Klarinet Archive - Posting 000375.txt from 2005/01
From: Elgenubi@-----.com
Subj: [kl] re: NAMM
Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2005 01:47:52 -0500
Gary Van Cott wrote:
<<<<<<<<I made my first visit to NAMM this last weekend and while I am
swamped with
order, I thought I would send a personal report.
The place was loaded with Chinese made instruments. I really didn't take a
close look at them (with one exception, see below) but most looked as if
they could have come from the same manufacturer as they all seemed to have
the same red pocket trumpet on display. There was a report on one of the
saxophone lists from someone who tried saxophones and was impressed with
improvements that had been made.
The first day when I was walking around I noticed a (non-wood) low C bass
clarinet on display and made a mental note to come back the next day.
I was there primarily to visit music publishers. I did have some excellent
visits with them although I was disappointed that there weren't very many
there and I was already doing business all of the companies with the
appropriate lines. (I did win an iPod in a drawing after placing an order
with Carl Fischer.)
On Saturday I went by where I had seen the low C bass clarinet and
everything became clear when I saw Tom Ridenour standing in the booth
talking with another list member (and customer) who I didn't recognize
because his badge was backwards. Tom had the instruments he has designed
on display which are C, Bb, and A clarinets and low Eb and low C bass
clarinets. If I understood the arrangement, they are manufactured in
Beijing under the direction of a company in Taiwan. I was told that Tom
has trained some of the technicians.
I thought that the fit and finish of the instruments (made of hard rubber)
was excellent. Tom was showing off his instruments and his skills (playing
a C scale in the clarion register without lifting his left hand).
I was especially interested in trying the C clarinet and liked the second
one so much that I bought it. I have found a couple of things I will want
to get with Tom about (the second barrel doesn't fit), but I am looking
forward to some C clarinet parts showing up in the orchestra I play in or
perhaps some second oboe parts of the rep which doesn't have clarinet.
I tried the low C bass clarinet for about 30 seconds. Tom said that they
had an LA studio player who had tried it earlier in the show and just raved
about it. I don't play much bass clarinet (playing one in public this last
summer for the first time since doing Oklahoma in high school). The low
register was great. I thought some notes in the clarion register were a
little stuffy. It is possible that with a little adjustment or with a
more skilled player the results would be better. My point of comparison is
my Buffet alto clarinet which is very similar in design to the current
Buffet bass clarinets and has a wonderful clarion register.>>>>>>>>>>>>
Gary, that was me, Wayne Thompson. I was pleased to meet you, and to meet
Tom Ridenour. I enjoyed playing his C and Bb instruments also. His current
brand name is Arioso. I work for a very small store with little wind business,
but I would like to have Tom's clarinets available for sale. His is a good
situation. We know that oriental instruments will grow better with good design
advice and quality control, like Tom seems to provide.
I bought his low C bass. I'm not a strong bass player..... (I'm not a strong
player... :) , but I like the idea of this bass. The price was right, the
designer is good, and it played well for me. We will see.
And I bought an Amati C instead of his C for various reasons, including
price. Both played well for me. I played a little with some Celtic musician
friends Saturday night. The C makes that easier for me. And your idea to play
oboe in the orchestra seems a good one. I play bass in our June concert.
(Tehachapi Community Orchestra) We always get a ringer 1st oboe for the concert.
When I'm not playing bass I'll ask the director if he wants the part covered in
rehearsal by me!!
Again, it was a pleasure meeting you, Gary.
Wayne Thompson
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