Klarinet Archive - Posting 000060.txt from 1994/05

From: Tom Ascher <U15310@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Clarinet Materials
Date: Tue, 3 May 1994 12:37:42 -0400

I'm coming to the theory that if you can't FEEL it, you can't HEAR it.
With a violin, piano, etc., I can feel the vibration of the sound board
when played. With a clarinet, I can't feel any vibration in the
wood when holding the instrument. The only thing that I feel vibrating
is the reed and the internal passages within my head, throat and chest.
Therefore, I conclude that the material of a clarinet has nothing to do
(or very little to do) with the sound. How's that for a subjective response?

So, a question for those of you who have experience in fabricating clarinet
joints, barrels, bells, IF the material has no affect on the sound, what would
be the best material for fabricating and maintaining its shape over various
conditions of moisture, temperature and time?

Tom Ascher Internet: u15310@-----.edu
University of Illinois at Chicago Phone: (312) 413-3665