Klarinet Archive - Posting 000027.txt from 2007/06

From: "Forest Aten" <forestaten@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] C clarinet
Date: Mon, 04 Jun 2007 12:19:47 -0400


> Some of the top level professionals who use C clarinets recommend using
> the
> same mouthpiece as the Bb and A. Fast switches are easier, you do not
> have to
> contend with a dry reed at a crucial moment, and you do not have to have
> separate reeds.
>
> However, if the C clarinet you buy cannot be played in tune with your
> Bb/A
> mouthpiece, other solutions might be necessary.
>
> Forest - are you out there? Can you shed some more light on this issue?
>
> Walter Grabner
> www.clarinetxpress.com
>
>
Hi Walter...

I own both the Buffet RC Prestige and a very nice Buffet R13 (purchased from
one of your clients). I like both clarinets....a lot.

The RC doesn't play very well "in tune" with my Kaspar mouthpieces...so I
use a Lomax (Zinner blank). I think any well made mouthpiece for the Bb/A
should work well on the Buffet C clarinets. My Kaspar is a short blank
(Babbit) and when I used a longer barrel to "fix" the intonation, it brought
the throat notes way low. The Zinner blank is longer and the bore is a
perfect fit. This does mean that I have two mouthpieces to maintain when in
the trenches. I've never minded this but I know it's an issue for some.

I can use my Kaspar on the R13 C. I've found several longer barrels that
work well. The longer Zinner blanks work as well...with the original barrel.

I took my RC to Steven Fox several years ago for some rework. He drilled and
replaced several tone holes that were simply in the "wrong place". This took
the very few "out" notes away and truly made this clarinet a great one. I
also had Steven made an extension, like the one Clark makes for the Eb. It
added a lot of stability and evenness throughout all registers.

I, for one, am a real advocate of using C clarinets when indicated in the
score. I always have one of my C clarinets in my Wiseman quad case. I "don't
leave home without it". ;-)

Forest Aten
Dallas Opera

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