Spot The Difference

[david robertson]

While idly browsing the 1925 Wheatstone price list, I noticed that the Model 14 and Model 20a Aeolas appear to be identical - same G to G range, same price, though the former is described as a baritone-treble, and the latter as a baritone. Can anyone offer a plausible explanation?

[JimLucas]

While idly browsing the 1925 Wheatstone price list, I noticed that the Model 14 and Model 20a Aeolas appear to be identical - same G to G range, same price, though the former is described as a baritone-treble, and the latter as a baritone. Can anyone offer a plausible explanation?

 

Fingering the "baritone" as you would a treble, every button sounds a note an octave lower than the treble.

 

The "baritone-treble" is a treble (or tenor-treble) extended downward (though missing the upper octave of a treble with the same number of buttons). On the "baritone-treble", the notes of the treble range are found in "the same" locations (same end of the instrument, same side of the center line) as on the treble, though two rows "higher" in the button array, so all notes are on the opposite end from where they are on a plain "baritone". E.g., the lowest G on a "baritone" is in the right hand, while that on a "baritone-treble" is in the left hand.

 

I think Geoff Crabb at some point provided diagrams of the two types, though I don't have time to look for them right now.

[david robertson]

Thank you, Jim, for shedding light on my darkness. (It's what comes off being an Anglo-abuser rather than a musician!)

[Rikki]

Does this mean you have a BT in the pipeline David?

[david robertson]

Rikki, I have sent you a PM.

[Chris Timson]

The C/G baritone anglo works on the same principle, i.e. each button sounds the same notes but an octave down from the usual C/G. Interestingly, the same approach applied to a G/D is usually termed a bass anglo (as is a C/G two octaves down).

 

Chris

[JimLucas]

The C/G baritone anglo works on the same principle, i.e. each button sounds the same notes but an octave down from the usual C/G. Interestingly, the same approach applied to a G/D is usually termed a bass anglo (as is a C/G two octaves down).

 

But the "baritone-treble" concept doesn't transfer well to the anglo. On a 30-button, you might put the standard left-hand layout into the right hand -- complete with the same pitches for each button, -- but I don't think there would be any obvious or even reasonable rule for allocating lower notes in the left hand.

[Dave Weinstein]

I refer to my anglos as "Baritone" (since they are in the same range as a Baritone C/G), and they interestingly enough do have shifted fingering on both hands (since the innermost row is lower in pitch than the middle row, rather than higher).

[Geoffrey Crabb]

Might be useful.

 

 

 

Geoffrey

[Chris Timson]

But the "baritone-treble" concept doesn't transfer well to the anglo.

 

 

Which I guess is why no-one ever tried doing it.

 

Chris

 

Edited to add PS: very nice diagrams, Geoff, would you mind if I added them to the FAQ (credited, of course)?

Edited April 21, 2015 by Chris Timson

[SteveS]

I see that the middle C on the BT in Geoffrey's diagram is under the centre line of the left hand thumbstrap. The 2-3 BTs I've seen over the years, have all had the F below middle C in this position and the middle C moved up one row.

Do BTs with the middle C in the same position as a TT/Treble exist?

If so how are they to play as compared to a BT with F in this position?

Edited April 21, 2015 by SteveS