Official Plateau Keyed Clarinet Thread

[Windsong]

Here we go!
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Same seller that just sold the sad Selmer!  Say that real fast ten times 
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Quite the discrepancy in sale price, so I'm inclined to think it's brand or era driven.

[Silversorcerer]

I'm bringing this one here as well as on the "good things on ebay" thread because the discussion here is more relevant as well as my comments on the example that I play tested. This Bettoney beginner's 3* plateau keyed model, which is well described and photographed above including the regulation details and playability is one of only two I have seen. I would recommend this to anyone as it is a gorgeous little USA jewel and plays extremely well and sounds really good also. The way it is made and finished is unique among plateaus (one open hole remains), exquisitely designed and built as usual for all Bettoney clarinets I have play tested from the pro models to the beginner models. http://www.ebay.com/itm/302277691368?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649

I wouldn't generally be so forward with an auction link, but the competition was already hot. Good luck.

[DaveLeBlanc]

I'm bringing this one here as well as on the "good things on ebay" thread because the discussion here is more relevant as well as my comments on the example that I play tested. This Bettoney beginner's 3* plateau keyed model, which is well described and photographed above including the regulation details and playability is one of only two I have seen. I would recommend this to anyone as it is a gorgeous little USA jewel and plays extremely well and sounds really good also. The way it is made and finished is unique among plateaus (one open hole remains), exquisitely designed and built as usual for all Bettoney clarinets I have play tested from the pro models to the beginner models. http://www.ebay.com/itm/302277691368?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649

I wouldn't generally be so forward with an auction link, but the competition was already hot. Good luck.

I'm most intrigued by the lack of a plateau on the third hole.
I've seen a variety of plateau mechanisms:
just thumb (Mazzeo)
all but thumb (Bottali)
just thumb, 3rd and 6th holes (Bundy semi-plateau)

But never one with all but the 3rd hole. If anything, I would think that would be the one hole most critical to have a plateau.

[DaveLeBlanc]

Here's a neat one

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Guy-Humphrey-Plateau-Style-Clarinet-/192213673849?hash=item2cc0d3e779:g:WZ8AAOSwyWZZPGiU

[noneyet]

I'm most intrigued by the lack of a plateau on the third hole.
I've seen a variety of plateau mechanisms:
just thumb (Mazzeo)
all but thumb (Bottali)
just thumb, 3rd and 6th holes (Bundy semi-plateau)
But never one with all but the 3rd hole. If anything, I would think that would be the one hole most critical to have a plateau.

I have a Beacon with all but 3rd and thumb plateaued. I'll post pics when I'm done hiding from the hurricane 

[DaveLeBlanc]

I'm most intrigued by the lack of a plateau on the third hole.
I've seen a variety of plateau mechanisms:
just thumb (Mazzeo)
all but thumb (Bottali)
just thumb, 3rd and 6th holes (Bundy semi-plateau)
But never one with all but the 3rd hole. If anything, I would think that would be the one hole most critical to have a plateau.

I have a Beacon with all but 3rd and thumb plateaued. I'll post pics when I'm done hiding from the hurricane 

Sounds like a rarity! I look forward to seeing it.

[Silversorcerer]

Beacon of Boston is usually a Bettoney stencil. That should be quite a bit like the Boston 3* model that posted photos of above. It has plateaus everywhere except the C tone hole. It does have one for the thumb as well. Photos?

[noneyet]

Photos will come when my power comes back on 

[Silversorcerer]

I feel you. Mine went out and when they fixed it, the computer will not boot. I think th power supply is dead. I'm posting from a tablet. No photos from me until it's fixed or I figure out how to post tablet pics. I'm sure it's possible. One of those new relics is some kind of early plateau system.

[noneyet]

Now that life has attained a post-hurricane normalcy (for the time being, anyway) here are the promised pictures of my Beacon Plateau. As you can see there are plateaus on all RH holes, LH 1, LH 2, but not on LH 3 or on the LH thumb. Kind of odd, eh? Also, the serial numbers are horizontal so I'm guessing Silver is right about Beacons being a Bettoney stencil.

[Silversorcerer]

That's definitely a Bettoney (of Boston) Beacon. The name comes from Beacon hill in Boston. Look back up in this thread at the photos of the Boston 3*, which is identical.

These were intended as beginner instruments, so they left a couple of holes open.

Other Bettoney features:

The posts for the right pinkie levers are slightly offset, the G# touch is extended for easier reach, and the C# key might engage the Eb key (upper joint).

On mine, the C lever needs a pin to keep the friction fit from slipping, and someone substituted squishy synthetic pads that I don't like.

In spite of small things I can correct, it's a very easy player and sounds great too.

[DaveLeBlanc]

That's funny, the semi-plateau I have is a Bundy that is almost the exact opposite: all keys are open except for the thumb, LH3 and RH3.
http://www.clarinetpages.net/vintage-plastic-composite-clarinets/bundy/bundy-mazzeo

[Silversorcerer]

here is the list of plateau keyed clarinet makers so far:

Boehm:
Pedler
Vito
D. Noblet (Leblanc - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN4OX-yefbY&feature=endscreen&NR=1)
Normandy

Albert:
Console
Conn

Simple:
Lyon and Healy (information courtesy of the National Music Museum)
Brevetto Bottali

So (again thanks to noneyet) we get to see one of the Lyon & Healy Albert full plateau models up close. This one says "own maker" and Chicago, but the thumb rest has a German accent, I think.

While all the parts (that aren't missing) have an A stamped on them, the upper joint also is marked Bb L. It measures to Bb dimensions. It should be easy to find a working barrel and MP.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10215339676351784&l=5d632b29d6

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10215339676391785&l=1056628e55

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10215339676431786&l=b03ca8c9b2

[windydankoff]

A friend of a friend is a studio musician in LA. Plays sax, no problem. Needs to add clarinet to his bag but he has a mild disability in his hands and cannot connect with the open holes. He is looking for a plateau clarinet, at least something to start on. If he does well with it, he knows of a shop that can modify a good instrument for him. Anything out there among you aficionados on the Clarinet Pages?

[DaveLeBlanc]

Man, that would be a tough one. The best quality plateau I can think of that is relatively widely available is the wood Normandy 10P, which I think would be a good one to stick with. Modifications would be kind of a nightmare to do...