 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: clarinetbeagle
Date: 2008-07-27 23:18
I'm completely new to the clarinet and was wondering what's the difference between the Oehler and Boehm systems. Which one is the standard? I'm wanting to learn the clarinet and want to start with the most standard clarinet setup.
Do Oehler and Boehm clarinets sound much different? Are the fingerings the same? Is it easy to switch back and forth?
Thanks.
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Author: mrn
Date: 2008-07-28 00:48
Both are "standard," depending on where you are in the world. In France, Boehm instruments are the "standard." In Germany, Oehler instruments are the norm. In the English-speaking world, we tend to use Boehm instruments, but there are exceptions. Michelle Zhukovsky of the L.A. Phil. plays Oehler system instruments and the clarinettists of the Chicago Symphony--at least one of whom (Gregory Smith) regularly posts here--play on both Boehm and Oehler system instruments (depending on the piece).
The tone is slightly different between the two instruments, due primarily to differences in bore size, mouthpiece characteristics, etc. The German-type mouthpieces take narrower reeds. There is a hybrid instrument made in Germany called a "reform Boehm" instrument that combines the tonal characteristics of the German instruments with the French key system to get the best of both worlds. However, all the ones I've seen advertised are very expensive. (Incidentally, we American players are known for having a curious obsession with getting French instruments to sound German.)
The fingerings are not the same, but from what little exposure I have to them, they are somewhat similar. I think the most notable differences have to do with the fact that the Boehm system tends to favor alternating pinky-finger keys and the Oehler system tends to require you to slide your pinkies from key to key (although, truth be told, you have to do a little of both on both instruments), and the fact that the fingerings for low B and B-flat (and similarly second-register F and F#) vary significantly between the two instruments (fingering a Bb Boehm fingering on an Oehler instrument gets you a B natural, for instance).
Post Edited (2008-07-28 01:45)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2008-07-28 03:02
In the UK, the Boehm system is standard.
You are far better off learning Boehm system due to the fact that all teachers in the UK will be familiar with them as will repairers, and music shops will always stock Boehm system clarinets and reeds and mouthpieces for Boehm systems - most will have to order reeds in specially or you will have to find a woodwind specialist that stocks German style reeds and mouthpieces.
Boehm system clarinets are much more affordable than Oehler systems - a Buffet B12 being around £260 as opposed to an Oehler system being well over £2000 (and Oehler systems are usually only built as pro quality instruments). Pro wooden Boehm systems are usually between £1400 and £2000, though intermediate wooden Boehm system clarinets are between £700-1000.
Though later on if you fancy playing Oehler system, there's nothing to stop you if you feel you prefer the sound. It's swings and roundabouts when it comes to ease of playing depending what you've been brought up on - some things are far easier on Oehler compared to Boehm and vice versa.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: NorbertTheParrot
Date: 2008-07-28 13:08
It might also be worth pointing out that "Oehler" system and "German system" are not synonymous.
With minor exceptions, all Boehm clarinets, from the cheapest to the most expensive, have the same keywork. However, German clarinets vary a lot. The term "Oehler", strictly speaking, should be used only to refer to the most complicated variant of German clarinet. Student instruments have much simpler keywork. When Chris P refers to Oehler instruments costing over £2000, he is correct, but it is not to say that all German clarinets cost that much.
German instruments are more expensive than their Boehm equivalent:
- because they are made in smaller numbers
- because they are mostly made in German, a high-cost country, with less price competition from Asian manufacturers
- because, at the top end, they are much more complex.
However, many people will tell you that the real top of the range German instruments are better than their Boehm equivalent; not because of the difference in sound, but because the sound is more even and they are easier to play in tune. Whether this is because of the more complex keywork, or simply because manufacturing standards are higher, is difficult to know.
Having said all that, Chris P is totally right - it would be perverse to start learning in the UK on anything other than a Boehm instrument. Bit like insisting learning to drive in a left-hand drive car!
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2008-07-29 01:06
The real key for me and my affair with Oehler is that if you are in the UK or US, everyone ELSE is playing Boehm. Therefore the tonal and intonation characteristics will make playing Oehler a VERY up hill battle in that you must "match" those around you orchestrally or bandwise. As mentioned above there are notable exceptions to the rule. I believe Greg Smith has mentioned on this forum that he and fellow members of the Chicago Symphony have alternated to Oehler for greater stylistic nuance on Mozart and Mahler pieces, so the transition for great players is nominal.
I have had a problem with the "fork" situation. In the clarion register the "F" is played with the first and third fingers (not just the first) of the right hand, and the high "C" is the second finger of the left. This really gets dicey in in the chalameu because the throat "F" is fingered as you would finger an "E" on the Boehm only with the addition of a sidekey. This makes scales in which you move from an "Eb" to an "F" kinda tricky.
That all said the tendency is for sharp modes to be easier on the Oehler and flat modes to be easier on the Boehm.
[I've corrected the "F" fingering from the original post that was incorrect]
..............Paul Aviles
Post Edited (2008-07-29 11:23)
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Author: Old Geezer
Date: 2008-07-29 15:41
I think German system clarinets, compared to Boehm, have a somewhat dank sound quality, and at times sound somewhat like an alto recorder with a cold. What's more, aside from dynamics, their tone is hopelessly inflexible.
This opinion is informed by ignorance and inexperience and will not be altered!
Clarinet Redux
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2008-07-29 18:17
Dear Redux,
Though clearly meant to be tongue in cheek, I can somewhat agree with the basic premise that the sound and dynamics of German clarinets is limited in scope to some degree compared to their French brothers. This is an effect of the smaller mouthpiece and smaller bore.
Of course many great players of that medium have made much great music with them. I ultimately chose the French route based on both the limiting factor as well as how difficult it is to continue without the support of peers (and local stores) to help find better ways to do things ---- like this predominantly "French" board.
GBK,
Is there a German clarinet bulletin board?
.................Paul Aviles
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Author: NorbertTheParrot
Date: 2008-07-30 07:53
Paul Aviles asked: GBK, Is there a German clarinet bulletin board?
Yes, there is:
http://www.klarinette24.de/forum/
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