Klarinet Archive - Posting 000049.txt from 2003/04

From: Dan Leeson <leeson0@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Clarinet sound
Date: Wed, 2 Apr 2003 14:10:23 -0500

Nancy, we need a clarinet because we want the instrument to sound like a
clarinet and not a trumpet or an accordion. So we put a cylinder of a
certain length and closed at one end in our mouths and blow and the
sound that comes out pleases us because it is a clarinet sound.

Now once that decision is made and we place in our hands any well-made
instrument that is in tune throughout, you are not going to sound much
different on one vs the other. The manufacturers will say differently
but it's hard to believe someone whose income depends on you accepting
that they have a pipeline to the infinite in this respect. Take a look
at the LeBlanc catalog and see the nonsense that they say about the
various sound characters of their complete product line. This instrument
produces a "mellow" sound, and that instrument produces a "youthful"
sound, and another instrument produces a "fat" sound. It's all hype.

It is not likely that I would appear at ClarinetFest in the future. We
have had only distant but cordial relations for many years and, while I
wish them well, I have no interest in rejoining that group or even in
submitting my writings to The Clarinet, though at one time I had
submitted more articles than any other person over a 10 year period. You
can look them up.

This does not mean that I don't value what they do or that I don't
believe them to be doing good things. On the contrary, it is an
excellent organization as the Clarinet is a fine magazine. It is,
rather, that we have grown apart over the years. I do not belong to the
society in any case.

Dan

Buckman, Nancy wrote:
> Dan (Leeson),
>
> I was wondering if you would ever consider appearing at ClarinetFest and giving a lecture on this topic of perceived sound quality and the clarinet? I'd bet you would fill the room and I'd be interested to see what the reps from the manufacturers would say, as I'm sure they would have their own take on the subject.
>
> Presented with the greatest respect, would you address this question: If the sound comes fundamentally from the body, then why do we even need a clarinet, to create a clarinet sound? I am not trying to be sarcastic here, I want to know your view. If I listen long enough, maybe you can really convince me that I don't really hear that difference that I think I do. Thanks.
>
> 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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**Dan Leeson **
**leeson0@-----.net **
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