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reproduction
historical clarinets
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For background information on the tárogató, see the article on this site. This model is based on the best examples of original Hungarian designs. The body material can be either a lighter wood such as maple or pear, suitably stained and sealed (as is traditional), or more exotic woods such as cocobolo. Various keywork options are available, but most purchasers will choose either the "simple" model - single octave key, no left hand rings, no rollers - or the "full" (Stowasser) system - double octave key, left hand rings, fork F resonance key, left hand Eb key, rollers on Eb, C, C#, B keys. The double octave mechanism can be either the traditional style (with two thumb touchpieces), or fully automatic (controlled by a ring for L3). It is also possible to arrange it as on the French oboe (controlled by the upper joint of L1). In each case, the mechanism operates on the alternating principle, i.e., the lower octave hole closes when the upper opens, in order to improve the tuning of the second register. The mouthpiece normally supplied is a traditional model with a narrow tip, played with a clarinet reed. This is a copy of an excellent original Stowasser example, and is manufactured by Ed Pillinger. (For
information on a newly designed alto range instrument based on the tárogató,
click here.)
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