Crooks for Saxophone and Bassoon
For saxophonists and bassoonists this is the way you can
custom tailor your beloved instrument upgrading both sound and very often
intonation and response for a fraction of the cost of changing your instrument.
The crook is a vital component of your set-up as it is the first part of the
instrument after the mouthpiece to encounter the air column. It is in vibration
during the production of all of the notes you play and its very subtle changes in
tapers, design and materials have a disproportionately large effect at this end
of your instrument. This upgrade option is often best reserved for professionals who are looking for 'he last bit of 'icing on the cake' as one must be able to make fine distinctions between options and have the confidence of your decisions. Students considering a crook purchase may wish to engage to help of an experienced player or teacher. Thomas
Saxophonists
The crook is at the heart of your sound. A change of crook
can open up a sound or give it a more compact focus. You can move from classical to jazz
and vice versa or find that ‘special’ combination that allows you to use your
favourite mouthpiece for everything! A poorly designed or damaged crook can
spoil the very best efforts of both player and instrument. More choice is
available now than ever before. New materials and new designs are opening up
options for customising your playing that no one can afford to ignore.
Important Points Explained – Saxophone
Design – The internal taper of the crook, air-flow modifications, its length, the
positioning of upper octave vent and the nature and dimensions of the materials
used all influence the performance of your sax. Most student instruments do not
receive great attention at the crook level as it costs time/money and is little
appreciated by learners as they have many other factors on their minds. However, as a player progresses little differences mean
much more and can be appreciated. Professionals, often without realising it,
make choices of instrument based largely upon how much they like the
performance of a particular crook when paired with their favourite mouthpiece(s).
Materials – Most crooks are made from brass just like the
instrument itself but alternate metals are now being offered including bronze, nickel
and precious metals like silver and silver plated with gold. The density of the various materials
contributes to the character of the vibration of your entire instrument.
In general it is accurate to say that the greater the density (mass) of the material the ‘darker’ or
warmer the sound. Materials with less density such as nickel will be brighter.
The finishing process for specialty crooks usually involves hardening or
annealing which changes the vibration characteristics for the better – more
immediate response being the most noticeable effect. Lacquering and plating have a
less pronounced effect as they are basically altering the vibration efficiency of the
base material but in general a lacquer or enamel application will minutely restrain
vibration as these are a coating whereas as a plating of nickel, silver or gold adheres
to the base metal and changes the vibration by adding mass and enhancing the
sound timbre. Firms such as Selmer, Yanagisawa, Yamaha, Keilwerth, Cannonball and many others offer different crook options either with their instrument models or available to purchase separately.
Fit – A good fit is vital to get the best from your crook.
Where a crook is slightly undersized a temporary wrapping with a layer of
tape may take up the necessary gap for trial but if selected the crook tenon
should be properly expanded to fit without the aid of tape. If the crook tenon
is too large for the saxophone body receiver the sax would have to be altered
to allow a trial – this must only be done by a skilled repairer – or the tenon
dimension of the crook must be reduced – also a skilled operation requiring special tools.
Bassoonists
A player can upgrade a student level bassoon to often very
surprising degree by outfitting with a higher standard crook. The better quality of
design and use of better materials will often stabilise weak notes, draw 'difficult' notes
more into proper tuning, even out response and tonal qualities and open up a stuffy
sound. Schreiber crooks are well regarded as 'upgrade' choices for players needing to make the most of an indifferent instrument.
Important Points Explained – Bassoon
What do the numbers mean? - Most crooks are numbered 1, 2, or 3 (you will occasionally see a number 0 but this is rare). These are
relative measurements moving from shorter to longer. A number 2 crook is
standard for most instruments. A number 1 will have the effect of raising pitch
and a number 3 of lowering pitch. Most players feel the need for at least two
crooks (usually a number 1 & 2) to be able to meet the playing demands of
different temperatures and the tuning of different ensembles.
Does the plating matter? - Most crooks
are made from nickel silver and either nickel-plated or silver-plated. This plating protects the base metal from which
they are made from deterioration as well as contributing to the vibration
characteristics of the crook. You can match whatever type you prefer without
worrying about the plating finish of your instrument.
What about additional letters? - Some makers
(notably Heckel and Fox) have a wide range of types of crook designed to address specific areas of an
instruments range or performance. When you are searching for specific help in the tenor register, or
freedom of vibration overall or specifically high note help then understanding
each makers intention is vital. It is best to consult a specialty supplier if contemplating such a purchase.
-----------------
The tips and comments above are the result of many years of providing help and advice, my personal interest and study, and the teaching that I have done during my career. I have many colleagues and teachers to thank for sharing their thoughts and suggestions on this and other topics. In addition I am indebted to Woodwind & Reed, Cambridge ( www.wwr.co.uk ) where, in the course of helping customers, many of these concepts have been refined and have proven helpful.
Thomas Dryer-Beers
No comments:
Post a Comment