Klarinet Archive - Posting 000558.txt from 2002/10

From: "Buckman, Nancy" <nebuckman@-----.edu>
Subj: RE: [kl] Re: Taming some wild throat tones
Date: Tue, 22 Oct 2002 08:08:51 -0400

Hi Kelly,

I have 4 Patricolas - A, Bb, Eb and C, all in rosewood. I have a Chadash
barrel for the Eb that I got from Greg Smith along with 3 mouthpieces. It
doesn't play as well as the new barrel from Patricola though. The Eb
mouthpiece is rubber only because I can't find anyone who makes them out of
wood. The other two are wood and I use one for the A/Bb clarinets and one
specifically for the C. I am partial to the rich smooth sound of the wood
mouthpieces and don't think I will return to rubber any time soon. Crystal
just doesn't do it on these clarinets. I have many mouthpieces and have
tried many more and the wood just beats them all.

Because these clarinets are sequential in serial numbers, I chose to use
like equipment on them as much as possible. Except for that barrel change
and repadding them in cork after purchase, I have had no problems with them.
They play beautifully with good projection and I constantly get comments
about how good they look. I don't suppose the fact that my hair is as red
as they are has anything to do with that though.

I have let many people try them and have yet to hear anything negative
concerning their sound. People do seem to have definite preferences about
the placement of keys and their shape. I have very tiny hands and find the
keywork to be "just right" for me. There are those, though, who feel the
keys are small and too close together. Comments about workmanship are
positive. Folks are surprised though that their favorite mouthpieces don't
always work well on these instruments.

I absolutely love these instruments and when I bought them they were
ridiculously cheap. My original intention was to find something of lighter
weight to help my carpal tunnel problem. These worked out very nicely and
at a price that was reasonable. I made the comment then, that once people
tried them and discovered how truly fine they are, the price would go up and
it has. They are still cheaper than Buffets and Leblancs and in my opinion,
a much better value. And they compliment my hair so nicely, too!

Nancy

Nancy E. Buckman, Technical Assistant
School of Health Professions, Wellness and Physical Education
Anne Arundel Community College
Arnold, MD 21012-1895 USA
Phone 410-777-2316 Fax 410-777-2233
E-mail nebuckman@-----.edu

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