What key is this clarinet?

    
What key is this clarinet?    17:57 on Saturday, June 14, 2008          

Jaylong
(5 points)
Posted by Jaylong

I have an old clarinet and not knowing much about them wanted to work out what key it's in. I believe it's an Albert system I think it's a bit higher than a Bb. With no fingers or keys held down it's giving me a G#. How do I get the natural fundamental note? Thanks


Re: What key is this clarinet?    09:41 on Sunday, June 15, 2008          

clarinet99
(149 points)
Posted by clarinet99

What is the length of your clarinet from the tip of the mouthpiece to the end of the bell ? A Bb clarinet is a little over 26 inches. An A instrument is longer and Eb and C horns are shorter.


Re: What key is this clarinet?    09:49 on Sunday, June 15, 2008          

Jaylong
(5 points)
Posted by Jaylong

The total length is 22 5/8 inches.


Re: What key is this clarinet?    10:03 on Sunday, June 15, 2008          

JOhnlovemusic
(1279 points)
Posted by JOhnlovemusic

Remember, and take into account, that older instruments were tuned to a different pitch scale than todays instruments.

Example: Today many instruments are tuned A=442 or 444. This is to give you room to adjust the pitch around our common tuning of A=440. In the early 1950's the tuning pitch was A=438. I have had to have my older brass instruments cut to bring them up to pitch to play in todays music groups.


Re: What key is this clarinet?    11:14 on Sunday, June 15, 2008          

clarinet99
(149 points)
Posted by clarinet99

My C clarinet is 22 inches exactly. Perhaps yours is an Eb ?


Re: What key is this clarinet?    11:17 on Sunday, June 15, 2008          

clarinet99
(149 points)
Posted by clarinet99

What note do you get with left hand only thumb and three fingers ? If it gives concert Eb then that is what your clarinet is.


Re: What key is this clarinet?    11:26 on Sunday, June 15, 2008          

Jaylong
(5 points)
Posted by Jaylong

Thumb and three fingers is giving me a slightly sharp C so looks like it's in C.


Re: What key is this clarinet?    11:35 on Sunday, June 15, 2008          

clarinet99
(149 points)
Posted by clarinet99

O.K. it looks like it is a C clarinet. Just pull the barrel out slightly to lengthen the instrument, and this will lower the C sharp to C natural. Good luck with, and enjoy !


Re: What key is this clarinet?    12:32 on Sunday, June 15, 2008          

Jaylong
(5 points)
Posted by Jaylong

It's a bit squeaky or maybe it's just me. I can get it to C by pulling the barrel out a bit. I think the seals and pads probably need sorting.


Re: What key is this clarinet?    09:20 on Thursday, June 19, 2008          

dickdona
(308 points)
Posted by dickdona

How's this for stupid!! My first (plastic) clarinet was sharp and I didn't like pulling out the barrel. Didn't look good. So I took the hacksaw and cut a few mm's of it. Stupid mistake. I shudda added it on. But looking back now it's kinda funny. In the meantime I got a new Noblet. Perfect pitch. So no need to even pull out the barrel.


Re: What key is this clarinet?    17:55 on Friday, June 20, 2008          

Jaylong
(5 points)
Posted by Jaylong

I put it up on ebay if anyone can give me more info on it? Item number: 290239106159
Now where did I put my hacksaw...


   




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