Klarinet Archive - Posting 000770.txt from 1997/04

From: Fred Jacobowitz <fredj@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: E-Flat clarinets (which ones are good?) (long)
Date: Thu, 24 Apr 1997 16:53:42 -0400

Gerry,
AVOID PLASTIC EEFERS LIKE THE PLAGUE!!!!!!!!! They are so out of
tune it is pathetic. They really are good only for elementary school
bands where tuning is not an issue. In my experience, it is VERY difficult
to find an in-tune eefer and buying a top brand is no guarantee - in fact,
Selmers have a horrible reputation where eefers are concerned (as well as
C clarinets, basset horns, etc.).
The mouthpiece does make a difference in tuning, unlike on a
b-flat where it is rare that individual notes are vastly better on
different mouthpieces. I found that with my Vandoren B-44 I was less in
tune than on my refaced Buffet stock mouthpiece (believe it or not, they
include a real hard rubber one - not a plastic piece of junk - with their
eefers).
I just posted a reply to someone else seeking an eefer about a
Normandy I'd like to sell. I'm asking $800 and it is a FABULOUSLY in-tune
instrument.

Fred Jacobowitz
Clarinet/Sax Instructor, Peabody Preparatory

On Tue, 22 Apr 1997, Gerry Gramozis wrote:

> Hello everyone. I am looking for opinions about the E-Flat clarinet;
> specifically, which one to buy.
>
> The situation I most frequently find myself in that requires the use
> of an E-flat clarinet is in community bands, small ensembles,
> teaching, and other volunteer positions. And to narrow it down further,
> it usually would be only one song out of a whole concert. In other words,
> this instrument would definately be a secondary instrument
> (The primary clarinets I use are my B-flat and A [Buffet Prestige]).
>
> If I had the money I would buy a Buffet Prestige, however, I dont have
> the money. Does anyone have any experience on plastic E-flat's? Are
> they sufficient for the type of playing I will be doing. Is the Vito (Leblanc)
> student, plastic model any good? What other student models have
> anyone played or heard? Are there ones that I definately should avoid?
>
> PS: The mouthpiece I would be using is the Vandoren Crystal mouthpiece.
>
> Thanks very much in advance for any help. It is apprecaited. :)
>
> Gerry
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
> -------------------
> Gerry Gramozis, B.A.
> Psychology Laboratory Technicain - Douglas College
> Work: (604) 527-5857
> Email: Gerry_Gramozis@-----.ca
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
> -------------------
>
>
>
>

   
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