Klarinet Archive - Posting 001558.txt from 1998/04

From: Agrenci <Agrenci@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [klarinet] Plastic bass clarinet
Date: Mon, 27 Apr 1998 19:13:39 -0400

Line,
I agree with Dan Leeson's comment below that your problem with a plastic bass
clarinet will have nothing to do with the material. He is correct that no one
makes an extended range bass clarinet, although extensions can be purchased
separately. I have never tried one of these, and have no idea how well they
play, but have seen them advertised.

Even if such an extension would be acceptable you will still have the problem
that, to my knowledge (someone correct if I'm wrong) no one is presently
manufacturing a plastic bass clarinet with a proper register machanism. A
double register mechanism (one which switches the vent between clarion D and
E) is really an acoustical requirement. I have played some Bundy and Vito
basses which sound quite adequate in the chalumeau range, but not above.

Unfortunately, I think you are correct to be concerned about what people will
think of the brand of instrument you play. If you are already known to be a
fine player, you can play whatever you wish as long as you play at a high
standard. But, if you show up to your first gig with a Bundy clarinet, you
will have a difficult time being taken seriously. I don't agree with this, but
it has been very true in my professional experience.

Andy Grenci

>> 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?
>
>
>
>
>
>>
>>
>> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
>> For additional commands, e-mail: klarinet-help@-----.org
>> For other problems, e-mail: klarinet-owner@-----.org
>>
>=======================================
>Dan Leeson, Los Altos, California
>Rosanne Leeson, Los Altos, California
>leeson@-----.edu
>=======================================

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