Author: Chris P
Date: 2007-03-09 14:24
Most oboes have semi-automatic octave keys that you have to switch over when going from high G to high A by opening the upper octave key (which closes the lower octave key at the same time while your thumb is holding the back 8ve touch down), but on fully automatic octaves the changeover between the upper and lower 8ve vents occurs just by lifting LH finger 3 while your thumb is on the back octave touch. Same way as it does on saxes so it makes getting around the upper register much easier.
Fully automatic octaves are mostly used by German and East European players, and by some players that have studied in Germany - but there are German players that play on semi-automatic oboes - Albrecht Mayer plays semi-automatic oboes.
One thing you do lose with fully automatic octaves is certain harmonic fingerings for the upper register - on semi-automatic you can play high G#, A and Bb as low C#, D and Eb but with the 2nd 8ve key (for LH 1) open and these are useful in certain circumstances due to the fuller, darker tone quality and ability to be played at very low volume levels.
On clarinets, a similar system is only used on pro-level alto, bass and contra clarinets to switch over the register keys (often referred to as a 'double register key') when going from upper register D to E (by lifting RH finger 3), but not used on soprano clarinets (pitched in A, Bb, C, D or Eb).
"Are you talking about the Music-Messe "not sure at all of the spelling" that is at Frankfurt at the end of the month? I don't know all the details about this show, so even my info may be way off...???"
Yeah, this is where they'll be exhibited at (along with all the other Howarth oboes, d'amores and cors), and as I said before, I'd like to hear from anyone that has tried or examined them in detail at this exhibition to share your views.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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