The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Previous Message | Next Message

Re: Making a Schreiber clarinet

Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2010-02-02 14:14

"I just found out that the Schreiber 6010, ABS plastic, student clarinet is pitched at 442. Would the simple replacement of a longer barrel make this clarinet suitable for the American 440 market?"

Technically no. The scale would be altered, like moving the bridge on a guitar. However many instruments are already made at theoretically higher pitch than 442, and the player doesn't really notice.

After all, what exactly is the significance of that 442 when so many factors affect pitch?

442 at what external air temperature? 442 at what level of carbon dioxide and moisture at various locations of the bore? 442 allowing for what condensation inside the bore? 442 with how much of the fingertip "oozing" into the ring key tone hole chimneys? Using what embouchure? What strength of reed? What cut of lay? At what sound volume? Is the barrel pushed completely in? etc.

Especially when the difference between 442 and 440 is barely discerned by the human ear.

And there is larger than 2 hertz difference in the tuning of different notes anyway... Because of the acoustic design compromises.

The player lips the notes in tune if he has a good enough ear to notice the pitch difference.

Post Edited (2010-02-02 14:19)

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics