The bass clarinet, a significantly larger instrument that the player supports on the ground, curves before flaring out into a bell and reaches the lower end of the clarinet section's range. The E-flat clarinet is smaller and reaches a higher note range. Typically, a traditional clarinet - also referred to as a B-flat clarinet based on transposition - is about two feet in length. This woodwind instrument, in general, features a single reed and bell-shaped end and delivers a warm sound that's used for both melodies and harmonies. ClarinetĬlarinets seamlessly move between classical and jazz, but within an orchestral context, more than one type of clarinet exists. As its distinguishing features, English horns tend to be longer and slightly wider and feature a rounded bell at the end. While not identical to the oboe, its design and operation are similar. Within the orchestra's oboe section, one player may bring out an English horn. Pitch wise, the oboe is lower than the flute and generates a more mellow sound. The vibrations from the reed direct the sound, causing the body to vibrate, and the player then uses the various keys and holes along its length. While also roughly two feet long, the oboe is a double-reed instrument made of wood and metal. Related to the flute is the piccolo, essentially a shorter version of the instrument that plays the highest pitches in an orchestra's wind section. Unlike with other woodwinds, flute players hold the instrument to the size and blow into an open mouthpiece. Silver, platinum or gold is used for modern-day versions, and traditionally, it measures about two feet long - although alto flutes, more common in jazz, are wider and longer. The flute is considered one of the oldest pitched instruments, with predecessors made from wood, bamboo and even stone. These instruments are also essential to the sound of a marching band and are used throughout jazz and other popular styles. Today's orchestra typically has multiple flutes, oboes, clarinets and bassoons, in addition to a piccolo, English horn and even a saxophone on occasion. Oboists and bassoonists, meanwhile, use a double-reed mouthpiece, in which two narrow pieces of wood are bound together. A single reed, usually made of wood, is used by clarinet and saxophone players. With the exception of the flute and piccolo, woodwinds require a reed to produce a sound. As the player directs air through the reed, the wooden or metal tube vibrates. The player then blows into the instrument and, by pressing on keys or covering the holes, generates various pitches. Most, but not all, use a single or double reed as a mouthpiece. Holes, sometimes with keys on top, help the player render specific pitches. The modern woodwind instrument features a cylindrical design that's either straight or curved in some form. Most originated as a wood instrument the player blew through, utilizing a hole or reed. The legendary Ponzol P1 neck is free-blowing and perfectly contoured to give you lightning-quick response, evenly balanced resistance, accurate intonation and great tone.Today's woodwind family utilizes several materials: wood for instruments like the clarinet, bassoon and oboe and metals for the flute and saxophone.
The heart and soul of the Antigua Pro-One is the Peter Ponzol neck design. Say goodbye to the sticky G# pad blues! This simple yet brilliant design lifts the G# pad from the tone hole every time. These revolutionary new key arms add strength and stability, providing lightning quick response to the low B, Bb and C keys.
Rolled tone holes for the bell keys and straight drawn tone holes in all other areas provide a solid core to the sound with balanced resistance for the player. As Peter says, "This collaboration finally gets a lifetime of ideas out of my head and into reality. Very few people have Peter's understanding of the design principles of the instrument, and the Antigua Pro-One is the ultimate expression of his concepts. Peter Ponzol has been designing saxophones for more than three decades, in addition to being a well-traveled and experienced player. Redesigning a musical instrument is a daunting and delicate challenge. "The Antigua Pro-One Saxophone is a leap into the 21st Century." - Peter Ponzol.