Klarinet Archive - Posting 000119.txt from 2004/03

From: Tom.Henson@------.com
Subj: RE: [kl] Rossi Clarinets
Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2004 00:08:54 -0500

Ginger,

There are a few people on this list that have either played them or
currently play them including myself.

I have a French bore Blackwood Rossi. Most people on this list play the
American bore which is designed by Luis Rossi to be similar, but better (in
his own words) than an R13.

There are three basic bores available, two of which you can purchase in the
U.S. from Woodwind and Brasswind who is an authorized dealer and stocks
them. They are the American, French, English bore. Luis also makes German
and Viennese bores.

Recently, David Cane out of Florida became a dealer as well. David Cane is
where you purchase the Gonzales reeds. Last time I checked they were still
waiting for inventory to arrive. They also distribute Howarth in the U.S.
now and have some in stock. I believe that WW&BW does have some stock, but
you would have to check their web site. Of course you can order directly
from Luis. I personally bought mine from WW&BW. When I calculated the final
cost, I could not have purchased it any cheaper going direct. However, Luis
is very accommodating and will be happy to customize a clarinet for you if
you work directly with him. Lead time is about 2-6 months I think. I have
heard that some people have faxed a tracing of their hands to him and he
used this to customize the keys. If you email Luis, he is very good to get
back with you and answer any questions.

U.S. dealers:

www.wwbw.com

www.daviecane.com

Now getting back to the American bore and French bore. Rosewood vs.
Blackwood.

Here is an excerpt of a message that Luis sent me:

"French bore is 14.6
American bore is 14.65

As you can see, the difference is very small.
The toneholes are placed lower in the French Bore clarinet.
Speaking generally, French Bore works better for European pleayers
while American Bore suits R13 players.
American Bore has a polycylindrical bore and offers that
ressistance that R13 players are used too.
French Bore is a very friendly instrument, which makes possible a
large, flexible tone.
I have recorded Mercandante and Stanford concertos with French
Bore Bb and A clarinets ( CD : Live Performances, available from
Clarinet Books & More)
Best regards,
Luis Rossi"

I did not have the opportunity to play an American bore, but am totally
happy with the French bore. It has a very large sound, is easy blowing, and
has extremely flexible dynamics with not a lot of resistance. I choose to
use a mouthpiece that has the resistance I need to control my sound instead
of the clarinet.

Here are two links that should prove helpful to your friend. One link is
Jonathan Cohler who plays a French bore Blackwood Rossi (like mine) and the
other is Ted Lane who plays an American bore Rosewood. Listen and you be the
judge. Obviously, there is no substitute to play one in person.

http://www.ongaku-records.com/CAlone.html

http://www.americansinfonietta.org/TAL.html

Jonathan Cohler is the top link while Ted is on the bottom link. I was able
to trade several emails with Jonathan about his feelings and opinion of the
French bore Blackwood Rossi and he was very kind, but busy.

Ted is a friend of mine and a very nice guy. He would be happy to try and
answer any questions your friend might have.

Of course, I prefer the Blackwood over the Rosewood for general solo and
orchestral/band work. The sound of the Rosewood, in my opinion, is perfectly
suited to smaller ensemble or chamber work than large groups. But this is
just my feeling from listening to both.

I do believe that the Rosewood is more popular than the Blackwood, perhaps
because it is exotic and so well made. Blackwood is more common in this
sense to most of us.

Either way you go, Rossi clarinets are absolutely first rate and they play
wonderfully. You have to get used to a little different scale and try
different mouthpieces to find the right one that works best with it. Think
of a Rossi clarinet as a custom hand made clarinet. Luis only makes about 6
a month, so you will be in a very small, but growing club.

Tom Henson

I have a friend who is looking into getting a Rossi clarinet in rosewood.
Checking online, this is a South american clarinet maker, who has played in
several south american orchestras. This clarinet is a one-piece design. Do
any of you either play Rossi clarinets or have played one? Do you know of
anyone who may have? If so, please send input. It would be greatly
appreciated.

Check out http://www.rossiclarinet.cl/index.htm

Thanks,
Ginger

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