Klarinet Archive - Posting 000335.txt from 2000/10

From: "Clark W Fobes" <reedman@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Changes to Elite and other Buffets
Date: Sat, 7 Oct 2000 12:59:20 -0400

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"Some changes have been made to the Elite, which now is a couple of =
inches=20
longer, with an extra key at the bottom, operated by a bridge mechanism=20
attached to the register key. "

Did you really mean "inches"? This configuration sounds like a nightmare =
and a mechanical fix for a bad acoustical design. Do players other than =
rich diletantes play the Elite clarinets?

Buffet is pretty cagey when it comes to being forthright about changes =
in their clarinets. I played a Vintage a few weeks ago that was so much =
better than the intitial offerings that i don't doubt some changes have =
been made there as well.

The newest model bass clarinets (withinn the last year) are a fairly =
radical departure from
earlier versions of this "revised instrument". The double hole for the =
G/D venting is a long overdue and welcome change. The register mechanism =
has been completely redesigned
and is much better than the system used for most of this century. The =
redesign of the extension section and the addition of a bell key and =
vent hole for low C is a welcome improvement.

I still find the overall mechanism of the Buffet bass clarinets to feel =
rather clumsy and difficult to manage.

The steep angled neck, in my opinion, is uncomfortable.

Clark W Fobes

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