Klarinet Archive - Posting 001036.txt from 1999/04

From: Birch <birch@-----.ca>
Subj: [kl] Re: The Moennig Challenge
Date: Fri, 23 Apr 1999 20:31:14 -0400

Regarding the longer barrels to bring the pitch down to A440, I have no
problems with playing a 64.5mm barrel and lipping it down, save for
slight undrtone problems on the high left hand A, B, C. Though that may
be just because I'm using a cheap crappy old barrel that, otherwise,
works beautifully.

Second, regarding Alvin's statement:

"What is most frustrating for me is that I have witnessed the true
potential of the R-13 clarinet when properly set up to the proven
traditional standards of A-440."

"proven traditional standards of A-440"?!?!?! If they're so proven, why
aren't they standard? That's a pathetically America-centric statement.
It would be nice if there were a world-wide standard, though there is no
particualar reason why A-440 would be any better than A-442 or even 445.

Thirdly, I am thoroughly dismayed to discover that my suspisions about
increased automation in the Buffet clarinet factories were correct. It
is bad enough that there isn't enough good quality wood to go round any
more. Yet, it is only to be expected when Buffet is owned by Rico,
Selmer by Steinway, and Leblanc sold out to Vito and the U.S. (please
correct me if I'm wrong. It is becomming nightmareish.) Those are the
three big makers sold out. Where do I go now when I want to buy my next
horn?

One extra point: The best clarinet I have ever played (and I have played
a few) is my father's 80,000 or so (early 1960s) Buffet R-13. I weighs
almost twice as much as my 430,000 (1997) R-13 Presige, plays much
nicer, and sounds phenomenally better. And that was before he got his
pads replaced for the first time in 35 years.

Next thing we know, McDonalds will buy the whole Rico conglomerate, and
start promoting the disposable clarinet.

--Birch

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