Klarinet Archive - Posting 000913.txt from 1998/09

From: "Peter Randell" <bardell@-----.ca>
Subj: Re: [kl] Re: [Re: [kl] The Best Clarinets]
Date: Thu, 24 Sep 1998 18:55:24 -0400

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> From: ROBERT ABRAHAM <rkabear@-----.net>
> To: klarinet@-----.org
> Subject: [kl] Re: [Re: [kl] The Best Clarinets]
> Date: Thursday, September 24, 1998 1:51 AM
>
> Beth,
>
> I have a 1987 Prestige, and love it. It has a much more forward sound
than the R13s I've tried (which have been many) without being too bright,
but...if you want something to cut through, try the Elite...guaranteed to
make your brass players quiver...I shudder to think of it in a chamber
ensemble because of the toy-like feeling of no resistance, but it has a
controllable sound that brightly cuts through...'nuff said.
>
> As far as the Opus, I really like the Opus, and would buy one, if the
Prestige models were discontinued, because I like it's playing
characteristics better than the Buffet R13 or Selmer Recital. About the
person who didn't like the Opus...did they try a multitude of
mouthpiece/reed combinations? The playing is *different* than a Buffet,
just not as different as the traditional LeBlancs. If the person tried
using their old setup, it probably would give them a different kind of
resistance, maybe more, maybe less. The Opus might be worth pursuing.
>
> Have you thought about taking 4 or 5 clarinettists with you to try out
different horns? I would assume (and you know what that does) that you
would not be playing *all* of the 10 horns in a concert. Get feedback side
by side, and compare notes (with different setups also.) 10 clarinets is a
large amount, and you might even find (if you have some of the people who
are going to be using these horns with you) that they will have varying
thoughts on which is best, and which they would rather use. Mix and match,
if it suits your needs. There is no law saying that all of the clarinets in
a section have to be identical make clarinets.
>
> Back to the Prestige horns and the RC bore. The RC bore might be a good
idea for volume, even if you don't get a Prestige (which comes in R13 and
RC bore). The regular RC clarinet has the regular R13 keywork with the
larger bore, poly- cylindrical upper joint and a
> conical lower joint and bell, which gives the horn a really big sound. I
am biased towards the Prestige R13 and RC bore instruments, because I like
the keywork over the R13, but if the bore is the reason for liking the
clarinet, the regular RC bore Buffet model would be great too. Try the
Opus, the R13, the RC, the Elite, the Selmer Recital, and one or two of the
different bored models of the professional Yamaha line together with maybe
6 or 7 different facing/bore combination mouthpieces, with several people
switching back and forth. You might could even blindfold them, so they
don't choose the model that they *think* will best suit them. Then, if you
still need volume, you can always put a metal mouthpiece on it (ugh! Just
kidding!) Good luck on the search.
>
> Kelly Abraham
> Woodwinds/Computer Geek
> New York City
> **********************************************************************
> > However, I have been looking into buying about 10 professional model
clarinets for the army reserve band I'm in. I talked to the principal
clarinetist with the KC Symphony, and he has played on both Buffet and
LeBlanc. He bought the Opus model which is supposed to have a bigger, more
orchestral sound. He advised me that his experience was the contrary, that
the sound was smaller, and it worked o.k. for chamber music, but he was
constantly having problems with getting a big enough sound with the
symphony. He went back to Buffet, and I think he has a Festival and a
Vintage, if I remember correctly. When I spoke to him he wasn't aware of
Klarinet, so he's probably not on the list to correct me. :) It was very
educational.
>
> > I'm looking to buy R-13 Vintages, mainly for the sound. WE have a very
brass heavy ensemble and I'm looking for a horn with a big enough sound to
overcome this without sounding awful.
>
> > any and all comments you all have -- and I know you all will have them
will be appreciated as to what opinions you have about which clarinet will
cut through a massive brass section against three soprano clarinets.
>
> Beth
>
>
>
> Get free e-mail and a permanent address at http://www.netaddress.com/?N=1
>
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------
>

Kelly:-

Are you aware that whenever you send a posting,we
get multiple copies of it?????????

Four copies of above were received.

Regards
Peter Randell.

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