Klarinet Archive - Posting 000162.txt from 1994/10

From: Douglas Sears <dsears@-----.ORG>
Subj: Re: Back to non-wood horns
Date: Sun, 16 Oct 1994 13:20:40 -0400

On Sun, 16 Oct 1994, J Alan Jones wrote:

> Why not make a clarinet out of graphite?
>
> I don't know much about the properties of graphite, so forgive me if it's
> a dumb request, but would it be possible?

I wouldn't say it's a dumb question, and I expect that it's possible to
make such a clarinet, but I don't think it's a good idea. I guess you're
talking about graphite-reinforced plastic, not pure graphite. Graphite
composites are mainly notable for being very rigid (high modulus of
elasticity) for their weight, and are used in some high-end bicycle
frames, tennis rackets, golf clubs, and fishing rods. The main thing
these have in common with clarinets is that people are willing to pay
very high prices for the very best quality. However, I don't think
rigidity is high on most people's lists of desirable qualities in a
clarinet. Neither is light weight, although I'd love to have a light
weight clarinet if it played well.

--Doug

-----------------
Doug Sears dsears@-----.org (503)343-8943