Klarinet Archive - Posting 000599.txt from 1995/06

From: Twan Maintz <Twan.Maintz@-----.NL>
Subj: Re: Is clarinet European?
Date: Mon, 26 Jun 1995 12:56:20 -0400

>
> I have a Buffet-Crampton A clarinet that I picked up used about a year
> ago. Recently I picked up a Korg tuner because I was curious about the
> intonation. I notice that this clarinet seems to
> play sharp (about 20 cents) througout the range from F below the stave
> to the F above. I've tried a longer barrel and also pulling the existing
> barrel out which seems to help through much of the range, although the
> highest notes remain sharp, although not as much.
>
> I'm wondering if there is a possibility that this might be a European
> instrument tuned to A@-----.S A=440? Or if it might be a problem
> with my embouchure? Just thought I'd check before investing in another
> barrel. The serial # is 76713.
>

I have been having tuning problems like this one for as long as I can remember.
My Buffet (when I'm playing it) has an A=440 with the barrel not pulled
out. Almost everybody in the orchestras I play in here in the Netherlands
plays on a Buffet crampon (around 90% of the players, I guess. The rest
play on selmers, leblancs and a few lucky ones have a wurlitzer [drool]).
They almost consistantly play at A@-----.

I have noticed that practically ALL dutch wind bands play sharp. Not only
the clarinets, but the entire orchestra. Symphonic orchestras seem to play
closer to the 440, but never flat. (But that's just my idea...)

I heard things are the same in Japan. I actually once saw a vibraphone
with the A marked 'A@-----.

This is of course a very strange phenomenon (referring to the clarinet again):
There is supposedly no difference between the Buffet played in Europe and
anywhere else, the reeds are to same brand (Vandoren, Rico, etc.)....

Anyone have an explanation, or am I just wrong in my observations?

Twan Maintz.

   
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