 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: HANGARDUDE
Date: 2014-07-19 17:26
Attachment: lhpinkyfe.jpg (101k)
Attachment: Buffet-Festival-clarinet-Serial-365787-002-lg.jpg (230k)
I have been interested to get get a Buffet Festival Bb because it has a dark focussed sound similar to German clarinet while still sound open and flexible like any other French clarinet.
However I'd like to ask about the Eb Lever, because from what I see is that there are 2 different touchpiece sizes and shapes appeared on different instruments of the same model. One is the the standard long shape which is found most Boehm system clarinets(reference photo 1). The other is a smaller and rounder shape which reassembles what can be found on most German system instruments, and also appeared at the promotional photo of the discussed instrument(see photo 2). Which touchpiece size and shape is Buffet making now on the Festival?
Josh
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Author: Barry Vincent
Date: 2014-07-19 17:35
The LH Eb lever on the Amati Kraslice full boehms has a third type. It is like the Buffet but the touch piece is elongated lengthwise.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2014-07-19 17:53
You can quickly get used to either design. Buy the clarinet that plays best.
Ken Shaw
Post Edited (2014-07-19 17:54)
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Author: crnichols
Date: 2014-07-19 19:34
Buffet is currently making instruments with the key shape found in photo 1. I recall the other photo from earlier models. It was in an awkward position for most players, hence the redesign.
Christopher Nichols, D.M.A.
Assistant Professor of Clarinet
University of Delaware
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Author: James S
Date: 2014-07-19 21:45
Buffet is using the touch piece illustrated in picture one. I should let you know, as a Buffet dealer, that not all Festivals are dark and Germanic. If you want to discuss the variability further, gimme a holler via phone or email through my site. I can set you up with whatever you need.
James Sullivan
owner, James' Clarinet Shop
www.jamesclarinetshop.com
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2014-07-20 03:05
The LH Ab/Eb lever in the 1st photo is the type being fitted as standard as it's more economical to fit as the other LH levers and their linkages are largely unaltered (apart from the LH levers having a cut-out in them to make room for the Ab/Eb barrel), so the same parts can be used on all clarinets with just a minor alteration for ones fitted with the additional LH Ab/Eb lever. This kind of LH Ab/Eb lever will be easier to fit to any 17/6 clarinet aftermarket (if Buffet offered such a service).
The older style (in the 2nd photo) needs a differently shaped LH F#/C# lever and a longer linkage piece so is a bit more costly to produce due to specialist parts only fitted to clarinets with this keywork configuration. This configuration is best done at the point of manufacture as it will be far more costly to do aftermarket due to the alterations to the existing keywork or making entirely new keys (whichever is easier).
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2014-07-20 03:35
In Pic #2 I note that the owner has inserted a so-called pad saver into a wooden bore instrument - UGHH!!!
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2014-07-20 03:41
I was also going to mention that - never use them on clarinets.
They're fine on saxes (provided you use the genuine HW ones made from microfibre) but I wouldn't recommend them for clarinets as they will raise the grain in the bore.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: blazian
Date: 2014-07-22 07:51
I have a clarinet with the Eb key like in picture #2. I have long fingers, so this design actually works better for me. My teacher has the new style (in picture #1) and the Eb key gets in my way.
I do agree that it depends on how the clarinet plays first and then your fingers get used to the keys you have.
- Martin
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2014-07-22 16:33
As one whose played both systems I want to point out that the reason the German horns have the 'second' touchpiece is to get it out of the way so you can slide without bumping into it. There is NO advantage to the 'second' example because it is TOO HIGH to keep out of the way. Someone was just trying to be chic.
...............Paul Aviles
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2014-07-22 17:45
Both LH Ab/Eb levers will have the same leverage as they're both mounted on a set of pillars below the LH F#/C# lever's pillars, but the newer version's touchpiece will have a bit more travel than the older one due to where it's linked to the Ab/Eb pad cup which is further away from the RH Ab/Eb key barrel.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2014-07-22 22:44
I have fairly long fingers and found the LH Eb on both my Selmer and Leblanc got in the way. However both had separate touchpieces on the levers which I removed, rotated 90 degree and re-silver soldered back on so that they now appear just as those in photo 2. Result for me is much greater comfort.
Horses for courses.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2014-07-22 23:25
Attachment: masspachercclarinet 013.JPG (394k)
I fitted the older Buffet-style LH Ab/Eb lever to my C clarinet due to it being an old instrument and thought it more in keeping.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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