Klarinet Archive - Posting 000236.txt from 1996/09

From: Robert Spring <Robert.Spring@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: "GreenLine" clarinets
Date: Sat, 14 Sep 1996 23:36:32 -0400

I do not know of, nor have I heard any of the accusations that you make
before. I saw plenty of Greenline horns at the ClarinetFest in Paris this
past summer, including some models that are not currently available in the
United States. I have been playing a Greenline for one year. I still
think that it is the best Buffet that I have owned, and I have had 7 Bb's
over the years. I will purchase an A as they become available, hopefully
this next year.

I do not feel a difference, with the exception that they are easier to play
softy in the high register. I think perhaps this is because the material
allows for a better seal since the material is less porous than wood. I
highy recommend them, and have several students now playing on them.
Rather than being inferior, I feel they are superior in many ways. And
living in Arizona, , knowing it will not crack is wonderful as well.

On the subject of different materials used to produce clarinets, what are
>list members' thoughts on Buffet Crampon's "GreenLine" clarinets
>(composed from a mix of wood and carbon I believe)?
>
>I have the impression that they are being little purchased by the French
>themselves. Do you believe Buffet Crampon could be merely making use of
>the high percentage of rejected/wasted wood (well over 80%) and playing
>upon other countries' awareness of environmental impact and recycling or
>are there really distinct advantages to these clarinets?
>
>Whilst the shocking depletion of African blackwood and the inherent
>conditions under which this is being carried out should be made aware to
>all of us, as with the high percentage of waste (and the fact that the
>production of wood instruments may one day be a thing of the past) I
>personally prefer the traditional wooden instrument over GreenLine (a
>very marginal difference) but apparently claims by Buffet are to the
>effect that the material of these instruments is more stable, resulting
>in lesser fluctuation of intonation and that a quality equal to that of
>conventional clarinets is being acknowledged by professionals.
>--
>Elizabeth Lim

----
Dr. Robert S. Spring, Professor of Music (Clarinet)
School of Music
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ 85287-0405
http://www.asu.edu/cfa/music/
President-elect - International Clarinet Association
Office - 602/965-4306, FAX - 602-965-2659, Home - 602/345-8013