Klarinet Archive - Posting 001166.txt from 1997/10

From: Hekan Lundberg <hakan@-----.net>
Subj: Re: Buffet Festivals
Date: Sun, 26 Oct 1997 16:15:03 -0500

Composer16@-----.com wrote:
>
> In a message dated 97-10-26 01:43:29 EST, you write:
>
> << LeBlanc (France - Student line: Vito) also offers a variety of Bb
> Clarinet. Their top of the line is the "Opus" with their "Concerto" and
> "Iterniti" as seconds. >>
>
> I must say that I have to disagree with that remark. The opus and the
> Concerto are the exact same horn, acoustic wise. The opus just has a lot of
> fancy gizmos that some people can do without. However, the Concerto has a
> more lyrical tone quality, and is more flexible. It sounds great in
> orchestras, on down to jazz bands. i use my Concerto for orchestra, band,
> and jazz band. And i've always got good comments on how they loved the
> sound. The Opus is more for the strictly orchestral clarinettist. So, for
> my interests, and what I do, the Concerto works for me.
> Chris

Yes, you are right. My intention was not to say that the Concerto wasn't
as good as the Opus - it is a very good instrument with a very good
sound and tone quality. What I meant was that their Opus has that
"little extra" (fancy gizmos). I have heard that there is a difference
is the barrel bore design - but I do not know for sure (and if it is
- one can by an extra barrel made for the other instrument).
When the wood is left unstained one can also be more sure that there is
no defects in the graining - one can see if the fibers really are of the
best quality and that the Xylems of the fibers aren't bad (but I agree
- this is maby a little bit "fancy"). The Concerto are also available
with Silverplated keys if one prefers that. (I wonder why they havent
started plating the keys with Platina/Palladium alloys - they resist
tearing and wear much much better than silver. (but they are more
expencive than gold - thats probbably why). Gold/titaniumnitride alloy
is also a very resistant plating material that could be used. Nickel
plating is resistant but unfortunately (at least in Europe) there is a
problem with nickel allergy - and one can get allergy by touching nicel
often - especially when young. They should really try to find another
material for beginning clarinet keys. Also to let young girls have
ear-rings made out of nickel-alloys is crazy.

Hekan Lundberg