Klarinet Archive - Posting 000556.txt from 2002/04

From: Glen Shannon <gshannon@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] Prestige RC vs. Prestige R13
Date: Fri, 19 Apr 2002 14:06:27 -0400

Just curious, how many instruments are in a (standard) "set"? Just 2?
Glen

>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]
>Sent: Friday, April 19, 2002 5:46 AM
>To: klarinet@-----.org
>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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