Klarinet Archive - Posting 000073.txt from 2003/12

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausmann1@-----.net>
Subj: RE: [kl] Selmer C clarinet
Date: Tue, 2 Dec 2003 22:43:26 -0500

At 10:13 AM 12/2/2003 -0500, Nancy E. Buckman wrote:
>I used a Selmer HS* mouthpiece on the Selmer clarinets (including the
>little Eb that I started on). And I didn't choose my clarinets
>(Patricolas, not Buffet or Leblanc, etc.)so much for the way they
>sounded. I chose them because they were light in weight, they fit my
>hands, they played to pitch well from one end to the other and I liked the
>way they looked (not a performance factor). The rosewood does play with
>more "upper partials" as you say, but I find the sound pleasing and not a
>detraction. The Recital is heavy, as you say, but the Signature is not a
>light weight horn. The old Selmer clarinets are lighter than the Buffets
>though. Selmer's keywork fits my hands better than Buffet with one
>exception. The rings for the right hand are larger than the pads of my
>fingers, so my fingers poke through the rings. This causes leaks around
>my fingers and makes for difficulty in maintaining adequate velocity.

I did not say that the greater strength of the upper partials necessarily
DETRACT from the sound; only that they make it DIFFERENT. Like you, I find
ergonomics VERY important in choosing instruments, probably more so on
saxophone, where there tends to be more difference between brands than with
clarinets. If the way Selmers are made causes leakage around your fingers,
then they are definitely NOT for you, regardless of sound! I know the
older straight-bore Selmers do indeed have some rather large tone holes.

>In the end, there is no one "right" clarinet. People play what they
>choose because that instrument meets whatever their requirements are...

Of course, you are right. In fact, most of what I am saying is an attempt
to counter the current prevailing attitude that Buffet makes the only
"right" clarinet and that all others are garbage.

>...I never said the Selmer line was bad. I did say that I had difficulty
>making them sound in a way that was pleasing to "my" ear. And since you
>have never heard me play, you can't make an informed determination about
>how I sound. I continue to receive positive remarks about my performances
>on my clarinets.

As do I on mine.

Bill Hausmann

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

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