Klarinet Archive - Posting 000104.txt from 1994/06

From: "Dan Leeson: LEESON@-----.EDU>
Subj: When buying a new clarinet
Date: Thu, 23 Jun 1994 22:20:09 -0400

Several recent inquiries were made on this list that had to do with
buying a new clarinet. Generally each person wanted some change to the
character of his/her sound and was prepared to invest in a new clarinet
to achieve that end. So the question was made, "What kind of clarinet
should I be thinking about?".

While there are many fine instruments - so many, in fact, that a choice
is made difficult by the plethera of excellent clarinets - what we have
never discussed on this board is the consideration of a German clarinet
made with a French fingering system. Most of us will not consider
playing a German clarinet because that means a German fingering system
and who wants to relearn how to play clarinet in mid or late career?
And, of course, there is the added complication of the mouthpiece that
is larger with a German clarinet (with all the attendant reed consequences
of that matter).

So the subject of German clarinets simply has not arisen, at least not
in the U.S., England, Australia, etc. where the French system is so
predominant that there is no competition for it.

But a number of years ago, I saw a pair of Wurlitzer clarinets made
for an American and they were made in a French system. The bore was
German as was the mouthpiece, but it fingered like a Buffet or Selmer
or Yamaha or LeBlanc (have I left anyone out?).

What is more, these clarinets had the look of German precision; i.e.,
Deutsche kunst!! Just looking at them caused me to think of the
engine of a Mercedes Benz 240 SL. They were magnificent to look at,
and I suspect magnificent to play, too. I didn't try them. I just
looked at them in admiration and respect.

I also suspect they cost a fortune, but the German clarinets cost that
in Germany and even when they are made in a German system, so one was
not being penalized for using a French system. Instead, one was being
penalized for liking a German made clarinet.

So why have these instruments not made any inroads into the US, English,
Australian market? They might make a very interesting consideration
for a new instrument when one wants one.

I also add that I was considering buying a German basset horn in
a French system but I did not want to get it in the large alto clarinet sized
mouthpiece that was the standard and the German maker was not prepared to
make the necessary modifications to use a smaller mouthpiece so it never
happened. But it was quite an interesting notion.

Dan Leeson
====================================
Dan Leeson, Los Altos, California
(leeson@-----.edu)
====================================

   
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