Klarinet Archive - Posting 000530.txt from 1997/09

From: Edward Yadzinsky <museyadz@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: String - strang - strung
Date: Wed, 10 Sep 1997 16:15:41 -0400

On Wed, 10 Sep 1997, Steven Gordon, M.D. 729 X3151 wrote:

> The question of using a string to "create" a new clarinet has not been
> fully addressed. There are many factors to be considered before
> rejecting this as a viable mode of transposing.
>
> Contrary to what we now know is true for clarinets - that the material
> has essentially no bearing on the sound produced - the material used for
> the string is of prime importance. This ranges from cotton and wool to
> silk, and, of course synthetics and composites (Buffet has a grenadilla
> yarn which is environmentally friendly)

Dear Steven Gordon:

Excellent observations. Moreover, although Buffet's grenadilla "yarn" is
aesthetically gratifying, there are numerous accounts that the "line"
produces only "Well-Tempered" tuning - a real limitation when the
artistic conscience calls for 'Just Intonation'

Also, your insights from the April issue of Scientific American are doubly
apropos - i.e. RE e.g. - synthetics. And the very notion that one might
use the fiber "...to strangle conductors" affords untold possibility.

cheerz/yadz