Klarinet Archive - Posting 001532.txt from 1998/04

From: "line ringuette" <lringuet@-----.net>
Subj: [klarinet] Re: material confusion
Date: Mon, 27 Apr 1998 13:09:43 -0400

Hi There,

I do realize that this discussion has been taking place for a long time
now, but I do have a few questions to ask:
1) I am planning on buying a bass clarinet this summer. I am considering
buying a plastic one and having it overhauled to pro-model specs.
(undercutting, pads...). This would save me lots of $$$, and plastic being
lighter in weight than wood would definitively be a relief for my arms
(tendonitis). I have absolutely nothing against plastic, in fact, one of
the most beautiful bass cl. sounds I've ever heard came from a player I
know who played on a plastic Vito. She was a very good player (played only
bass - not sop. clarinets) and had the most pure, focused, in-tune,
velvety, beautiful and round tone I've heard on bass.

Question: Though I will purchase what I sound the best on; if it happens to
be plastic, how would that affect my being asked to play in orchestras? I
know that some people would be ok with plastic, but I'm afraid that not
everyone out there would be. Is there a chance that I might encounter
problems with being asked for return engagements once people see what I'm
playing on? Now I know......HOW I play should be the bottom line....BUT I
think we all know that that's not always the case (perception can be easily
influenced). Should I be considering this aspect at all when I go make the
purchase?

<snip>
>
> I would hope you would buy a clarinet because you liked the way
> it played in your hands and if that happens to be greeline,
> so what? If it is made of cheddar cheese and you like it,
> then buy it. Like many clarinetists you are obsessed with a
> non issue; i.e., that somehow wood is materially better than
> any other medium, and that is a very questionable hypothesis.
>
>> Stop being a prisoner of social pressure and buy what pleases you.
>

I agree with this!!! But, can it cause me problems if I am the only one
who agrees?
Thank You
Line Ringuette
lringuet@-----.net

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