Klarinet Archive - Posting 000070.txt from 1996/08

From: David Hughes <dhughes@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Peter Eaton Clarinets
Date: Sat, 3 Aug 1996 16:02:57 -0400

>Does anyone know anything about Peter Eaton clarinets? From what I hear
>they have a full, rich, dark sound.
>
Gervase de Peyer plays Eatons and sounds wonderful on them. He feels they
give him something he can really use, which other instruments do not.

I have also heard that they are popular in Los Angeles.

I have played these horns, and I recommend them. But, be aware that they
are BIG BORE horns! I played an early Bb of Gervase's while my Buffet was
in the shop. It sounded great and was easy to play in tune, but, as you
might expect, I found it hard to control the sound when playing soft, owing
the larger diameter bore. I was also using an "early" Eaton mouthpiece (I
believe you *must* use an Eaton, to match the bore), and found it a little
unresponsive. I cut my reed strength down substantially.

I sampled some newer Eatons (which I wish I could have afforded to buy!) in
the Fall of 1995, and they were truly great. Newer mouthpieces allowed
excellent control. I got the same big sound with no sense of the "size" of
the bore. Ease of playing meant added reed strength was no problem.

Gervase de Peyer has an arrangement with Peter Eaton (who lives in Britain)
to market his instruments here in the U.S. Gervase will be in England from
August 12 to about the end of September, and will be trying Eaton
instruments for would-be purchasers. So the time is right if you want to
arrange a purchase or trial.

I can put anyone in touch with Gervase via my E-mail address
(dhughes@-----.com), or you may write him with any inquiries at:

Gervase de Peyer
1250 S. Washington Street, Apt 109
Alexandria, VA 22314

or in London

Grove End
Upper Terrace
Hampstead
London, NW 3 6RP

His telephone numbers are also listed.

David Hughes