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Re: Make articulated C#/G# on a standard 17/6?

Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-05-29 07:30

Patricola fit an articulated C#/G# mechanism to their otherwise standard form clarinets, so have a close look at how they fit it when you get a chance.

It can be done to any clarinet, but it will be expensive.

The only way round it I can see is to split the C#/G# key barrel and fit a clutch and a flat spring to the underside of the touchpiece to close the C#/G# pad cup (which will be lightly sprung open). One make of modern Viennese oboes has an articulated G# key made in this fashion which looks relatively normal until you look closely and see the clutch on the key barrel linking the two parts of this part of the mechanism.

If the C#/G# key barrel is found to be too short or there's simply hardly any room to fit it all in (or the keywork becomes too sloppy due to the very short key barrels), then the pad cup end of the C#/G# key can act as an overlever (remove the pad cup) and then mount the pad cup like a lever key running parallel to the bore on a separate set of pillars (like an oboe low C# key).

On the lower joint lever linked to the RH ring keys will close the C#/G# pad cup when the RH rings are closed. You'll need to mount this linkage on a set of pillars most likely soldered to the socket ring and fit a light flat spring to the underside to keep the free end (that closes the C#/G# pad cup) raised so it won't get bent during assembly/disassembly.

It will need an adjusting screw at the RH ring key end so it can be well adjusted (and a plain end to the free end with rubco glued to the underside), but the joints will have to be perfectly aligned in order for it to work well - so either have alignment marks >|< or a lug soldered to the socket ring to engage against a stub on the top joint (the socket ring will have to be secured with a wood screw going through it so it won't turn).

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

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