 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: travelingclarinetist
Date: 2011-05-28 05:41
Are these advantages, or just one more quirky thing to break? I see them on older clarinets, sometimes both at the same time.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2011-05-28 10:48
The wraparound speaker key is a throwback to Albert/simple systems and also as a preventative measure against condensation blocking the speaker vent. Selmer's Improved Albert system had an articulated C#/G# key where the C#/G# pad cup was fixed directly to the ring for RH1 that raised when the C#/G# key was operated, so no need for any adjustments as there is on Boehms.
Articulated G# was an option that most makes fitted, either on its own or along with the forked Eb/Bb mechanism (which was also an optional extra) and is standard on full Boehm clarinets which have all the added extras - forked Eb/Bb mechanism, articulated C#/G# (with the extra C-Db/G-Ab/high E-F trill key touch for RH2), LH Ab/Eb lever and low Eb.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2011-05-28 14:06
As far as advantages, I personally feel the articulated G# to be an advantage. THe wrap around speaker key, I haven't had too many instances of the speaker key getting blocked/clogged. But the articulated G# would have been very useful for certain trills and playing in certain key. Not NECESSARY, mind you, but I believe almost every sax has an articulated G# and they love just holding it down all the time whenever you're playing in 3 or more sharps, 4 or more flats. One less finger they have to coordinate I guess.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2011-05-28 14:45
I do have to be wary when using a clarinet without an articulated G# (such as my plastic Yamaha) as I've got the tendency to put the G# down in advance of the note as I instinctively do on my full Boehms, saxes and oboes.
Unwanted upper mordents being the result.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2011-05-28 16:25
the articulated C#/G# is a civilized, modern, proper mechanism that brings the clarinet a bit out of the dark ages (like flutes, saxes, oboes, ...).
Its major challenge is that it interacts with the linkage that connects the right hand rings to the "bis" pad on the upper joint that enables the 1-1 Bb fingering. With the articulated C#/G#, that linkage must close two separate pads on the upper joint. That calls for a bit of care in adjusting the keywork, and in preventing damage to the linkage.
The tone hole for the articulated C#/G# can be more favorably placed --lower than the conventional C#/G# --right through the center joint of the clarinet. The sealing cork has to have a through-hole.
Placing the tone hole on top of the bore is NOT guaranteed to keep water out of it, though.
A proper C#/G# should also have another giz to enable fingering Eb/Ab as
T(R) XOX' | OOO.
Finally, with an articulated G#, the "long" altissimo F can not be fingered using the G# as TR XXX' | XXX because putting down any right hand finger will close the G# tone hole. Instead, open the throat G# key and play the "long" F as TR G# XXX | XXX
Bob Phillips
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2011-05-28 17:10
And for altissimo Bb with instruments fitted with articulated C#/G# keys, play it as upper register C but with the thumb off the thumb tube but still opening the speaker key (Sp. thumb OFF thumb tube xxx|xxx F/C) and this fingering can also be used on instruments with the standard C#/G# key. Again with instruments fitted with the articulated C#/G# mechanism, having the RH fingers held down prevents the C#/G# pad opening so the full fingering (Sp. Th. xxx C#/G#|xxxF/C) won't work.
Forked Eb/Bb isn't anything to do with the articulated C#/G# - it's a separate mechanism and can be fitted on an otherwise plain Boehm system so Eb or Bb can be played as xox|ooo with no further venting and is in tune in both registers (unlike long Bb which doesn't work so well as long Eb as it's too sharp). Articulated C#/G# can also be found on some otherwise plain Boehm systems and it usually has the extra touch for RH2 for semitone trills on lower C, upper G and altissimo E instead of trilling with the LH pinky.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2011-05-29 04:29
I prefer not to have an articulated C#/G# because it prevents using some multiphonics that I use often.
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2011-05-29 16:03
I forgot to agree with Chris P in that being accustomed to an instrument with an articulated G#/C# (or a left hand pinky key Eb, or a forked Eb/Bb and then having to play another instrument without the extra keywork can be painful.
I'm still hurting over loosing an audition when playing a simple 17/6 Yamaha while my full Boehm horn was being repaired.
Bob Phillips
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2011-05-29 16:07
There were several instances in Carmina Burana on Eb where I had to make sure I didn't hit the C#/G# too early.
What I'd do for a full Boehm Eb clarinet - preferrably a Selmer CT or Series 9.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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