Klarinet Archive - Posting 000306.txt from 1997/12

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: Is it worth the extra $?
Date: Mon, 8 Dec 1997 20:26:52 -0500

On Sat, 6 Dec 1997, David Frank wrote regarding the R-13 Prestige vs. the
R-13 and the Opus vs. the Concerto:

> Are the differences worth that additional expense?
> Seems hard to justify. I can read that the differences are the silver plated
> keys...........looks nicer, but does that make any difference otherwise. I
> know these models have the auxillary Eb lever, but would that really be
> used? Is the "Premium Grenadilla" wood really different, and worth the added
> expense? I'm certainly not a professional player, but a serious amateur.
> What do others think........is the added expense worth it?

I upgraded my R-13 to a Prestige R-13 two years ago. I had what I
considered to be a superb R-13, but I was looking for an instrument that
would allow me to blow full volume and not drop pitch - and my R-13 was
right at A440. The Prestige has been a better horn in terms of its sound
production and projection. It retains all the characteristics of its
counterpart, and the Eb key is fun. Is it worth it? I think so. The
premium wood really is much denser and (in my opinion!!!!!!) provides a
more substantial core sound. The silver plate is nice, but is available
on a standard R-13 for an extra $100.

I also own a Prestige RC D Clarinet, and a Prestige R-13 Bass
clarinet.....both are better than the previous instruments I had that were
not Prestige.

Hope it helps.....no matter what you play on though, one can make just
about anything sound good.

Roger Garrett
IWU