Typical articulated C#/G# tenon?

[Windsong]

This is a late 1930s unicorn Pedler, and my first articulated tenon cork replacement.  I was fascinated to find that extra meat has been left around the tone hole, perhaps to help prevent cracking.

My, what a fun cork this will be to cut!

Has anyone seen this tenon manufacturing technique?

[Windsong]

We'll see how long it lasts!

[DaveLeBlanc]

How neat. I have never seen that before. It does make sense to prevent cracking. Many of the articulates I've been through have had at least hairlines. One drop and it's over. I'm sure the extra beef makes a difference.

How did you manage to cut it, if I may ask? Asking for a friend...

[Windsong]

I appreciate you chiming in Dave, as I know you have some experience with these in general.  It did, indeed seem a sensible idea for durability.

I cut the cork as I would ordinarily, and then I measured the "box" (10mm in one direction and 11 mm in the other), took a mechanical pencil to lightly scribe my rudimentary cuts, and then I used a small Xacto blade to open up the box.   I test fit, and made subtle modifications until it straddled the box well enough to hold seal.  It took me three tries, (and the photo above is of attempt #2, as the cork was a hair too loose), and the top portion of the cork above the box is only 2mm deep (wide?) so I anticipate having to revisit this with greater frequency than a typical cork. 

[Windsong]

This Pedler has some other features that I've not seen on other Brands--especially from this 1938-1941 time period.

I admire all the adjustments, and am sure they provide value to a tech (or handy player) willing to fiddle and fine tune, but often--less is more.  This is an unrestored player, with light, quick response.  Note also the key wear.  While not abused, she's been no Curio Cabinet Queen these last 80+ years.  Very similar in feel to a Penzel Mueller Artist.  Note the beveled ring keys which prompt speed, akin to Artist models.

[LarryS]

What is the purpose of such a tenon? Looks bizarre

[Windsong]

Some would call ot a liability.  Truth be told, most professionals play traditional 17/6 configured clarinets.

it's "advantage" is space savings, for the addition of one more sliver actuator for alternate fingering of the C#/G# note.

As a general rule, I love complex, well-engineered mechanisms, if for no other reason than marveling at the genius of the human mind.

Note this additional sliver key on the LJ.  You will find that non-articulated clarinets do not possess this:

[modernicus]

Yep, common way these were made.  Nice job, these are a pain.  I have an A like this that needs work on the cork and has unfortunately cracked around the metal lined socket this particular instrument has on the lower joint.

[Windsong]

Thanks.  Admittedly, I am not in love with, nor do I find a fingering advantage to this setup.  I am sure there are those who could not feel whole without it.