Klarinet Archive - Posting 000554.txt from 2002/04

From: David Naden <dnaden@-----.org>
Subj: RE: [kl] Prestige RC vs. Prestige R13
Date: Fri, 19 Apr 2002 13:52:12 -0400

Tom--

Until my set of RC Prestige instruments were stolen in January 2001, they
were my choice of instrument for over 15 years. During my tenure with the
661st Air Force Band, I had the opportunity to play on Prestige R13 Bb
instruments, and in my opinion, the Prestige R13s DO NOT compare to the
Prestige RCs. While this sounds biased, I played R13s from the time I began
learning clarinet in 1975, until I bought my set of Prestige RCs in 1985.

For me, I discovered that I preferred the "darker" sound of the Prestige RC
instruments. While this is subjective, I believe that the difference in the
design of the RC bore (compared to the R13 bore) allows RC instruments
(Prestige or not) to have a stronger fundemental pitch with fewer overtones
(I hope that I am stating this correctly) to the pitch.

My suggestion is that you try both instruments, and go with the bore design
that you prefer. The one caveat to purchasing a Prestige instrument is that
the number of instruments that you may be able to try may be limited.

David S. Naden, MMus
Cal State University Los Angeles
(dnaden@-----.edu)

-----Original Message-----
From: Tom.Henson@-----.com]
Subject: [kl] Prestige RC vs. Prestige R13

Good morning to all!

In my ongoing search for an A clarinet I have just sent back 3 R13
Greenlines to IMS which I play tested.

Lisa did her usual good job of picking out good sounding clarinets, but I
was not happy with the quality of the blanks used. The tenons all had small
chips and were generally roughly finished. Buffet's one of a kind machine
for making Greenlines is broken right now and they had no stock of Festival
Greenlines in A which I was wanting as I have one in Bb that is great. From
what I gather it could be a while before they start making them again.

Now I am considering testing a Prestige model. I already know about some
people having problems with a middle tenon wobble, but figure this can be
worked out, if and when needed.

My big question now is whether to look at the RC bore or the R13 bore. I
tend to like a European sound which is not as bright as the typical R13. I
understand also that this is the last incarnation of bore design on the R13
by Robert Caree (not sure of spelling) and is supposed to improve intonation
as well as some other problems.

Can anyone out there comment on their experience between the two. Right now
I am leaning toward the RC to try out as I have heard a couple of recordings
of the Mozart concerto with this instrument and was impressed by the
difference in tone that I heard which I liked.

I would also welcome any comments from people who use both Bb and A on a
regular basis as to the value of trying to match the set. I have been told
that it is best from a finger and mouthpiece setup standpoint to have a
matched set to minimize any possible differences in keys and setup needs.

Thanks

Tom Henson

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