Klarinet Archive - Posting 000723.txt from 1996/08

From: Andy Gulati <A_Gulati@-----.EDU>
Subj: Dan Leeson's remarks
Date: Wed, 28 Aug 1996 20:19:59 -0400

I'd have to say equipment does matter. It's not as important as good
practice and good training.

Since I'm not a clarinetist, I can only relate to bicycling as an example.
I could buy the lightest, handbuilt titanium bicycle, but if I don't ride
with any regularity I will cycle no faster than a trained rider on an old
Schwinn (in fact I'd probably be slower!).

When my wife asks me to *blindly* listen to the differences in clarinets,
mouthpieces, and even reeds (this can be a maddening venture!), there ARE
many times when there are distinct tone and color differences. A good
clarinet *will* provide a smooth and even tone quality, as apposed to a
bright, spread sound, which (incidently) Buffets are prone to do.

Also, don't be afraid to try other clarinet makes. Buffet is definitely not
the only game in town. In discussion with a prominent repairman, it is his
estimation that the French are saving their better wood and workmanship for
the RC's. The R-13's are prone to poor workmanship, and the quality of the
wood has declined significantly in the last 10-15 years.

Apart from tone quality, you will not get effective practice from a
clarinet that chronically does not work properly.

Andy Gulati