Klarinet Archive - Posting 000066.txt from 1994/07

From: Cary Karp <karp@-----.SE>
Subj: Re: Metal Clarinets (fwd)
Date: Wed, 6 Jul 1994 03:01:42 -0400

This was sent to me instead of the list.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Tue, 05 Jul 1994 14:34:35 -0700
From: Gerry Evoniuk <Gerald.Evoniuk@-----.edu>
To: Cary Karp <karp@-----.se>
Subject: RE: Metal Clarinets

>On Fri, 1 Jul 1994, Clark W Fobes wrote:
>
>> My problem with metal clarinets is that many, many student model
>> clarinets were made that really are junk.
>

In response to Clark's sentiments on metal clarinets... I can agree more
completly.

>I can't comment on the military-mercantile explanation but would be more
>inclined to see metal clarinets as an outgrowth of the saxophone boom.
>U.S. factories were tooled up for metalwork on a far greater scale than
>they were for woodwork and I'd guess that the production of quality metal
>clarinets seemed both a reasonable challenge to their artisanry and a
>reasonable marketing goal.

I do have in my possesion a metal Bb with the Noblet name. It was given to
me in the early 70's by Vito Pascucci (owner of Leblanc ). It is a new
instrument manufactured on spec for the military in th 60's. It has never
been sold. The mechanishm is drop power forged making it VERY STRONG. the
hinge screws are stainless steel nad it has the inline trill keys Leblanc
came out with after the war. The mechanism is very tight and it has a very
nice pad job. It was played recently by noted jazz clarinetist Bob Wilber
who commented on the quality of it's sound and pitch.
******************************************
Gerald Evoniuk
Instrument repair technician
School of Music, Box 870405
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ 85287-0405
(602)965-4502
Fax 602-965-2659
email Gerald.Evoniuk@-----.EDU