Klarinet Archive - Posting 000318.txt from 1995/06

From: Neil Leupold <Neil_Leupold@-----.COM>
Subj: Lynn Thomas' Search for a B
Date: Thu, 15 Jun 1995 18:10:52 -0400

ntouch Memo 06/15/95
Subject:Lynn Thomas' Search for a Bass 2:53 PM
Lynn wrote:

"I do want to say that the new Prestige Bass Clarinets are *very fine*
instruments. In my search for a bass for my orchestra, I've had the
opportunity to play one, as well as the best of the Selmer line. They compare
very well, and if we purchase a new bass, it will probably be one
of them!"

Lynn, I just want to sound my agreement with you on the subject of Buffet's and
Selmer's latest entries in the bass clarinet arena. Over the past several
months, I too was in the search for a new bass clarinet and tried _several_ of
both the new Buffet Prestige and Selmer's latest model, the 37 (which
supplanted the 33 only just a few months ago - the 33 having been
discontinued). Because of my partiality to Buffet on soprano, I leaned more
strongly toward the Prestige, but ended up getting the Selmer Model 37. Both
models were excellent with respect to tuning - only some expected fixable minor
problems on each. The Buffet's sound seemed broader and "warmer", if you will,
in contrast to the Selmer, which had a more focused and "compact" sound.
Luckily, I had Clark around, who was willing to play-test them for me and
demonstrate more accurately the possibilities in sound quality that I could get
from each as my skills continue to re-develop.

After Clark's demonstration, my decision came under the influence of other
criteria, the most prominent of those being mechanical workmanship. While the
Selmer doesn't look quite as "pretty" as the Buffet (Selmer's design seems more
efficient in its concept), the keywork operated much more smoothly for me and
presented fewer anticipated problems with the bridge key and register
mechanism. Because Clark was able to get such a gorgeous sound out of the
"compact" Selmer, I know that I will be able to do so as well in the future (I
have great faith in my bass clarinet potential). Even Clark, though, said that
Buffet's new Prestige would suit me just as well as the Selmer if I were to
need it in a professional orchestral setting - and I should make my final
decision based on how I felt about it personally.

Good luck in your search, Lynn! I'm sure you'll be happy, either way you
decide! (I know I am!)

- Neil :-)