Klarinet Archive - Posting 000130.txt from 2006/12

From: "Morgul" <Morgul@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] Basset horn vs alto clarinet
Date: Sun, 24 Dec 2006 12:03:30 -0500

Collective wisdom,

At the risk of provoking a firestorm, please allow me to parade my
ignorance.

Basset horns, Dan's and others, are highly regarded specialized instruments.
Alto clarinets, on the other hand, are just as roundly reviled. Why is this?

Is it because most alto clarinets are made for and played by relative
neophytes in marching bands, thus having neither the quality nor literature
nor expertise usually found in players of basset horns? Are there
significant differences in design and construction and, therefore, tone
quality? Is there an inherent flaw in pitching one instrument in F and the
other a whole step below? Is there such a thing as a "professional level"
alto clarinet, and if so, who makes it, where/how is it used, and by whom?

Thank you for your consideration. Nomex suit in place.

Stan

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