Klarinet Archive - Posting 000050.txt from 1995/06

From: "Dan Leeson: LEESON@-----.EDU>
Subj: Matched basses
Date: Mon, 5 Jun 1995 02:47:51 -0400

I am using the terminology suggested by Andrew Seigel of Fresno who
asked about someone having both an A and a B-flat bass, but I believe
the use of the word "matched" to have a very specific meaning that is
unrelated to the way I see it being used on this board.

First I have both an A and a B-flat bass and I use the instrument
called for by the composer except in rare instances where I am able
to justify an exception. Such a case occurs in Grofe's "On the
Trail" which is far more easily executed on an A bass than on a B-flat
bass, but whenever I do it I feel guilty.

Now, as to the word "matched" I am under the impression that when
instruments were so offered for sale by a manufacturer it meant that
the two came from the same tree (and in some instances were both from
adjascent wood in the trunk or a large branch of that tree).

Simply having an A and a B-flat instrument (or an E-flat and D
instrument) did not mean that they were matched.

Now I have no idea if the manufacturers did as they said they did,
but that is my understanding of what the word "matched" was intended
to mean.