Klarinet Archive - Posting 000593.txt from 2002/03

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausmann1@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Introduction and questions
Date: Thu, 21 Mar 2002 06:24:43 -0500

At 09:31 PM 3/20/2002 -0700, tianshiwushendu (D) wrote:
>This brings me to my first question:
>I'm looking to upgrade my current Clarinet (a Heimer) this summer and
>have some questions as to some of the different models LeBlanc offers. Is
>there anyone on this list who has had any Experience with the Opus,
>Esprit, Infinity models offered in the key of Bb? I'm looking for an
>instrument who has better tone quality and is a little ergonomically
>comfy for a person with smaller hands and some joint problems. Also is
>there an average price range for these instruments?

If you have been negotiating a bass clarinet successfully, you should be
able to handle pretty much any Bb soprano. That being said, some Leblanc
models, particularly the Vitos, have relatively small tone holes in the
lower joint, which can help those with short fingers and difficulty
covering. Also, Leblanc's trill keys are set relatively close in to the
body, which might also help.

>Second:
>I'm currently playing a Heimer (a Chinese brand?) which is keyed in Bb
>and slightly smaller then regular clarinets. The Serial number on the
>body and keys is "46" so it is definitely an oldie. Aside from the fact
>that repairmen don't work on such clarinets, I've had no terribly
>bothersome mechanical problems. For the time being, tuning poses the
>greatest problems. The instrument is very sharp even on a good day. Is
>there a company who could make a longer barrel for such a clarinet? (This
>would have to be custom I assume , as I tried a stock barrel on the body
>and it was too big).

Best fix for a Heimer is a bonfire. It is not even suitable for a marching
band beater. The "46" on the keys is likely a mold number, rather than a
serial number, which indicates keys of cast metal rather than forged, a
very bad sign. Pick up a used plastic Bundy, Vito, Yamaha, or Evette and
consider it a substantial upgrade. Don't pour any additional money into
that one, unless maybe to wire it for use as a lamp base.

Bill Hausmann bhausmann1@-----.net
451 Old Orchard Drive
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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