I've been wondering about something for a while, and a question from a coworker brought the issue to a head. Basically, I'm looking for a simple explanation for why all instruments aren't built in the same key. Is it because the timbral possibilities would be too limited? Is it because the key signatures would get out of hand, and/or the music would alwyas be above or below the staff (seems like they could have fixed this by utilizing the various of clefs)? In the past I have transposed music for various instruments (ex., arranging piano scores for instrumental ensembles), and I'm aware of the mechanics inviolved. I just don't know exactly why the different keys for different instruments came to be. Dave [log in to unmask] http://www.classical.net/