Keying improvement for clarinets

摘要

A front-operated Bb key for clarinets, enabling a pure Bb note to be obtained without the player's having to remove his right-hand first finger from its basic finger-hole position. The original side Bb key is extended laterally across the front of the instrument, and downwardly to a position adjacent to the finger-hole normally covered by the first finger of the right hand. An additional spatula is provided for actuation by the first finger in a rolling motion, the spatula contacting the finger at a point near the first knuckle joint. The additional spatula is adjustable in both position and angular orientation, to suit the size and fingering style requirements of different players.