MECHANICAL FEATURES

bb’ mechanism: This option solves a fundamental physical problem of the clarinet: it ensures an easier response and better intonation in the overblown register thanks to a smaller speaker vent, while at the same time improving the sound of the short bb’ thanks to an additional resonance hole. Clarinets with a bb’ mechanism can ideally do without a bell mechanism, as the bb’ mechanism allows a completely different tuning of the notes in the high and low registers.

bb’-mechanism with bb’-connector: The bb’-connector is an additional connection from the ring key of the left index finger to the bb’-resonance key. It is necessary for special fingerings in the high register (above c”’), which are played with an open thumb hole and with the register key pressed.

French style: the side trills have the classic French shape.

German style: The button of the bb’ trill is built lengthwise downwards and also allows the c”’ sharp trill to be operated separately for improved intonation. This shape was adopted from the German clarinet model.

French style: connection from the right index finger to the bb key

French style with the fork bb”-mechanism: The additional resonance key controlled by the left ring finger enables a forked bb” to be played with the left hand only (index and ring finger).

German style with fork bb”-mechanism: There is no longer a connection between the upper and lower joint. The middle and ring fingers on the left are positioned as on the German clarinet; the forked bb with the index and ring fingers becomes a well sounding fingering, e’ and b” are also tonally improved.

The extra g” sharp button offers the additional option for operating the g” sharp with the right index finger.

The g sharp key for the left little finger is split. The ring key mechanism of the right hand automatically closes the open g” sharp key via a connecting lever from f” sharp downwards.

Our French-style clarinets are built with an Eb lever as standard, but it is also possible to build them without one on request.

With or without Acton mechanism

Acton mechanism: This resonance key improves the sound and intonation of B/f” sharp.

Our clarinets with the French fingering system have optional rollers on the buttons for the right little finger.

without rollers: the key buttons have a full shape. The little finger switches back and forth between the keys.

with rollers: the keys are equipped with Delrin, silver or gold rollers for better sliding between the keys.

If you are used to switching from b’ to c” sharp (analogous to E-F sharp) with your little fingers, as is traditionally done, you probably find that it is not easy to have a clean execution. This is easier if the b’ key remains closed. However, the sound of the c” sharp is darkened by the closed b’ tone hole. Our mechanism solves the problem by automatically connecting the b’ to the c” sharp key. This is divided into two parts. A key opened at rest is held closed by the strong spring of the little finger key. The c” sharp key now remains closed and the b’ key can move freely. In other words, it’s the exact opposite key movement to the traditional one without changing the fingering. The reward for getting used to it is a smooth switch between b’ and c” sharp with clean intonation. Both in the slow tempo (e.g. in the “Bolero” B-flat clarinet solo) and when trilling.

Schwenk & Seggelke C clarinets are available without bell mechanism or with low E mechanism. The low E mechanism corrects the intonation of the low E through a resonance hole in the bell.