Klarinet Archive - Posting 001533.txt from 1998/04

From: "Dan Leeson: LEESON@-----.edu>
Subj: [klarinet] Plastic bass clarinet
Date: Mon, 27 Apr 1998 13:09:44 -0400

> From: MX%"klarinet@-----.63
> Subj: [klarinet] Re: material confusion

> 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

Your problems with your plastic bass clarinet lies elesewhere. And it
would be true if you had a traditional wooden bass clarinet of the
same range. Specifically, more and more orchestral work requires
the ability to play low D, low D-flat, and low C. And if you don't
have those notes, that would be a much more likely reason why you
might not be invited back rather than the use of a plastic instrument.

Do you really believe that any cares what you play on provided you
are competent and sound well on your instrument and that it tunes well?

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

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