Klarinet Archive - Posting 000171.txt from 2002/03
From: "Buckman, Nancy" <nebuckman@-----.us>
Subj: RE: [kl] Variation on buying a new clarinet
Date: Mon, 11 Mar 2002 09:20:21 -0500
Daniel,
I, too, have a Patricola Eb made of rosewood(and a Patricola everything else
in rosewood). It is a great instrument. Kelly Abraham's advice on trying
and choosing instruments is right on the money. Eb clarinets are as
different as night and day from one brand to the next and even within the
same brand very often, so you really must try as many of them as possible
before you choose a specific brand.
My reasons for choosing the Patricola were varied and personal. I have a
perfectly fine set of Buffet R-13's which includes an Eb clarinet. I also
have carpel tunnel problems. The rosewood clarinets are lighter in weight
than grenadilla wood. That alone was a big drawing card for me. The feel
of the instrument in my hands just felt right for me. My hands are small
and the keywork laid better under my fingers. The craftsmanship of the
Patricola line is excellent and that was very apparent when I held the
instruments in my hands.
I had the opportunity to try different instruments within the Patricola
line, as well as many other handmade clarinets at ClarinetFest, and that was
a help too. The rosewood instrument definitely has a different sound, but I
like the difference. To me it is somewhat brighter and sweeter than my
Buffet and is responsive without sounding whiney. Its scale is impeccable.
In that respect alone it is a far better instrument than my Buffet.
Rosewood does require a little extra care, but it isn't excessive and takes
very little extra time in the big picture.
The one drawback though, was that my Hite mouthpieces that I used on my
Buffets would not play well on the Patricola instruments. After spending
weeks of trying mouthpieces, I chose Gregory Smith mouthpieces. I wanted
wooden mouthpieces and not everyone makes wooden mouthpieces. I bought coco
bola wood mouthpieces for use on my other Patricola clarinets. Nobody makes
wooden ones for Eb clarinet that I have found yet so, I bought a rubber one
from Greg because I personally like having my mouthpieces feel the same from
one to the next. I am switching from one instrument to another a lot and
for me that was important. Everyone who has tried my little clarinet is
impressed with its quality and responsiveness. They seem to be equally
surprised at it's sound.
The big selling card for the Patricola line, in my opinion, is the value for
the money. Their instruments are quality from top to bottom. They play
well, they feel good in the hand, they are well constructed and help from
the Patricola family has been superb when I have needed it. They come in
beautiful cases with all the extras except for mouthpieces, and Patricola
tells you this upfront. Best of all though, they didn't cost nearly as much
as the same quality Buffet, Yamaha or Leblanc models. I chose to purchase
mine from Muncy Winds and have had excellent service from them also.
For some reason, anything "outside the box" is not desirable by others.
There are many wonderful craftspeople out there whose instruments and
mouthpieces should be examined before you make a final decision. If you
approach choosing you new instrument without a lot of pre-conceived ideas
you will be certain to find what is right for you. Best of luck in your
search and take time to enjoy the opportunity to play with so many new toys
while tracking down the "ultimate eefer".
Nancy
Nancy E. Buckman, Technical Assistant
School of Health Professions, Wellness and Physical Education
Anne Arundel Community College
Arnold, MD 21012-1895 USA
Phone 410-777-2316 Fax 410-777-2233
E-mail nebuckman@-----.us
-----Original Message-----
From: NoName4882@-----.com]
Subject: [kl] Variation on buying a new clarinet
Hi everyone, this is my first post. I've been playing with the idea of
buying an Eb Clarinet, and I was wondering what brands and models are good
on
that. I'm very loyal to my Buffet Bb and A, but I'm curious if maybe
another
company does a better job with the Eb. I know that ultimately I'll have to
get what's "best for me," but as a priliminary step, what do you all have to
say?
Thanks,
Daniel
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