Klarinet Archive - Posting 000559.txt from 1996/12

From: thehat@-----.org
Subj: Selmer 37 and Buffet Pres
Date: Fri, 20 Dec 1996 17:18:33 -0500

Regarding the new Selmer model 37 vs. the model 33. Whether one considers the
new model an improvement or not depends on several very specific personal
choices. I love the 33 fingering system. I think it is better thought out
than any previous or subsequent arrangement of the extension notes. Thus, I
am dissappointed by Selmer's choice to change the fingerings again. At least
they haven't gone back to the old "three-thumb-key" arrangement which
preceeded the model 33.

Michael Lowenstern's new solo bass clarinet cd "Spasm," should be available
within a few weeks of this posting on New World Records. I reccomend it to
anyone who likes the instrument. The playing is brilliant. Of all the works
on the cd, one or two were recorded on his new model 37, the rest having been
done on his model 33. I doubt anyone could tell the difference consistently
by listening. Mike liked the old fingerings better too, but he really needed
a new horn. He went to Paris to get it, and as I mentioned previously, he
learned from Jerome Selmer that some instruments were shipped to the USA with
the wrong necks in the cases. This could account for the "brightness"
comments, since the instruments with these necks will play quite sharp.

Thus, if anyone out there is trying a new Selmer, check the length of the
neck to make sure it is a longer, American-tuning neck. Otherwise, your tuner
measurements and sound evaluation will be skewed. As with any instument, some
individuals will be better than others, so try as many as possible.

David Hattner
clarinetist-at-large, NYC
-> Alice4Mac 2.5d3 E QWK Eval:04Feb96
Origin: Hat's Nut House