Klarinet Archive - Posting 000251.txt from 2007/05
From: "Keith Bowen" <bowenk@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] Eb Clarinet
Date: Sun, 27 May 2007 02:12:48 -0400
The outstanding eefer in my opinion is the Steve Fox custom instrument,
which (thanks to the Benade NX-type bore improvements) has outstanding
intonation. It also has a similar bell extension/vent to the one offered by
Clark Fobes; discovered independently by Steve and tested out on my own
model, though I think on current models this is integrated to the clarinet.
It's definitely better than the R13, especially in altissimo intonation. I
have not played the Patricola. The price at current exchange rates is about
US$3800 and you would have to wait about a year.
I use a Walter Grabner mouthpiece which is very satisfactory. I was able to
try it out on the clarinet with Walter giving choices or tweaks as
necessary. I am not saying that this is the only good choice, of course, as
I haven't tried the GS or Lomax.
Keith
-----Original Message-----
From: klarinet-return-90867-bowenk=compuserve.com@-----.org
[mailto:klarinet-return-90867-bowenk=compuserve.com@-----.org] On Behalf
Of eefer@-----.com
Sent: 27 May 2007 00:28
To: klarinet@-----.org
Subject: Re: [kl] Eb Clarinet
My only comment against Kevin's view is that he wrote his
"rant" in 200 and this is 2007. In 2000, I was playing on
a Greg Smith Eb mouthpiece too. At the time, I thought it
was the best thing after the Hite, which I had played for
years. But in 200 I bought a new set of Patricola
clarinets, on of which was a rosewood Eb.
My Hite refused to play properly on the Patricola and so,
I settled on the GS because it did everything I asked of
it. Ther were a few things it didn't do though and in
2004 I switched to a Lomax Classic. The Classic offered a
little more resistance and was easier to get the altissimo
range with. It was also a little shorter and wider, so I
could take more into my mouth. That helped clean up my
articulation some. In 2006 I again switched mouthpieces,
this time to the Morales/Backun. It evened the pitch
spread from top to bottom and makes the clarinet evenly
responsive. It also makes a beautiful altissimo. I can
play from the most pppp to ffff without a stain of any
sort and it will play that way on every note. This is the
mouthpiece I use today when I play my Buffet R-13 Eb. I
still use the Lomax Classic on all of my Patricola
clarinets. I play the Patricola Eb for strictly
orchestral stuff and the Buffet for some orchestral and
all wind ensemble work. Both instruments have been voiced
and altered slightly for my own needs. They both also
have Backun barrels and bells. The shape of the
Morales/Backun mouthpieces is exactly right for the shape
of my mouth.
Kevin is right about trying instruments before buying
them. What is outstanding for one person might not work
at all for another. For the money, the Patricola is a
real bargain. But in Eb land, all clarinets need a little
tweaking, so whatever you buy, prepare to pay +/- $500 to
create an eefer that you will be *asked* to play again and
again. There is truly nothing worse than poorly playing
piccolo instruments.
Nancy
P.S. The search for alternate barrels and bells can take
many months of trying things. Find out what can be
expected from each model before you test them and then it
is easier to decide if they actually do what you expect
from them. Backun products come in many different
configrations, including custom. And custom costs no more
than stock right now. You just have to find the time to
sit down with Morrie Backun and try things. As he listens
to you play, he will make suggestions about which of his
products will give you whatever desired effect you are
looking for. If he doesn't have it right there, he will
make it on the spot and/or alter it as you play and ask
for changes. I am sure any good maker of mouthpieces,
barrels and bells will do the same.
Best wishes,
Nancy
Nancy Buckman
Orchestra AACC
Opera AACC
Baltimore Flute Choir
eefer@-----.com
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