Klarinet Archive - Posting 000011.txt from 2005/08
From: Nancy Buckman <eefer@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Full Boehm Model clarinets
Date: Wed, 03 Aug 2005 11:25:15 -0400
At 08:52 AM 8/2/2005, you wrote:
>Hi everyone,
>Has anyone played on a clarinet with the full boehm
>system (20 keys/7 rings) because I am looking into
>purchasing a Buffet RC prestige, but I want to see if
>it is work getting the additional keys.
Hi Chris,
In my personal opinion, you would be wiser to buy a Wurlitzer Reformed
Boehm clarinet. After sitting and playing these clarinets over and over at
the display tables of the many conferences where I have seen them, I can't
for the life of me, understand why people spend money on standard French
system clarinets when these are available. They are expensive, yes, but
when one considers paying for a standard French system clarinet and then
spending more money to have it properly set-up, the Wurlitzer makes more
sense and is a better instrument. They come absolutely ready to play when
you receive them from Wurlitzer (they are hand-made), and are so much
easier to play. Octaves and wide interval leaps are obtainable for anyone,
the pitch is incomparable and the craftsmanship is far better than anything
you are used to playing on. They come with a Wurlitzer mouthpiece or you
can use your own and they also have two barrels. The keywork is right
where you would expect it to be. You do have to become accustomed to the
extra keywork, but in my opinion that is a minor issue. If these had been
available for me to try somewhere close by before I bought my Patricolas, I
would have waited to by them. I have promised my self a pair and am close
to having the money for the first one. Depending on the model you buy,
they cost between $4800 and $6500, depending on the key combinations you
get. If I was in your shoes, I would wait until I could try one before
laying down that kind of money for a Prestige.
I know there are going to be people who disagree with me and say that they
aren't necessary and that people have gotten along just fine without them,
but they also got along just fine on lesser quality instruments. In the
end it is a personal decision what you decide you want to play on. It is
my own belief though that if an instrument makes your playing life easier
then by all means buy it, if you can afford to. Life is short. Do what
you think is best for you. Whatever you decide, keep us posted so that we
may learn from your decision.
Nancy
Nancy Buckman
Principal Clarinet / Orchestra AACC
eefer@-----.net
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