Klarinet Archive - Posting 000275.txt from 1996/08

From: "Dan Leeson: LEESON@-----.EDU>
Subj: Mary White on A clarinets
Date: Fri, 9 Aug 1996 16:01:43 -0400

It is not a dumb idea, Mary. Unfortunately it won't work. The
entireinstrument must be porportionally longer in order for the final
product to be in tune. If you simply had a very long barrel you
might get the throat tones (nearest to the barrel) in reasonably
good tune, but as you went lower on the clarinet you would begin
to have serious intonation problems with the greatest ones at the
lower end of the clarinet.

You have two options: (1) learn to transpose A clarinet music as you
hold the B-flat instrument in your hands, (2) buy an A clarinet. Even
characteristic sound of the A clarinet will not be achieved. There are
those who suggest that this makes no difference, but others would
disagree with that view.

Your question was excellent. I hope to see many more from you in the
future.

====================================
Dan Leeson, Los Altos, California
(leeson@-----.edu)
====================================

   
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