Klarinet Archive - Posting 000874.txt from 2003/05

From: "Keith" <100012.1302@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] In defence of the Eb Clarinet, an instrument of character.
Date: Sat, 31 May 2003 14:29:35 -0400

Matthew/Rebecca

No, I didn't try an Amati Eb, but if looking for an intermediate price
one, I'd certainly give it a go. They do make a point of making pretty
much the whole range of instruments including a D and a G. The Buffet
E11 is probably well worth a look - I haven't tried it but was very
impressed by their C when I tried Joe Fasel's.

I heartily endorse Matthew's comments on eefer quality, and how it is
probably more important than beefer quality. I actually learned clarinet
on a simple (Albert) system eefer, because my fingers were too small for
a Bb, and played for several years in the school "military" (wind) band.
Oh yes ... I can be heard in a band ;-). Though my main instruments are
the usual sopranos, I have now got a good set of "other" clarinets
(which is very useful in getting more playing opportunities). I had a
reasonable Jacques Cartier Eb for years, bought used for about $500 in
modern equivalent, and this served for Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique,
and the solos in a couple of Shostakovitch symphonies, and usually got
things in tune. Last year for Bolero, however, I felt the intonation
problems were just a bit too prominent, and borrowed a nice Buffet (RC I
think) from my teacher, Lori Lovato (on whom all blessings!). Yes, it
makes a colossal difference. I now have a nice new Stephen Fox, built
with various Benade principles for improving intonation, and it is
terrific. Just waiting for Peter Stubbs to do his floating rail lig for
eefers now!

Keith

----------------------------------------------------------------------
>Date: Mon, 26 May 2003 11:35:13 +0100
From: "Matthew Lloyd" <Matthew@-----.uk>
Subject: In defence of the Eb Clarinet, an instrument of character.
Message-ID: <000001c32372$818189a0$53299fd4@Notebook>

<snip>
>Going back to Rebecca's original point - I don't think she has the
power to "make" her band dictator do anything. But if he would let her
play it if she had her own then I think she would regret it if she
bought a clarinet of lesser stature than a Noblet or E-11. (Howarth's
speak well of the modern Noblet and suggested that if one couldn't
afford a good Buffet (or equivalent) then the Noblet would do a good job
and those buying them were happy punters!} Certainly the prospect of a
$299 Woodwind Eb (what sort of brand name is that?) is one that would
terrify me! Specifically as Rebecca is so happy with her R-13, could she
bear the comparison? I doubt it. Having said that Keith was saying some
good things about Amati the other day - did you try an Eb Keith?

Matthew Lloyd

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