Klarinet Archive - Posting 001143.txt from 2000/02

From: "Benjamin Maas" <benmaas@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] San Francisco Sound?
Date: Tue, 29 Feb 2000 01:23:47 -0500

> In a recent clarinet studio class here at EIU, my clarinet
> teacher was discussing how clarinets in studio music used for
> "made for TV" movies and such sounds different and is actually
> called a "San Francisco" sound. He didn't know much more about
> that and we were all pretty curious. Does anyone know any more
> about this kind of sound and what it takes to produce this kind
> of sound (like what kind of setup and stuff)? I know it is
> supposedly more mellow, but what does it sound like and what is
> the difference between that and other clarinet sound qualities?
> Many thanks in advance,
> Jeni Brinkley

****and****

> could it be like the one that plays the theme on the tv show "Law and
Order?"
> I am not sure if that is synthesized or if it is a real clarinet player.
> maybe that is the "san francisco sound."

I have personally never heard of this terminology (and I've lived on the
west coast most of my life). Studio players generally have a very
distinctive sound. It is totally pure up close. It isn't necessarily dark
or bright, just clean. In the sessions, microphones are generally placed
very close to the player and therefore there cannot be any "garbage" in the
sound. Action on the instruments is quiet and there is no production noise.
Some of these player's sounds don't necessarily project in a large setting
as they are used to playing 3 feet in front of them.

As for the "Law and Order" theme, that is DEFINITELY synthesized (as are
most of the low budget tv "symphonic" music soundtracks you hear).

--Ben

Benjamin Maas
Freelance Clarinetist and Recording Engineer
Los Angeles, CA
benmaas@-----.com
http://www.fifthcircle.com

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