Klarinet Archive - Posting 000034.txt from 1997/01

From: Fred Jacobowitz <fredj@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: My "new" E-flat ;-)
Date: Fri, 3 Jan 1997 00:58:26 -0500

Mitch, and all other eefer-phobes,
I admit it. I both love and hate the little beast. However, as the
owner of a VERY in-tune eefer, (yes, they DO exist!), and as I consider
myself an E-flat clarinet specialist (I can negotiate my way thru Daphnis)
I have some pertinent observations.
1) The main one is that unless you have a fabulous eefer, you are
rarely going to be able to guarantee any kind of decent intonation. When
buying an eefer, intonation is ******EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!******. If you
can't play in tune in an orchestra, why bother? It is very difficult to
find an in-tune one. We all know the lousy track record Buffet and Selmer
have in producing harmony clarinets (bass clarinets excluded) and
new Leblancs and Yamahas seem to be as rare as hen's teeth so I've never
even been able to try one out! Eefers are so small and the tolerances so
exact that it is very difficult to avoid mistakes which will make the
instrument out of tune. However, you can buy one if you take your time and
really look around. If you are serious, find a time to schedule a trip to
the factories (i.e. Kenosha, Farmingdale, etc.). I was lucky. I lived in
New York and was able to chose from 6 Buffet professional eefers over a
three-month period. One was good. I own it now.
2) Even with a wonderfully in-tune instrument, there is no
substitute for a great ear and LOTS of work with a tuner. You must develop
these attributes if you want to play eefer well.
3) Get used to the idea that you will have to lip virtually
every note up or down. Piccolos are notoriously sharp in the upper
register (you usually double them) and your instrument will seem sharp at
the octave with the standard-length clarinets. Learn to play very
flexibly. Tone quality (such as it is on eefer) will have to take a back
seat most of the time.
4) Eefers are louder than you think. Learn not to overblow. You
will be much more in tune and have better control. Don't worry - everyone
will hear you when you play in the upper registers no mater how loud the
or orchestra is.
5) Even with a beautiful horn you will want to do some tuning
work. I have tape in certain holes and have bought a shorter barrel. (DEG
makes an excellent one).

Fred Jacobowitz
Clarinet/Sax Instructor, Peabody Preparatory

On Tue, 31 Dec 1996, Edwin V. Lacy wrote:

> On Mon, 30 Dec 1996, Laurence Liberson wrote:
>
> >> On 12-30-96, Mitch Bassman wrote:
> >>
> >> Do any of you E-flat experts have advice on improving intonation?"
> >
> > I would advise prayer.
>
> Another thing which I have found to be very helpful in making the Eb
> clarinet less of a problem is to remove the reed and soak it in a fine
> white wine. Then, disassemble the instrument and put it in the case.
> Fish the reed out of the wine and throw it away. Drink the wine while
> contemplating your new year's resolution never to get the Eb out of the
> case again.
>
> Ed Lacy
> el2@-----.edu
>

   
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