Klarinet Archive - Posting 000110.txt from 2006/03
From: "Kevin Fay" <kevinfay3020@-----.net>
Subj: RE: [kl] R-13 vs E-11 Eb clarinet
Date: Tue, 07 Mar 2006 01:55:27 -0500
Lori posted:
<<<Kevin - I am new to the "eepher" world but not to the clarinet. Your
assumption that I do not play Eb professionally is correct and I certainly
do not make a living at it. I decided not to make a living at it years ago
soon after I graduated from Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music where I
studied with Ronald De Kant. I find your comment that "I'm probably not yet
in college" rather arrogant. Why I decided not pursue the clarinet on a
professional level is my business. I've played nothing but R-13s for over 30
years now and simply wanted people's opinion on what their Eb line was like.
I just purchased a new Bb R-13 from Lisa Argiris and plan to replace my A
clarinet as well so money is not an issue. Furthermore, I too have spent
money on equipment. I have a Gregory-Smith Eb mouthpiece and plan to
purchase a Chadash barrel (when they are available). I use the same setup on
my Bb clarinet and I love it. I don't feel like I'm "cheaping out" with
considering the E-11. I won't know the quality of the E-11 until I try
several and see for myself. Again, I simply wanted to know what others
thought of the E-11.>>>
My apologies, Lori - I did not write clearly. What I meant was unfortunately
not what I you read, due to my inartful authorship. I am sorry if you took
offense, as none was intended.
I thought that you were still a college student (you know what folks say
about assuming . . . ) What I meant by the college was that you were not
playing the eepher in the college (or professional) groups, where the
limitations of the instrument would become evident. (The wind ensemble at
CCM a great example, btw - did you play on any of the recordings with Eugene
Corporon?) I think it would be quite difficult to perform at that level on
a Noblet Eb; when you said the Noblet was "alright" I assumed you hadn't yet
played it in a setting where its limitations would be evident.
As to why you decided not to play clarinet for a living, you're absolutely
right that it's not my business. FWIW, I don't either - I have a day job.
In any given year, I make enough playing clarinet to buy some reeds and
screw up my taxes.
I've played the E-11 Eb. It's fairly in tune - doesn't have the flawed
scale of the Noblet - but doesn't have a super sound, IMHO. If you're going
to play a lot of Eb, my guess is that in the end you'll wish you bought the
better horn. (Have you tried an E-11 in Bb? The difference between it and
your new Buffet Bb is about what I'm talking about.)
Again, my advice is to play a bit more on the smaller horn so that you can
better judge what it is you really want.
Kjf
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