Klarinet Archive - Posting 000340.txt from 1998/06

From: "Jay D. Webler" <webler@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Plastic Clarinets Was: [kl] Re: Normandy Clarinet
Date: Tue, 9 Jun 1998 11:54:47 -0400

I spent 10 years in the Air Force as a percussionist and did my share of parades. I
don't remember any of the Clarinetist bringing plastic instruments. Most of them
marched with their R-13. I am thankful that I was not brought up in a school that
emphasized marching bands. I agree that it this is the primary use of the horn than
plastic is probably the way to go. My music teacher did not like doing marching band
and spent most of his time emphasizing musical quality (I am not saying that marching
bands don't empahsize this). Of all the music I have played over the years I must say
that marching a 5 mile parade; playing cadences all the way was the least rewarding of
all. I do enjoy watching a good Drum & Bugle Corp but they don't use Clarinets. But I
must say that my curiosity toward the new line of plastic clarinets is perked up and I will
try them out to see if I can perhaps recommend them to my students. I get back to you
when I have had time to do this.

Jay Webler
webler@-----.net
On Mon, 8 Jun 1998 08:28:04 -0700, Sherry Katz wrote:

>I commented on this already, but I'd like to elaborate. I think that
>plastic clarinets are better than wood for student instruments. I have been
>playing off and on for almost 40 years, but I still like a plastic clarinet
>for situations where I am concerned that I might damage my wood instrument.
>My main clarinet is a Yamaha YCL-72, but recently because I am joining a
>community marching band and because my YCL-52 needs to go into the shop for
>some work, I got a YCL-20.
>
>The YCL-20 is a lot of fun to play. The keywork is great. The sound is not
>bad at all, not the YCL-72, but one of its main attributes is that it
>doesn't project as well - which is a big advantage when practicing. It is
>also considerably lighter - which is better for young children. And the
>intonation is excellent. It is actually better than the intonation was on
>my older Normandy.
>
>This mailing list has gone round and round that the attributes of wood
>really don't have much to do with the sound, its the quality of the work.
>I've tried a number of the newer plastic clarinets - including the Bundy 300
>which had great sound but I don't like the keywork (just personal
>preference) - and I think a plastic clarinet is a better choice for a
>student. In fact I think plastic clarinets for the most part are better
>than inexpensive wooden ones. They offer: light weight (important for a
>child), durability, the ability to be played outside, decent sound, and good
>intonation. Once the child has shown that he or she is serious about the
>instrument and demonstrates staying power, then it makes sense to look for a
>used professional level instrument.
>
>
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