Klarinet Archive - Posting 000875.txt from 1997/12

From: "Dan Leeson: LEESON@-----.edu>
Subj: German clarinets in French systems
Date: Fri, 19 Dec 1997 09:33:34 -0500

NYSAP (who never signs his postings with his name or else I would use
it) says that he tried a German clarinet with a French system and
found it lacking in sound quality and intonation. He also suggested
that a friend of his was forced to switch because he was having
intonation and projection problems.

As a result of his experiences, he has come to the conclusion that
the German clarinet made in the French system is insufficiently
professional.

I would like to know which of the several brands of German clarinets
that are made in a French system he had occasion to use.

My experience has been exactly the opposite. That does not mean that
I am correct, but it does show variation from person to person.
However, I only tried a Hammerschmidt and a Wurlitzer. There are
at least 4 or 5 additional manufacturers who make a clarinet in
a German bore (which is one of the most critical differences between
French and German clarinets after the obvious one of fingering
mechanisms) but in a French system, two of which are in China. No
kidding! Now such instruments may be (I do not suggest that they ARE)
deficient. I don't know and never played on one.

But without a better explanation of the circumstances, the brand,
the mouthpiece, etc., it is difficult to understand NYSAP's
rejection of all German clarinets produced in French systems.

And it can also be said that a single experience with a bad Buffet
or Selmer or LeBlanc clarinet is insufficient reason to reject
all of them. In effect, there is not enough real data in what
NYSAP said to draw any firm conclusions.

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Dan Leeson, Los Altos, California
Rosanne Leeson, Los Altos, California
leeson@-----.edu
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