Klarinet Archive - Posting 000569.txt from 2002/04
From: Tom.Henson@-----.com
Subj: RE: [kl] Prestige RC vs. Prestige R13
Date: Fri, 19 Apr 2002 15:00:37 -0400
Thank you David and Chastine for being brave enough to try and answer my
question.
I did not ask this question to bait anyone, but did want people's subjective
opinions which you shared.
I was particularly interested in anyone that had actually played on both as
to what their perceived differences were.
Since Dan has gotten on to the subjective nature of tone, and the difficulty
in describing it, let me ask these questions.
Would two completely different bores (i.e.. R13 Prestige and RC Prestige)
generate the same exact fundamentals and overtones?
Why did Buffet find it necessary to create two different, but distinct
bores? Three if you count the Vintage bore.
Was this all marketing hype as Dan suggests it might be, or was there a real
purpose behind this effort?
Was the RC bore simply an attempt to improve the intonation, for which many
things have been tried in the past?
Finally, does anyone really know, except those that worked on the project at
Buffet and Robert Caree (still not sure of spelling)?
If sound or tone is the direct result of only the player, then why did I
just send back three R13 that each had a different sound.
I used the same mouthpiece, reed, and ligature. I assembled all three in a
row and simply switched out the mouthpiece as I played on all three. I also
had a person who is a professional vocalist and has an excellent ear listen
from a distance as I played each one in a row. I played exactly the same
thing on each in the same tempo. Yet, each one had a different sound that
was clearly audible. How one would describe this difference may by a subject
of much argument. The fact that they all sounded different is not. This does
not mean, given time to adapt, I could not make all three sound similar.
Why then, would everyone on this list highly recommend trying out multiple
clarinets and multiple brands if every clarinet and every brand all sounded
and played the same?
I suppose some reasons might be key design, pad type, quality control,
quality of wood and materials, etc.
But, once you narrow your search down to one particular brand that you feel
comfortable with, what makes the various models different?
Do manufacturers really make different bore designs simply for marketing
hype or is there a real reason behind this?
Maybe Dan can answer some of these questions as I can not.
I do know, that if equipment is a factor, some equipment will by nature be
easier to achieve "your" idea of sound and tone on than others, keeping in
mind that what works for you may not work for someone else.
If for no other reason than that, it is worth playing different brands and
different models of the same brand until you find one that you feel works
the best for you. Subjective, yes, but what other approach is there to
buying a clarinet?
Tom Henson
-----Original Message-----
From: David Naden [mailto:dnaden@-----.org]
Cc: David Naden
Subject: RE: [kl] Prestige RC vs. Prestige R13
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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