Klarinet Archive - Posting 000342.txt from 2003/05

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausmann1@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] clt descriptions
Date: Sun, 18 May 2003 12:50:39 -0400

At 02:52 PM 5/18/2003 +0000, harold troughton wrote:

>Can anyone explain the difference between an "Intermediate" as opposed to
>a fully pro clarinet.
>Am I correct in thinking that the descriptions are merely marketing ploy?

Not really. "Student" models are generally made of plastic, of course, and
keywork design decisions will generally favor strength over feel. Pro
models are made of the most select woods, with the best-balanced keywork
and most hand adjusting (undercutting of toneholes, etc.). Often they come
with better-quality pads. Nicer cases also add to the overall price,
although that is window-dressing. "Intermediate" models will lack one or
more features of the pro models (fixed vs. adjustable thumbrest,
lesser-quality wood, tonehole inserts vs. integral toneholes, etc.) or may
be of an entirely different design, perhaps skewed more toward ease of play
vs. tonal quality, as are most student models. The overall differences are
probably not as great and the marketing people would like you to believe,
but there ARE differences. Unless you are pursuing a pro career, an
intermediate clarinet will most likely suit your needs just fine, and is
often just the thing if you are a doubler looking to save a few bucks on
the secondary instrument.

Bill Hausmann

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is TOO LOUD!

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