 The Oboe BBoard
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Author: HautboisJJ
Date: 2012-07-19 08:04
Other than the more obvious differences - what are some subtle differences in the resistance of keypads to look out for when adjusting an english horn as opposed to the oboe? I used Brian Seaton's oboe adjustment guide on my oboe recently and it seemed to have worked pretty well. The same is not true for an english horn that i am currently trying. Few years ago i posted on an issue of having difficulties slurring from middle C to half hole Eb. The Eb did not speak well. This time around the same is happening to even the closest intervals going into any half hole notes. Very frustrating. I don't think it is a reed or technique issue...any ideas?
Regards,
Howard
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2012-07-19 12:17
Most of the mechanism and adjustments on cors are as you'd find on oboe, the cor also has an A vent on the top joint which is closed by LH3 so be sure both the LH3 and A vent pads close together.
Depending on the make, the split top plate (for LH1) will either have only one screw to adjust the height of the upper plate which controls the venting of both plates, or two screws so both plates can be adjusted. If you lift LH1 off (instead of rolling down), then you'll probably need to have the lower plate set so it almost closes. This can be done on cors without the adjusting screw fitted by fitting a thick cork wedge to the bridge to make contact with the joint surface to close the top plate down almost closed (if the angle of the bridge allows it) or by having an adjusting screw fitted to the key barrel the lower plate runs on which is right by the end pillar of the LH main action. An adjusting screw is infinitely better as it allows for fine adjustment.
The trickiest area of adjustment on cors is the right hand main action as there's a lot more going on here compared to oboes, as well as the arrangement of the F vent which (on most cors) only closes when both RH 2 and 3 are closed together - it has to remain open for E which is the worst note on cors (especially low E) and needs all the help it can get.
The adjusting screw on the low C touchpice arm on a lot of cors will also close off the F vent and the one to lower the RH2 fingerplate is in between the RH Eb touch and the low C key pad cup. Some (eg. Howarth XL) have both the adjusting screws positioned right next to each other on the low C touch arm, the upper one (nearest to the RH3 fingerplate) is to adjust the closure of the RH2 fingerplate and the one going through the touchpiece arm closes the F vent.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
Independent Woodwind Repairer
Single and Double Reed Specialist
Oboes, Clarinets and Saxes
NOT A MEMBER OF N.A.M.I.R.
The opinions I express are my own.
Post Edited (2012-07-19 22:24)
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Author: huboboe
Date: 2012-07-19 19:35
You can be certain that it is not a technique problem by deliberately opening the half-hole well before you finger the interval. If the half-hole note then speaks freely, you are probably late opening the half-hole. Otherwise the sage advice offered above should cure your ills.
Robert Hubbard
WestwindDoubleReed.com
1-888-579-6020
bob@westwinddoublereed.com
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