Octavin

The Octavin is a type of woodwind instrument classified as a single-reed aerophone. The Octavin (also spelled Oktavin) is a unique woodwind instrument that emerged in the 19th century.

Instrument Characteristics

• The Octavin is classified as a single-reed aerophone, meaning it produces sound through a single reed similar to that found in clarinets and saxophones.
• It features a conical bore, which allows for a warm and rich sound. The shape of the Octavin resembles that of a bassoon, consisting of two parallel straight sections joined at the bottom, with the mouthpiece attached to one section and a metal bell at the top of the other.
• The written range of the Octavin extends from G♯3 to G6, making it comparable in range to that of a soprano saxophone. It was produced in various keys, including B♭, C, and F.
• The body of the Octavin is typically made from wood, which contributes to its tonal qualities. Some models may have metal components, particularly in the bell.

Invention and Development

The Octavin was first built byJulius Jehring, a bassoon maker, in 1881 in Adorf, Germany. Jehring initially called it the schnabeloboe due to its design and characteristics.

The instrument was later patented by Oskar Adler and Hermann Jordan in 1893. They renamed it the Octavin and marketed it as “das Deutsche Saxofon” (the German saxophone) to compete with Adolphe Sax’s saxophone.

The Octavin features a folded conical bore that resembles the boot joint of a bassoon, with a mouthpiece attached to one section and a metal bell at the top of another. It typically has 14 touch pieces and 3 rings, allowing for a range up to written C#.

Historical Context

Despite its innovative design, the Octavin did not gain widespread popularity and is now considered an extremely rare instrument. It has been noted for its unusual construction and limited repertoire. In modern times, the American composer Jeff Britting has composed works for the Octavin, contributing to its historical documentation and appreciation among collectors.

Instrument Mechanics

Structure

The Octavin features a folded conical bore, which resembles the boot joint of a bassoon. It consists of two parallel straight sections joined at the bottom. The mouthpiece is attached to the top of one section, while a metal bell is affixed to the top of the other. The instrument uses a single reed, similar to that found in clarinets and saxophones. This reed vibrates when air is blown through it, producing sound.

Sound Production

When a musician blows air into the mouthpiece, the airflow causes the single reed to vibrate. This vibration generates sound waves that travel through the body of the instrument.

The Octavin has multiple finger holes that can be covered or uncovered by the player’s fingers. By changing which holes are covered, the effective length of the vibrating air column is altered, allowing for different pitches to be produced. The written range of the Octavin extends from G♯3 to G6, making it comparable to a soprano saxophone in terms of pitch range. It was produced in various keys, including B♭, C, and F.

Fingering System

The fingering system of the Octavin is somewhat between that of an Albert-system clarinet and a military-system oboe. This unique fingering allows for versatility in playing and facilitates transitions between notes.