[prezden]

Hi
Could someone explain how the double register (automatic) register system works and what it's advantages are. Is this only an option on more expensive horns.
Sorry if this seems a dumb question :mrgreen:

 

[lomaserena]

It's similar to the double register vent on a saxophone. The lower vent works for the B, C, C#, D, D# just above the break, the upper vent (usually on the neck on a 2-vent system) works for everything above D#. Having the lower vent improves the response and intonation of the notes it engages with. Although I can't vouch for this, I assume that the placement of the upper vent is better for the upper notes than the typical placement of a single vent. The downside of a double vent is that it's finicky. If my Selmer 33 has to go to the shop for an emergency, it's almost always the register system that's the problem. There are some inexpensive horns that have double vents, but they're almost always the hard rubber Chinese clones (Kessler, Ridenour, etc.). None of the student horns from the big manufacturers have double vents. A double vent isn't always a sign of quality, and can be a real pain in the butt.

 

[prezden]

Thanks for the info!