What fingering system does the Roy Benson CG220 use?

The Roy Benson CG220 utilizes the German fingering system. This system is distinct from the Boehm system found on most standard Western clarinets and is known for its specific key layout and tonal qualities.

What material is the body of the CG220 made from?

The body is constructed from a lightweight synthetic rubber. This material is designed to accurately reproduce the sound of a wooden clarinet while being resistant to splitting caused by moisture or temperature changes.

Who manufactures the mouthpiece for this clarinet?

The mouthpiece is produced by Ernst Schreiber (ESM). They are specialists who have focused on clarinet mouthpiece production for over 40 years, ensuring a high-quality interface for the player.

How does the sound of the CG220 compare to Boehm system clarinets?

Due to its German system design and Ernst Schreiber mouthpiece, the CG220 produces a warmer tone compared to the Boehm system. It is also noted for providing greater note stability.

What is the typical price range for the Roy Benson CG220?

The instrument typically retails for approximately £448. This makes it a lower-priced alternative to many other premium German system clarinets on the market.

What kind of keywork does the CG220 have?

The clarinet features silver-plated nickel keys. This plating ensures the keys maintain a brilliant appearance over time and remain effective through frequent use.

Is the CG220 suitable for outdoor performances?

Yes, its rubber construction makes it highly resistant to the environmental changes often encountered outdoors. Unlike wood, it will not crack when exposed to varying levels of humidity or cold air.

In what key is the Roy Benson CG220 pitched?

The Roy Benson CG220 is pitched in the key of Bb (B-flat), which is the most common key for standard orchestral and band clarinets.

What makes the Ernst Schreiber mouthpiece different?

The mouthpiece used on the CG220 is longer and narrower than standard mouthpieces. This specific geometry is a hallmark of the German system and contributes to the instrument's warm sound.

Are German system clarinets usually more expensive?

Generally, German system instruments are more expensive than their Boehm counterparts. The CG220 is marketed as an opportunity to acquire this premium system at a more affordable price point.

How does the weight of the CG220 affect playability?

The use of synthetic rubber makes the instrument lightweight and portable. This can reduce fatigue during long practice sessions or performances compared to heavier wooden models.

What maintenance does the rubber body require compared to wood?

The rubber body requires less intensive maintenance than wood, as it does not need to be 'broken in' or oiled to prevent cracking. However, standard cleaning of the bore and keywork is still necessary for optimal performance.

Gear article

Roy Benson CG220 Bb Clarinet (German System)

The Roy Benson CG220 is a Bb clarinet featuring the German fingering system, designed to offer a professional tonal profile at a competitive price point. Constructed from lightweight, moisture-resistant rubber, it serves as a durable alternative to traditional wooden instruments while retaining a warm, stable acoustic character.

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Overview

The Roy Benson CG220 is a Bb clarinet that distinguishes itself through the use of the German fingering system, a configuration traditionally favoured in Central and Eastern Europe for its specific tonal qualities. Positioned within a price range of approximately £448, this instrument aims to bridge the gap between student-grade affordability and professional performance standards. It is constructed from a specialized rubber compound that mimics the density and resonance of wood while offering superior resistance to environmental factors.

Design and Construction

A primary feature of the CG220 is its synthetic rubber body. Unlike traditional Grenadilla wood, which is susceptible to cracking or splitting when exposed to humidity changes, the rubber construction is highly durable and portable. This makes it particularly suitable for musicians performing in varying climates. The keywork is made from silver-plated nickel, which provides a brilliant aesthetic finish and long-term durability against corrosion. The instrument is equipped with a specialist mouthpiece manufactured by Ernst Schreiber, a firm with over 40 years of experience in clarinet components.

Sound Character and Performance

The German system design of the CG220 results in a narrower bore and a longer, slimmer mouthpiece compared to the more common Boehm system. This architecture produces a warmer, darker tone and increased pitch stability across different registers. While German system instruments are typically more expensive to produce, the CG220 is designed to provide these premium acoustic traits in a more accessible package. The stability of the notes makes it a reliable choice for technical passages where intonation is critical.

Target Audience and Comparison

The CG220 is ideally suited for students or advancing players specifically seeking the German tonal profile without the significant investment usually required for professional wooden models. Compared to Boehm system alternatives, such as various Yamaha or Buffet models, the CG220 offers a distinct resistance and timbre. It also serves as a robust secondary instrument for professional players who need a reliable clarinet for outdoor performances or travel, where a wooden instrument might be at risk of damage.

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Frequently asked questions

What fingering system does the Roy Benson CG220 use?: The Roy Benson CG220 utilizes the German fingering system. This system is distinct from the Boehm system found on most standard Western clarinets and is known for its specific key layout and tonal qualities.
What material is the body of the CG220 made from?: The body is constructed from a lightweight synthetic rubber. This material is designed to accurately reproduce the sound of a wooden clarinet while being resistant to splitting caused by moisture or temperature changes.
Who manufactures the mouthpiece for this clarinet?: The mouthpiece is produced by Ernst Schreiber (ESM). They are specialists who have focused on clarinet mouthpiece production for over 40 years, ensuring a high-quality interface for the player.
How does the sound of the CG220 compare to Boehm system clarinets?: Due to its German system design and Ernst Schreiber mouthpiece, the CG220 produces a warmer tone compared to the Boehm system. It is also noted for providing greater note stability.
What is the typical price range for the Roy Benson CG220?: The instrument typically retails for approximately £448. This makes it a lower-priced alternative to many other premium German system clarinets on the market.
What kind of keywork does the CG220 have?: The clarinet features silver-plated nickel keys. This plating ensures the keys maintain a brilliant appearance over time and remain effective through frequent use.
Is the CG220 suitable for outdoor performances?: Yes, its rubber construction makes it highly resistant to the environmental changes often encountered outdoors. Unlike wood, it will not crack when exposed to varying levels of humidity or cold air.
In what key is the Roy Benson CG220 pitched?: The Roy Benson CG220 is pitched in the key of Bb (B-flat), which is the most common key for standard orchestral and band clarinets.
What makes the Ernst Schreiber mouthpiece different?: The mouthpiece used on the CG220 is longer and narrower than standard mouthpieces. This specific geometry is a hallmark of the German system and contributes to the instrument's warm sound.
Are German system clarinets usually more expensive?: Generally, German system instruments are more expensive than their Boehm counterparts. The CG220 is marketed as an opportunity to acquire this premium system at a more affordable price point.
How does the weight of the CG220 affect playability?: The use of synthetic rubber makes the instrument lightweight and portable. This can reduce fatigue during long practice sessions or performances compared to heavier wooden models.
What maintenance does the rubber body require compared to wood?: The rubber body requires less intensive maintenance than wood, as it does not need to be 'broken in' or oiled to prevent cracking. However, standard cleaning of the bore and keywork is still necessary for optimal performance.