I'd like to hear other opinions about this. On my Buffet E11, I took the key off, used heavy gauge wire cutters to break off the banana part, and replaced the rest of the key to cover the hole. I never regretted it. I've gotten a lot of comments about it, and I've always been glad that I had the guts to do it despite the unsubstantiated criticism I have received from other clarinettists. To me, it is not only a design flaw of the clarinet, but a great hassle to the musician.

Tee hee!!! That's pretty funny. I consider it a useful key in SOME cases, but I wouldn't go to the extreme of having it removed.

:? I've never heard the term 'banana key'. Can you explain what it is?

It's the key you can use to play E flat in the throat range, or (but you're not supposed to) B Flat in the upper register. It's between tone holes two and three, and is... shaped like a banana.

Also, I wouldn't even consider doing any sort of intententional mutilation to my LeBlanc Opus II. Sacreligous.

I'm sure it would be possible to find a replacement key if it were ever necessary to need the banana key. Technically speaking, I can still use the banana key if I have to; there's still a stub left. I think the instrument should be suited to the artist, not vice versa.

I wouldn't dare touch my instrument :S I attempted to change a pad on my bassoon and nearly killed it.. I now leave everything to the pros.

I love taking instruments apart and repairing them. I find that stuff fun. I like seeing how everything works and stuff.