Klarinet Archive - Posting 000267.txt from 2003/09

From: "CLARK FOBES " <reedman@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] C clarinet intonation problems
Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2003 18:16:29 -0400

Walter et al. My barrels will have a taper.

But on to the larger question of C clarinets and tuning. I tried many times
to come up with a configuration on a mouthpiece that would resolve some of
the weird tuning issues I have seen or heard of on many C clarinets. My
conclusion is that most C clarinets are DESIGNED to be played with a Bb
mouthpiece (which is probably too large) and therefore the bore and/ or
tone hole positions are compromised. If I am correct this is a very
bassackwards way to design a clarinet. Consequently, a mouthpiece redesign
may solve some problems but create others that may be greater than with the
original set up.

That being said, I have a 1970s vintage C clarinet that is an absolute
dream. I have not measured the bore and compared it to more contemporary
instruments, but it plays extremely well in tune with my CF mouthpiece and
a 46mm Buffet barrel.

The only other C clarinets that I have much experience with are Selmers (
OK) and Noblets (Fair to partly cloudy).

I tried a Leblanc Opus C clarinet several years ago at one of the Clarinet
conferencs and it played quite well. I did not have a tuner, but to my ear
it seemed very good. It was also extremely even and easy to play.

Luis Rossi is now making a C clarinet which would be well worht trying.

Patricola also makes a fairly inexpensive C clarinet and I have heard that
it is good, but I have not tried one.

CLARK FOBES
reedman@-----.com
Why Wait? Move to EarthLink.

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