Klarinet Archive - Posting 000426.txt from 1995/01

From: Barbara E Longair <longairb@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Older clarinets
Date: Fri, 27 Jan 1995 13:57:13 -0500

One possibly mythical advantage to older clarinets has to do with the
stability of the wood. Because the demand for clarinets has risen,
manufacturers are not letting the grenadilla wood "age" for as long.
Supposedly older models are less susceptible to cracking because the wood, in
general, has taken longer to cure. Because the growing process wasn't
rushed the wood might be slightly denser as well. Some would suggest older
clarinets produce a better sound for the aforementioned reasons.

Any thoughts?

Barb LonGair
Michigan State University