Klarinet Archive - Posting 000526.txt from 1996/02

From: "Dr. Ronald P. Monsen" <RPMONS00@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: ISO Metal CL. info
Date: Sat, 17 Feb 1996 09:22:32 -0500

Just a bit more about the METAL clarinet--yes, Hamelin's metal Selmer would
have been the same model--they only made one. As to Dan Leeson's recent
posting about lamps, etc out of metal clarinets. I agree--the instrument
made by Selmer was dropped because of the perception that only student
instruments were metal. I feel the instrument never really had a chance to
prove itself. One of the problems, condensation, etc. was attacked in the
sterling sliver double walled clarinets of William S. Haynes of Boston.
Their shortlived entry into the metal field of the clarinet was built with
a double wall and an opening at the top and bottom--sealable--which allowed
the player to blow through the instrument to warm it up. Perhaps the

ultimate clarinet-lamp story might be the one about Artie Shaw making a
lamp out of his instrument.

It must all go to what the "market" will bear and what it wants. How often
do we see wooden flutes these days in constant useage? The flutists of the
Concertgebauw do use them but it seems somewhat of a rarity.

These discussions of tone, mouthpieces, reeds, equipment, etc just serves to
re-enforce what Jerry Stowell told me many years ago--ninety-five percent of
what is wrong with every clarinet is behind the mouthpiece. Ron Monsen

   
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