Klarinet Archive - Posting 000500.txt from 2001/12

From: fred.sheim@-----.net
Subj: Re: [kl] Need Advice
Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2001 15:39:25 -0500

Hi Natalie,

This is true. I am 54 but can remember that in high school the future
looked as though it would never arrive. Believe me, it arrives before you
can blink an eye. And if you're like I was then, you don't believe me : D
But it does. I know that doesn't make the pain of wanting any easier now
but keep it buried in the back of your brain- later in life you will see
that it is true.

As for the E-12, I have tried several mid grade clarinets for my collegues
who wished to purchase them for their children, and can honestly say most
of them felt and sounded just like my R-13. The differences might not be
noticeable until we get to play first chair in the New York Philharmonic!
Have you tried to write down a list of the differences? Make a two column
list. The left column is the E-12 and the right column is the R-13. Put
down the DIFFERENCES between the two. Let's see- they have the same range,
same sheen, both black, both the same length? Can anyone help here?
Intonation? Does the E-12 randomly play quarter tones out of pitch?
Probably not. Mechanism? Are the keys similar to the slag metal of the
cheap Chinese imports, or are they solidly made by a top notch reputable
company? Wood? Is it cracked and knotty? Tone- if the tone is dead maybe
you got a BAD E-12. Try others. I am sure they are not all bad. Or a new
mouthpiece or barrel. The main tone generator IS the mouthpiece, barrel
combination. Now, how many differences did you find, and how many of those
are cosmetic or unnecessary? Is "R-13" a status symbol for you? Doesn't
have to be. Impress everyone with your skill, not your equipment.
Equipment is used by you. Skill is part of you. Which do you think is
more important to possess. An E-12 won't hold you back.

Above all be happy. Everything in life changes, and all desires can be
achieved if you want and try hard enough. Really. Except the blessing of
health. That must be guarded if you are lucky enough to already possess it.

And by the way, I know it is none of my business to butt in, but I think
that your parents handled this is the worst possible way. Having this as a
gift item sort of made it a double hit for you. But remember again, you
are Natalie, your skill comes from inside, not your equipment.

Fred

At 01:05 PM 12/31/01 -0700, you wrote:
>Dear Natalie,
> Sorry you had to go through all this. I'm sure that everything will
>work out fine. You will sound wonderful on the E-12 and someday you will
>have an R-13 or any clarinet that you want. ANNIE
>
>
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