Klarinet Archive - Posting 000255.txt from 2004/06

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausmann1@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] re: Repair or buy new?
Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2004 08:50:52 -0400

At 11:45 PM 6/16/2004 -0400, David Blumberg wrote:
>...The various new models all are different
>and the thing for you to do is to try them and determine if any of
>them are what you are looking for. Don't resign yourself to only
>trying Buffet as though it has been "the standard" of Clarinet
>(flames appreciated ;), it isn't the only game in the industry and
>there are others who are really good as well. You may end up liking
>another brand and that's fine (you aren't trying to be an Orchestral
>Clarinetist so get what best suits you and your playing - ignore brand
>labeling).

I have noticed in particular that some manufacturers on some models have
significantly lengthened the left pinky E/B key. I complained about this
on the Selmer Aristocrat clarinet I reviewed here a couple of months ago,
but now I have noticed it on several others as well. Oddly, while this
longer key is present on the Yamaha Allegro models, it is NOT on the Yamaha
CS, which is otherwise laid out virtually identically. The Leblanc
Rhapsodie has it, too, although I have not noticed a problem with my
plastic Vito. It may be great for people with short, skinny fingers who
have to REACH to get that key, but it only interferes with the C#/G# for
those of us with long and/or thick fingers. This is but ONE of the issues
that may make an otherwise fine instrument unsuitable for YOU, whereas it
may be wonderful for someone ELSE.

That being said, I find the current R-13 actually works very well for ME
ergonomically. (See, I don't ALWAYS bash Buffets! :-) ) I like the wide
LATERAL separation of the C#/G# from the left pinky F/C key, copied on the
Yamahas. Of course, that may prove awkward for another person.

Bottom line: Try before you buy, and keep an open mind. Although frankly,
Steve, If I were you, I'd be looking into the overhauls!

Bill Hausmann

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

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