Klarinet Archive - Posting 000580.txt from 2004/07

From: Fred Jacobowitz <fbjacobo@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Can you offer guidance on Amati purchase ... (newbie)
Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2004 21:33:00 -0400

Jon,
As a repairer of woodwinds and a teacher I have come across quite a
few Amatis. They are usually made sloppily but with good materials. If
the other guys like Bundy, etc. used their materials the results would
be significantly better than Amati. At $525 you are getting an
entry-level wooden instrumenet so don't expect much. It probably will
work but I wouldn't bet on tuning being useful for anything but jazz and
folk. However, it would be noticeably out of tune in the hands of a
tyro. You get what you pay for.
You have two options for trying it out: 1) Pay your teacher or
another pro whom you trust to come out and try the horns for you 2)
bring a chromatic tuner and check each note against it. If using a
tuner, turn away from it and start playing the not (or do a few notes
and end on the note in question) and then, while holding it, turn and
look at the dial. That way, you aren't influenced by seeing the dial.
Frankly, I recommend the former option because with tuning, you have to
be able to consistently produce the same exact pitches, otherwise why
bother comparing instruments. Good Luck

Fred Jacobowitz
Ebony and Ivory Duo
Kol Haruach Klezmer Band

Jon Scott Higgs wrote:

>
> Can you please offer:
>
> 1- suggestions of things to look/listen for when examining and playing ?
>
> 2- suggestions of a systematic approach to assessment
>
> 3- or (wild hope !), is anyone interested in a short field trip to the
> Amati distribution center -- you could explore the wide range of
> instruments of an interesting (and still inexpensive) Eastern European
> brand and help an enthusiastic intermediate player avoid the
> teeth-gnashing and hair-tearing frustration of spending the next 5+
> years struggling with an instrument that is "off."
>
> My immediate plan is to go some day next week (7/19-23) -- I see that
> there is a big conference in Maryland, but it would cost $100+ travel
> to go see exhibits (I'm not a member, and not nearly skilled enough to
> be a participant), and would probably not put an instrument in my hands.
>
> The month of August is my "prime time" to focus of practice -- I'd
> love to set aside my (eBay - $90) plastic Bb and start making progress
> on a C instrument !
>
> Thanks in advance for suggestions and guidance of any sort !
>
> Jon Scott Higgs
>
> MSN Life Events gives you the tips and tools to handle the turning
> points in your life. http://lifeevents.msn.com
>
>
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