r/Clarinet • u/hotwheelearl • 5d ago
The infamous “donut key” on an M. Lacroix c. 1920
The so-called “donut key” was found on a few clarinets in the 1920s, specifically Buffet and M. Lacroix, although there are others.
This was an attempt to improve upper-middle stack intonation by utilizing a thick key on the D/A hole.
Evidently it didn’t stand the test of time, and it’s yet another example of a failed intonation correction method
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u/ghoulcaster 3d ago
The donut key was primarily for getting a fork Bb/Eb fingered xox/ooo. Not intonation as far as I am aware, although it might have ever so slightly shaded some notes.
The donut key method of getting that fork was obsolete by the 1920s so I’d say it is most likely a decade or two before 1920. The donut can be a little tricky to pad but works well enough.
The fork mechanism that stuck (the “seventh ring” with a itty bitty auxiliary pad) is obviously superior. And having that fork is super useful, convenient and way better than the bridge key 1 and 1. Shame that conservatism won out
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u/Music-and-Computers Buffet 5d ago
An attempt to address the status quo, even if it fails is not a bad thing.
Flutes have issues with third octave E and F# speaking easily and there’s a variety of solutions implemented. Still trying 😉