Klarinet Archive - Posting 000168.txt from 1997/02

From: "Edwin V. Lacy" <el2@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Buffet Greenline
Date: Fri, 7 Feb 1997 11:08:52 -0500

On Thu, 6 Feb 1997, jjchang wrote:

[........]
> understand how a Greenline, made from compost, and an R-13 could be the
> same price. I don't know, either, but I really liked the Greenline. So, is
> the price worth it, or is a true wood (R-13) better than a compost?

I have had a couple of instruments and thousands of reeds which should
have been compost, but the I think the material you refer to is a
"composite," meaning it consists of two different materials bonded
together: grenadilla wood fibres or particles, and carbon resin.
So actually, a composite clarinet of this type _is_ "true wood;" at
least, a significant percentage of it is.

But, you say the clarinet was "really nice?" And, you "really liked
it?" What more would you want to know than that? As to the value
received, the Greenline should not be susceptible to cracking, so that
might be worth something.

I should say that I have never played on one of these instruments of
composite materials. However, I do have an all-plastic Loree oboe, which
can't be distinguished from a wooden one by its playing characteristics.
Many oboists have played on it, and unless they notice that it is a
little heavier or I tell them that it is plastic, they probably won't
notice what the material is. Also, Fox has been making excellent
bassoons and oboes from materials other than wood for a long time. If
proper care is taken in manufacturing, there is no reason why a synthetic
instrument cannot be of superior quality.

If you like the instrument, go for it!

Ed Lacy
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Dr. Edwin Lacy University of Evansville
Professor of Music 1800 Lincoln Avenue
Evansville, IN 47722
el2@-----.edu (812)479-2754
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