Klarinet Archive - Posting 000515.txt from 1998/05

From: Matthew Hanson <mchanson@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] A clarinets - new
Date: Mon, 11 May 1998 10:18:11 -0400

>James, I think you have the best scenario here. A clarinets are a bit
>less numerous than Bb's. Thus, if you have an A you like, you can try >to
>find a Bb with a similar feel and sound. I think it's more likely that
>you can try many Bb's until you find a good one. Trying many A's could >be
>well nigh impossible.

It is very unfortunate that A clarinets are not as readily available to
just go somewhere and try several.
I somewhat agree with the statement about matching your set. I do not,
however, think it is always best to match brands.
I am very comfortable with my set, which are well matched to my needs
and taste, but are very different from each other. My Bb is a Buffet
Festival (customized), and my A is a Leblanc A with low Eb and
articulated G#. I really like this instrument and although there are
very few people that play these, this paricular horn plays like a dream
for me. My only real gripes are that the extreme high register is
difficult (F# and up) and the Leblanc stock barrels can be somewhat
stuffy. This is something that an A clarinet doesn't need any more of
(resistance). However, this instument is much less resistant than most A
clarinets I've played on.
No, I'm not encouraging students to buy this instrument, but I do want
them to buy what is best for them as individuals. I like the
differences between my Buffet Bb and my Leblanc A and it is no trouble
at all for me to switch back and forth between the two.
I read a post earlier about people using the same mouthpiece for their
Bb and A. WOW! It is so rare that I can stand to use the same
mouthpiece. I would think someone would be really lucky to find a
mouthpiece they liked on both their A and Bb.
Occasionally, I'll use the same mpc, but am rarely completely happy with
it. I know there must be several people on this list that know what I'm
talking about here. :)
Matthew Hanson
Houston, TX

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