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Re: When a simple system isn't so simple...

Author: Chris P
Date: 2017-05-15 08:55

The most basic Albert/simple systems have around 13 keys and up to four ring keys and a French bore. Most will only have the two ring keys on the lower joint for RH fingers 2 and 3 to better tune the B/F# (xxx|xoo).

If they have ring keys on the top joint, then they're either for LH fingers 1 and 2 to correct the F# (left thumb only) without having to use the side F/C key to bring it up to pitch, but the ring key pad will be kept closed to keep the notes from top C and above in tune while either or both LH fingers 2 and 3 are closed while LH1 is raised.

Or they may have the Barret action with rings for LH 2 and 3 and a single side key for Eb/Bb and F/C instead of two separate side keys for these notes (but most only have the side F/C key and no side Eb/Bb key). This makes playing something like Db-Eb-F in the lower register much easier.

German system have from around 17 keys to 22 keys, up to six ring keys and a German bore. Oehler systems have from 24 to 28 keys and five rings - they have a fingerplate for RH2 instead of an open tonehole directly under RH finger 2 as the tonehole has been moved to the side of the body - the fingerplate controls both that and the forked Bb/F mechanism.

Like oboes, with non-Boehm system clarinets (German and Oehler) you get more keywork and gadgets with the more money you're willing to spend on them.

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

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