 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Phil Pedler
Date: 2009-10-10 15:55
There have been many different threads, I am sure, comparing sound quality between plastic, wood and hard rubber clarinets. I wonder if I could get a quick poll of opinions on how different plastics sound— only plastics, not hard rubber.
I am not sure what the technical names of the plastics are, such as what the difference is between ABS and other types. But for the purpose of comparing I think that we could contrast:
A. HARD: Old hard, shiny plastic. Such as older Vito and Bundy. Incidentally, the plastic of these clarinets is more brittle, and we see a lot of broken joints.
B. DENSE: The newer and somewhat heavier plastic, such as some models Artley, Armstrong, the Forte B-flat Clarinet, and perhaps the Buffet B12. These usually have a brushed or wood grain appearance on the outside, but have a shiny bore.
C. LIGHT: The new lighter weight plastic that is used on some newer Vito, Evette, and especially Chinese clarinets. This is the plastic that is very easy to melt while heating a pad cup.
Note: I don't want to discuss the relative merits of any of the brands, but the sound quality. Which are hollow sounding? Which one is the darkest sounding? Which sound bright?
Phil Pedler
clarinetpages.wetpaint.com
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Author: superson
Date: 2009-10-13 17:52
i have a dense plastic one it sounds dark, and hollow. (i think).
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Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2009-10-13 22:34
(Disclaimer - I sell the Forte' Bb plastic clarinet)
Most of the plastics used today - e.g. ABS - are chosen because of their molding characteristics and secondarily for sound qualities but most of the sound quality of any clarinet depends on the quality of machining tolerances and the intrinsic machining qualities of the plastic. As far as barrel material in plastics is concerned I prefer Delrin, but again the qualities of the bore design trump the material.
L. Omar Henderson
www.doctorsprod.com
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Author: BobD
Date: 2009-10-14 14:16
If you have played a metal clarinet then you might believe that ...to a large extent...the material used has little effect on the sound. I do believe that Omar's opinion has reliable substantiation.
Bob Draznik
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