Klarinet Archive - Posting 000814.txt from 2001/09

From: rgarrett@-----.edu
Subj: Re: [kl] Re: Silly Stuff
Date: Tue, 25 Sep 2001 22:35:16 -0400

There are a ton of great barrels, mouthpieces, reeds, instruments,
ligatures, etc. on the market right now. A new influx is always
interesting - but one wonders if the new stuff will be consistently at the
same level of that which is already out there. One also has to wonder if
there is a single individual who can supply all needs successfully.

Personally, I look for those who specialize in specific items and try those
out - and expect the individual to have a niche that is special and
unusually appropriate for me and my students. For example - I like the
Pyne mouthpieces because Jim Pyne held a position with a symphony orchestra
that was high level - and he has 30 years of great mouthpiece work behind
him. In another way, I like the Chadash barrels - primarily because they
work and play in tune. I then look at price for my students. I always
marvel at those people who know everything, attempt to do everything well,
and then make grandiose statements about what they can do and why - this is
especially true when they have nothing to back their claims up with other
than a few happy customers - of which the majority cannot play their way
out of a paper bag.

Am I cynical? No. Am I cautious - yes.

Be careful when deciding on what you want to purchase and for what
reason. Quality yes. Price yes. Claims by the maker - be cautious.

Best wishes,
Roger Garrett

Clarinet Professor
Director, Symphonic Winds
Illinois Wesleyan University
School of Music
Bloomington, IL 61702-2900
Phone: (309) 556-3268
Fax: (309) 556-3121

"If I were to try to read, much less answer, all the attacks made on me,
this shop might as well be closed for any other business. I do the very
best I know how - the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until
the end. If the end brings me out all right, what is said against me won't
amount to anything. If the end brings me out wrong, 10 angels swearing I
was right would make no difference."
-Abraham Lincoln

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