Klarinet Archive - Posting 000467.txt from 2000/09

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausmann1@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Hypothetical question
Date: Thu, 14 Sep 2000 06:30:23 -0400

At 12:15 AM 9/14/2000 -0400, Stan Elias wrote:
>The thread about repair technicians prompted a question from someone who
>has used a no-name wooden clarinet for a long time. The question is
>this. If the mechanical parts are at least marginally functional and the
>wood is in reasonably good shape, can an expert repair/rebuild tech
>adjust tone holes, bore, key heights, etc. to make an instrument like
>mine sound, play and feel like a professional-quality instrument? I
>guess I'm really asking if it's possible, regardless of cost, to make a
>silk purse from a sow's ear.
>
I think most good techs could turn it into a REALLY GOOD sow's ear. There
may be some who could turn the alchemist's trick, but it would most likely
be easier and maybe even cheaper to just break down and buy a new pro horn
instead. Presumeably, the wood in pro instruments is of better quality,
and you won't be able to change yours in that regard, not that it should
matter very much. And basic design is different from one brand to another.
That may not be alterable without getting completely nuts (moving tone
holes, etc.) Then again, if you are a good enough player, how much
difference will it make? It used to be said that Charlie Parker could pick
up ANY old sax and make it play like Charlie Parker.

Bill Hausmann bhausmann1@-----.com
451 Old Orchard Drive http://homepages.go.com/~zoot14/zoot14.html
Essexville, MI 48732 ICQ UIN 4862265

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is too loud.

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