Klarinet Archive - Posting 000358.txt from 2003/05

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausmann1@-----.net>
Subj: RE: [kl] clt descriptions
Date: Mon, 19 May 2003 06:08:40 -0400

At 10:25 PM 5/18/2003 -0600, Cindic wrote:

>I have often wondered this myself. I have a buffet-crampton that was my
>dad's. He bought it sometime in the late 50's or early 60's. One of the
>teachers in our band looked at it one day and said, rather distastefully,
>it's a typical beginner model. Since then I wondered if I should get a
>new clarinet. It is made of wood and I have never had any trouble with it
>that I haven't caused. The other interesting thing I noticed is it is
>almost always in perfect tune with the electric tuner. I'm not the best
>in our band and after reading all the posts I can't help but wonder if
>maybe it some of my problems have to do with the clarinet.

One of the primary reasons for buying a pro-grade clarinet is to satisfy
snobs like that teacher. But if the horn WORKS, ignore him. I have been
playing a plastic Bundy for jazz gigs that works fine, and gets that
large-bore sound. Yes, I have tweaked it some (that hand-adjusting you get
with the pro horns), but the intonation and response are very good
now. There are some Buffet intermediates out there marked "Master
Model." These are, at least according to legend, R-13's that did not make
the cut due to mostly cosmetic flaws, or alternatively, R-13's built by
apprentices rather than the top techs. Either way, those are not "student"
clarinets and are highly sought after as cheap alternatives to pro
instruments. But whether your clarinet is a pro model or a student model,
if it is not playing well, take it to a repairman. Even the expensive ones
play poorly when they leak air.

Bill Hausmann

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

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