Klarinet Archive - Posting 000522.txt from 1996/03

From: Bill Page <BPage3@-----.COM>
Subj:
Date: Wed, 20 Mar 1996 14:15:46 -0500

g...sorry, Lorne.

Oliver Seely asked about the learning curve...can't talk to the real wind
controllers (Yamaha, etc.), but my el cheapo Casio was a breeze...basic
octave-based overblows, with an octave key, one key for lowering any note 1/2
step, basic recorder fingerings, 2-and-1/2 octave range (C - G#). I find
sharp keys easier than flat keys, but the horn makes it easy by letting you
change the key 1/2 step at a time, even letting you go down an octave for a
faux bass clarinet sound.

It plugs easily into my MIDI card for my Gateway 486, where I use it to input
to Musicator WIN the same I do with my keyboard...as long as I keep a steady
tempo, it works pretty well.

Dang horn also lets you control vibrato and volume with breath, but since it
doen't have a reed your embouchure gets lazy. (I understand the Yamaha lets
you use lip control to affect vibrato.)

And folks, I would *never* suggest it as a replacement for a _real_ clarinet
or flute or sax. It's just fun to play...

Bill Page