---
url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-in/faq/instruments-artforms/what-is-the-difference-between-boehm-and-albert-system-clarinets'
title: 'What is the difference between Boehm and Albert system clarinets?'
author:
  name: rajeevk
  url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-in/user/fce96177fd193d3a'
date: '2026-10-19T15:14:46+00:00'
type: website
summary: "Buffet's Boehm-system clarinets carry 17 keys and 6 rings, while the Albert system leaves more holes under the fingers, which helps slurs and pitch slides."
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 FAQ · Instruments & artforms

# What is the difference between Boehm and Albert system clarinets?

 Updated 19 October 2026

 

Buffet Crampon's Boehm-system E13 and Prodige **[clarinet](/en-in/instrument/clarinet)s** carry 17 keys and 6 rings, written 17/6 in its specifications. The Albert or simple system, developed by Eugène Albert of Brussels, keeps more tone holes covered by the fingers. Players value its unkeyed holes for slurs, and the finger-covered holes let them slide pitch, as heard in early jazz bends and smears.



 

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