Klarinet Archive - Posting 000306.txt from 1995/08

From: Tom Ascher <U15310@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Buffet vs Leblanc
Date: Wed, 23 Aug 1995 14:45:09 -0400

In response to David Bourque's note:

<snip>
<The wise artist will always choose the equipment that lets them sound like
<themselves with the least amount of effort. Communicating music through
<an instrument is hard enough to do without dealing with pressures from
<confreres as to what equipment is "better". It may be "better" *for
<them*, but to you it's only "different". One has to find out what is
<"better" for *oneself*.
<
<Tom, how can you possibly play Leblancs? Tee hee.
<snip>

David, its nice to know that a modicum of humor still exists on klarinet!

I can't resist a follow up question on the subject of obtaining the best
instrument for you, etc.

We have heard from another participant that it is a "policy" of Buffet
to deliver unfinished instruments so that they can be individualized to fit
the player. We also apparently have a number of skilled craftspersons who
make of living out of customizing and maintaining clarinets.

We also find that few reeds are satisfactory out of the box, these too need
to be individually customized. And no two mouthpieces are the same, either.
Frequently these are also in need of adjustment to get just right.

I'm curious if any music programs include a class or classes specifically
for the instrumentalist in adjusting, maintaining of his/her instrument,
mouthpiece, reeds, etc.? Or is it something that people learn primarily
from their own experience, word-of-mouth, a chance article in a magazine,
etc?