Klarinet Archive - Posting 000837.txt from 2002/03

From: Tski1128@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Re: C Clarinets
Date: Fri, 29 Mar 2002 20:10:51 -0500

C clarinets are not a substitute for being able to transpose. They have a unique sound unto themselves. Perhaps more different than any of the other clarinets have to each other. I'm astonished at home many clarinetists can't transpose a Bb clarinet off of a concert pitched line. This is a really basic skill that should be practiced right after a student can play through the Rose etudes. I've played many opera where I've played one performance on C and the next one on Bb and in almost every case the conductor noticed and said the C was a much lighter, more compact sound he they liked better. It sounds better for some things.
I think everyone playing klezmer should have one, just because I think it's necessary to in the study of the old tunes that were played on the C. On Klezmer concerts I always use the C, and Bass. On Bar Mitva's I only use the Bb. Alot of the tunes are the same.
I have played every make f C clarinet there is this is how I've rated them.

Steve Fox C absolutly the best C I've played, better than the Buffet prestige! The low d is really cool

Buffet Prestige. The instrument I own. A really great instrument----- very expensive

Patricola rosewood - Played one on a gig it was OK, intonation wasn't as "on" as the prestige, and the sound wasn't as intense as I would have liked. It didn't feel like other instruments I play, maybe if I played the other patricola clarinets I would like it better.

Noblet.... I owned one for 2 years I thought it was a piece of crap! I had to muscle it in tune, the sound wasn't flexible, It cost as much as a new R13 Bflat. It was a real student horn for a pro price.

Opus. An OK C, but way to expensive, for an instrument that didn't seem to have "it"

and now the clarinet I would buy tommorow it I didn't have on and the fact that Yamaha doesn't have and SEV-C
.... Buffet E11 C This instrument plays damn near as good as the Prestige and is $3000 less!!!!!

Tom Puwalski former principal clarinetist with the US Army Field Band,Clarinetist with LOX&Vodka and author of the Clarinetist Guide To Klezmer

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