Klarinet Archive - Posting 000453.txt from 1998/03

From: "Dan Leeson: LEESON@-----.edu>
Subj: RE: Woodwind
Date: Sat, 7 Mar 1998 10:01:29 -0500

> From: MX%"klarinet@-----.25
> Subj: Woodwind

>
> I was wondering about wood instruments. When you buy a wood clarinet, does
> the playing sound quality changes (bad) on the instrument as it gets older?

Interesting question. There are two extreme views on the matter and
neither side really knows if the the other is full of baloney, though
both sides talk as if they are.

The phenomenon is referred to as "blow out." We went through some heavy
duty discussion on this very thing at least 3 years ago and then again
about 2 years ago. Look it up on sneezy using "blow out" as your search
words. Stan Geidel has a piece on it at his web site. Find his site
on sneezy also.

The two sides are these: older clarinets develop problems that cause
the instrument to play less well over time. It is impossible to
predict when this will happen but 10 years is an estimated average.
When it happens, throw out your clarinet (or sell it to someone stupid)
and buy a new one. Then you'll sound like a king again.

Other side: crapulosum!! The entire phenomenon of clarinet deterioration
is both untrue and absurd. Clarinets do not wear out and they don't
get blown out, either. What scientific evidence supports such an
absurd theory? What is the technical basis for assuming that it
exists?

Now go read and learn. Then come back and let us know which side you
have decided you want to be on. Having made this decision, the other
side will then find where you live and kill you.

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

   
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