Klarinet Archive - Posting 000226.txt from 2010/06

From: Martin Baxter <martinbaxter1@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] C Clarinet
Date: Tue, 22 Jun 2010 08:12:33 -0400

Kathy,
I bought 2 cheap C clarinets to try. The first was the Lyons all plastic (=
including the keywork) school clarinet. costing here about =A3125. This is =
a narrow bore, uses an Eb mouthpiece and does not feel good to play BUT you=
do get used to it and the tone works well in Baroque oboe parts. The inton=
ation is also excellent (It was designed by Ted Planas, who was a legend to=
British woodwind players of my generation, and also a most entertaining pe=
rson: I wish someone would write his life story.
My second, also a 'cheapie', is an Amati. This is a larger bore, uses a Bb =
reed and is fine to play. I think Amati clarinets are underrated, I have th=
ree, in Eb, C and G (for Klezmer ) and am very happy with them all. The ton=
e is like most C's I have heard, i.e. like a less than brilliantly played B=
b but it is acceptable; however the narrow bore of the Lyons produces what =
I think is a better sound so I do use both.
I have also tried another 'cheapie' from John Packer and that was OK as wel=
l (he has a website and exports if you want to check it out).
So it depends on your budget and how much you will use the instrument. If m=
oney were no object and I was playing C professionally I would try to get o=
ne made to the internal measurements of the Lyons. I once had an estimate a=
nd it was high but it is not impossible to do that. Alternatively I borrow=
ed a Leblanc for a gig a long time ago and that was very nice, but as value=
for money I think the two I have are both better. I've never regretted buy=
ing either of them. I think all clarinettists should have a C, but how much=
you use it and for what should determine how much you spend. With practice=
almost any clarinet can be played adequately in tune and with a decent sou=
nd; a superior instrument can help and please the player but it seems to me=
that those who tell you you MUST have the latest and most expensive instru=
ment are those who are selling them. I remember a blind test ... but I must=
not go on at this or I'll be writing a book.
Best Regards
Martin
=

On 22 Jun 2010, at 01:50, Williams, Kathy wrote:

> Hi
> =

> I was wondering who to get in touch with to procure a C clarinet. I playe=
d one years ago and thought the sound and handling of the instrument was lo=
vely, and would like to tap into baroque oboe repertoire. Suggestions anyon=
e?
> =

> Kind regards
> =

> Kathy Williams
> Customer Service Delivery Consultant
> Customer Service Delivery
> Customer Care, Telstra Enterprise and Government
> Telstra Corporation Limited 1800 025 222
> =

> =

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