Klarinet Archive - Posting 000189.txt from 1995/03

From: "Roger J. Shilcock" <mlfl@-----.UK>
Subj: Alto clar v. Basset horn
Date: Tue, 7 Mar 1995 06:08:22 -0500

The alto clarinet seems to produce a much "fuzzier" sound in the hands of most
players than a basset horn - it would not be a good substitute for one. On the
only occasion when I was invited to attempt to play an alto, I was totally
baffled as to what kind of sound should come out of it.
Probably, as has been suggested, they have not had enough attention paid to
their bore profile, etc., etc. I'm sure the same could be said about bass
clarinets, though. Every brand of soprano E flat seems to have a different bore
- maybe it's had rather *too much* attention???
Roger Shilcock