Klarinet Archive - Posting 000083.txt from 1997/11

From: "David C. Blumberg" <reedman@-----.com>
Subj: Leblanc Tom R. thick walls??
Date: Tue, 4 Nov 1997 14:17:28 -0500

Another Instrument designer Anthony Gigliotti looks at the "notion" of materials
not making a sound (tone) difference as ludicrous. I would wonder if the Opus
has thicker walls then the Concerto, as since it is said to be an acoustical
twin of the Concerto (bore). Tom R. am I correct ?? (I have no information
either way, only a gut feeling, which is as unscientific as you get)

David Blumberg
Principal Clarinet Riverside Sym.
Adjunct Clarinet Instructor Univ. Penn.
reedman@-----.com

Tom R. wrote:

> The instrument Ricardo was playing was most likely an Opus acoustic, which
> forms the basis of the new Leblanc Rosewood clarinet, model Symphony VII
> which will be released soon. It also has a number of other features not
> found on either Concerto or Opus clarinets that Ricardo wanted. This clarinet
> was the last thing I developed before I left Leblanc this past July.
> The Rosewood has certain features of response and tone that are truly
> appealing: a more mellow quality, a softer (in texture) tone, rounder high
> tones and more response in the soft dynamic levels. Ricardo felt he wanted a
> clarinet like that after he heard so many fine oboist play rosewood oboes. He
> was right. The Rosewood is not for everybody, but it is wonderful for
> certain players and in certain performance contexts.
> Tom Ridenour
> rclarinet@-----.com
Tom....
I know you and I have visited about the idea that materials make all the
difference in the world, and your post here supports that idea. I just
wonder why there is so much opposition to the fact that you have
researched and developed such outstanding instruments and, in fact,
determined that materials are very important?
Would you mind commenting on the kinds of research you did regarding
selection of materials (woods, plastics, etc...) that helped you develop
the Leblanc line?
Thanks for your help!
Roger Garrett