Klarinet Archive - Posting 000789.txt from 1999/12

From: Ken Wolman <ken.wolman@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Some disturbing news?
Date: Thu, 23 Dec 1999 09:40:38 -0500

bhausman@-----.com wrote:

> >IS this true? In other words, have I been had?
> >
> Theoretically, L.A. Sax is in Barrington, IL, too, but their horns, or at
> least the parts for them, come from Taiwan. My E.M. Winston soprano
> proudly proclaims "of Boston," too, but I know of no Boston on the island
> of Formosa. Taiwanese origin is not necessarily a bad thing, just not
> necesarily something you want to advertise, since it is unlikely to draw
> anyone TO the product but may well turn people AWAY from it. Actually,
> some halfway decent instruments come from Taiwan. Every new Jupiter brass
> instrument I have ever seen come through our store has had SILKY smooth
> valves and nice construction. If we can talk people into trying them, they
> are impressed. Their wood clarinets don't seem so bad, either.
> Instruments from mainland China, on the other hand...

Well, on second thought.... The horn is not bad. The intonation is
okay, the keys haven't gone flying off yet. My worst problem with it is
one mouthpiece, a Selmer metal C* classical which is simply one of the
hardest mouthpieces I've ever used in terms of maintaining consistent
intonation. I played it with the standard ligature and the Consoli, and
the Consoli HELPS but is hardly a cure. The Otto Link metal jazz mp is
a pleasure. So what do I do? I keep the horn. I'm not turning pro
next week; I don't need nor can I afford a used Selmer Mark VI (unless I
jackroll Kenny G and do myself and the musical world a favor:-); so I'll
get over my surprise and just enjoy listening to the sound of the horn
and to Jane Ira Bloom and Steve Lacy recordings. My inspirations....

Ken
---------------------------
Kenneth Wolman Deutsche Bank, NA 212-469-6494
1251 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10020

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