Klarinet Archive - Posting 000879.txt from 2003/03

From: b1rite@-----. Rite)
Subj: Re: [kl] Key of A maybe
Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2003 13:00:34 -0500

There are relationships between length and bore diameter and hole
diameter, such that **approximately** (perhaps **very** approximately)
the same fundamental partial can be achieved with more than one design.

Thus it's possible that two clarinets with the same **nominal** (perhaps
**very** nominal) tuning can have different lengths.

It's been said many times before, but Artley has a miserable reputation
amongst clarinets. I've never seen one myself, but based on what I've
herd, it's easy to imagine that Artley did something weird or sloppy on
some of their instruments (or cases, for that matter).

You mentioned that you're sticking with your Artley and working hard on
it. There's nothing wrong with dedication, but perhaps you're
dedicating yourself to the wrong instrument --- such that someday you'll
discover that you invested the effort to develop unusual or tiring
techniques that don't succeed on most clarinets?

If you had said that you are dedicating yourself to a single instrument,
and the instrument is a student horn by one of the 'big 4' (Yamaha,
Selmer, Buffet and Leblanc), then I wouldn't be making this comment.
All of these companies manufacture inexpensive instruments, albeit not
in the $100 range. And you shouldn't be afraid of a used instrument
just because it isn't brand new. Unlike used cars, age does not equate
to 'worn out'.

Cheers,
Bill

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