Klarinet Archive - Posting 001616.txt from 1998/04

From: Kenneth Wolman <kwolman@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Re: [klarinet] Wood vs. Plastic vs. Metal
Date: Tue, 28 Apr 1998 12:42:30 -0400

>It did not sound the same as a high-quality, professional level, clarinet,
>right? And given the price differential, would you expect it to? The
>difference in the two categories of instruments lies much more in the
>design and the manufacturing process than in the material.

I was just surprised at HOW unalike the two instruments sounded. I'd never
played a plastic horn before. I hardly expected musical magic from a Vito,
but this thing was kinda sad. I remember centuries ago (1953) going with
my father to rent a clarinet from Bronin's Music on Simpson Street in the
Bronx: a metal horn in a long case. The first instrument I owned was some
sort of offbrand French wood clarinet that was bought new for about a
hundred bucks back in late 1950s. It was okay.

>I have posted this before, but I have an all-plastic Loree oboe, and I
>would challenge you to tell the difference in it and a wooden one. So
>far, even professional oboists have not been able to tell which was being
>played.

I have heard that plastic or compound double-reeds are far more prevalent
at the professional level than are plastic or compound clarinets. Not to
mention just as pricey. What is it about the types of instruments that
allows manufacturers to produce a pro-level plastic oboe or bassoon?

Ken

Kenneth Wolman Information Technology Morgan Stanley Inc.
750 Seventh Avenue New York, NY 212-762-1685
My unpaid life: http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Gallery/1649
"I only wish I could write with both hands, so as not to forget
one thing while I am saying another." -- St. Teresa of Avila

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