Klarinet Archive - Posting 000737.txt from 1996/08

From: Starr Wayne <starrs@-----.NET>
Subj: R13's
Date: Wed, 28 Aug 1996 22:24:08 -0400

Thanks for the message.I certainly agree that the idea of playing on a
beautiful-looking wooden instrument certainly can enhance one's tone.
I am sure that I am susceptible to that also. And yes, the key work on
a higher model instrument does add to ease of use. Nevertheless, I am
certain that my tone changes, depending on the instrument. It doesn't
really change that much(less than I would have expected), but it does
change.

In a lesson today, I had my student do a blind test for me.Using my
mouthpiece and reed, I played my instrument and then her
instrument.All that I played was an F Major scale three octaves. I
have an R-13 and she has a Selmer Signet. She could distinguish
betweenthe two instruments,WITH a little hesitation. But, she could do
it. Then, she used her reed and mouthpiece and played the exact same
scale on the two instruments. The difference was quite obvious. My
conclusion is that prior to acquiring a solid concept and practical
working relationship with air support, embouchure, a mental concept of
tone,etc.,one should not choose an instrument alone.Once these things
are acquired, the playing field is level in terms of genuinely
assessing the instruments qualities.

Hope that you are doing well.

Respectfully,

Starr Schaftel Wayne