Clarinet Stupid question about clarinets

[Jules]

Having recently fallen in love with the bass clarinet but being very naive about all things clarinet related can I ask a question to any clarineteers out there. How do I tell if a Clarinet is a German system model? I’m trying to get a case for my 1960s Kolhert and the question- is it German system or not- keeps on coming up. Any assistance on this one?

 

[Jamesmac]

Visualy for me is only two keys on the RH pinky for the German system and four on the French.
Hope that helps.

 

[Nick Wyver]

If you can play it, it isn't a German system.

 

[Jules]

If you can play it, it isn't a German system.

Ah.. That explains everything 🙂

 

[Jules]

Actually- based on the above, despite being German- it appears to be a non-German system (....French?). Excellent- that means it should fit in a BAM case barring any other non-standardness... Thanks for the information folks

 

[Woodpad]

Recently I saw some clips on the new Selmer Presence clarinet. Consistently I heard a more ringing sound than expected from a clarinet. If translated to a saxophone it would be a boxed in sound where the default blow has a sharp edge. Something that is not expected from a classical saxophone. Now my stupid question is if this is really the sound clarinet players want?

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/LYnQafYpsDI

 

[Pete Thomas]

Recently I saw some clips on the new Selmer Presence clarinet. Consistently I heard a more ringing sound than expected from a clarinet. If translated to a saxophone it would be a boxed in sound where the default blow has a sharp edge. Something that is not expected from a classical saxophone. Now my stupid question is if this is really the sound clarinet players want?

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/LYnQafYpsDI

I would find it hard to come to any conclusions due (not great) recording quaility.

 

[Pete Effamy]

Typical classical sound. He doesn’t equalise well between throat Bb and into Clarion, but can’t hear anything that I wouldn’t expect.

 

[turf3]

If you can play it, it isn't a German system.

It's like how Art Farmer said he was able to tell himself from his twin brother:

"In the morning, I pick up the bass, and if I can't play it, then I must be Art."