I live on the other side of the pond, in North Carolina, USA. I'm a college student, and I recently managed to get my hands on a Yamaha German-system (model 457-22, one step below the simple 24-key Oehler). I had some questions for you, if you don't mind, particularly about tuning. As you said in an earlier post, these instruments are about A=442. Naturally, this causes problems when playing in my college wind-band that tunes to A=440. I've managed to get it to that pitch with three tuning rings, and with a Herbert Wurlitzer mouthpiece (older, the model number is worn out of the rubber, but I use a Vandoren White Master No. 4). If I were to have a barrel made, what length would suggest? I was thinking perhaps a 58mm...but there's another problem: The Wurlitzer mp is the lowest pitched...the standard Yamaha German mp, as well as the Hans Zinner "2L" mp I have made it even sharper. (I think the Wurlitzer mp came with a set of reform-boehms originally). Is a 59mm barrel also worth a try, and do you know if the F.A.Uebel 58's listed above will fit a Yamaha?
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2008-12-25 01:18
I think the Uebels may fit Yamahas, but measure the lower socket as accurately as possible (use vernier calipers) and contact any suppliers of Uebel accessories to be sure the socket diameter is the same or similar, though sockets can always be opened up if need be.
I made a 59mm barrel that has brought the pitch down with the stock Yamaha mouthpiece. Though if you use a 58mm, you have a greater deal of flexibility than using a longer barrel which may be flat with certain mouthpieces, if the 58mm is a bit sharp with another mouthpiece you can at least use tuning rings to correct this.
One maker with a comprehensive list of accessories is Harald Hüyng http://www.hueyng.de/ and the list of barrels is found here: http://shop.hueyng.de/zubehoer-staender-metronome-werkzeugwischer-etc/birnen/index.html
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Lam
Date: 2008-12-26 15:54
Hi Chris,
I read the older thread, and know that you have a Keiwerth Oehler model.
I owe an R.Keilwerth 7c Konzert in A, and I have great problem in the pitches. And I am a Oehler player for just 6 months. So I dont have much knowledge to deal with the problems.
The clarinet has 2 barrels, a 56mm and a 59mm. I usually use a 59mm barrel as the 56 is too sharp ( I think its 447hz for the 56mm and 444hz for the 59mm). I don't know why it is in so high pitch even with the 59mm, as the mouthpiece that I used has a similar bore size to the barrel, so it wont makes the pitch higher.
Second, is about the throat tones, when checked with the chromatic tuner, the throat A is sharp for 20cents, and the B-flat is sharp for 35 cents to 40 cents, which is so awkward !! When playing this throat B-flat, I need to cover the f# thumb hole together, in order to bring the pitch down. What a nightmare ! and the tone quality has been destroyed.
Do you have any suggestion to bring this note down ?
I am a player in Hong Kong, we play 440Hz most of the time, so I think I need to order a 63mm barrel in order to play in tune. But I am not sure if it would be too long, as I know that you guys are using something between 58 to 60 mm to play 440 Hz.
Also what surprised me is that the 2 barrels have diffiert bore size, the 59mm barrel has a bore size of 15 mm, but the 56 barrel has a bore size of at least 15.3mm. I do understand why they build 2 barrel with differnt bore size.
So I think I am unlucky to buy this clarinet, as you know, other Keilwerth clarinet has good intonation, especially the Model 'Franz Klein', which has intonation comparable with Wurlitzers (i got this information from the website of "clarissono" ). So my own Keilwerth clarinet is just an exceptional case. I would think that other Keilwerth clarinet is good.
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Author: Lam
Date: 2008-12-28 11:13
Hi Chris,
I read the older thread, and know that you have a Keiwerth Oehler model.
I owe an R.Keilwerth 7c Konzert in A, and I have great problem in the pitches. And I am a Oehler player for just 6 months. So I dont have much knowledge to deal with the problems.
The clarinet has 2 barrels, a 56mm and a 59mm. I usually use a 59mm barrel as the 56 is too sharp ( I think its 447hz for the 56mm and 444hz for the 59mm). I don't know why it is in so high pitch even with the 59mm, as the mouthpiece that I used has a similar bore size to the barrel, so it wont makes the pitch higher.
Second, is about the throat tones, when checked with the chromatic tuner, the throat A is sharp for 20cents, and the B-flat is sharp for 35 cents to 40 cents, which is so awkward !! When playing this throat B-flat, I need to cover the f# thumb hole together, in order to bring the pitch down. What a nightmare ! and the tone quality has been destroyed.
Do you have any suggestion to bring this note down ?
I am a player in Hong Kong, we play 440Hz most of the time, so I think I need to order a 63mm barrel in order to play in tune. But I am not sure if it would be too long, as I know that you guys are using something between 58 to 60 mm to play 440 Hz.
Also what surprised me is that the 2 barrels have diffiert bore size, the 59mm barrel has a bore size of 15 mm, but the 56 barrel has a bore size of at least 15.3mm. I do understand why they build 2 barrel with differnt bore size.
So I think I am unlucky to buy this clarinet, as you know, other Keilwerth clarinet has good intonation, especially the Model 'Franz Klein', which has intonation comparable with Wurlitzers (i got this information from the website of "clarissono" ). So my own Keilwerth clarinet is just an exceptional case. I would think that other Keilwerth clarinet is good.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2008-12-30 06:55
My R.Keilwerth Bb is an older instrument built strictly to 444Hz and the general intonation isn't great. I think it belonged to a marching band or similar as the bell has lyre clamp scratches on it. Using a long barrel only helps the LH motes and has little effect on the RH notes (as is usually the case with using barrels that aren't of the correct length for the instrument), so it's only useful with other 444Hz instruments. It's clear to see the joints are short in length and tonehole distances are much closer compared to my Yamaha.
When playing the throat notes (especially the throat Bb) on your clarinet, does keeping the following fingers down (or most of them) help bring the throat notes down to pitch (as well as adding resonance) - oxx|xxx plus the E/B and F/C keys?
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: lobooboe45
Date: 2008-12-31 00:57
I have yet to purchase an Albert systerm , let alone an oehler . i am sure that just listening i would not be able to tell the difference between either of these horns. Yamaha maked a CSG series or Bb and A clarinets which are played with Boehm system keys and rings. The barrels are relatively short compared to all other Yamaha clarinets, in accordance with german bore design_I guess. my ? is, have any of the contributors to the billboard ever heard the Yamaha CSG in temporal proximity to a German oehler system clarinet? Compare/ contrast. Thanks.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2008-12-31 05:52
The CSG has joint proportions resembling a German-style clarinet (short barrel, long top joint) though the bore is a Boehm-style bore.
Yamaha do make German bore Boehm system clarinets but these aren't strictly Reform Boehms as the keywork is different, these being the 856 (Bb) and 846 (A).
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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The Clarinet Pages
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