 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Francesca
Date: 2001-04-07 23:41
Hey all!
As I browse through ebay, I come across instruments that are either claimed as professional or have "professional" stamped on them. What does this mean? Maybe I'm confused, but just because a bass clarinet is made of wood (for example) that doesn't make it professional does it? I always thought there was more to it than that. Thanks.
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Author: David Kinder
Date: 2001-04-08 00:15
As far as I know, any wood bass clarinet is at least an intermediate level. Most student bass clarinets are plastic (resonite/ABS, whatever).
Some things to look for is: grenadilla or rosewood wood, silverplated keys (not always), blue needle springs, polished bore, model number, etc. If it has an extension to low C, it's most definitely a professional level instrument. Does the instrument separate in the middle like a soprano clarinet? That also may be an indicator.
I hope that helps a little. Also, check online for specific makes and models. Is there a specific clarinet you're looking at online? I think with all of us on this forum, we can help you determine what an Artist, advanced, intermediate or student clarinet is.
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Author: Dee
Date: 2001-04-08 02:45
Professional should mean a higher standard in such areas as components, design, workmanship, materials, intonation etc. They will also have different design standards applied.
For example, a student clarinet may be designed to have sturdy keywork whereas a professional horn may be designed to have better balanced and responsive keywork.
A student horn may be designed to be very easy blowing while a professional horn may be designed for intonation and tone quality resulting in somewhat less ease of blowing.
These are but two examples and the list could go on and on.
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Author: Mike Irish
Date: 2001-04-08 13:47
be aware of them, good to ask questions, dont always take at face value
there is a guy here that was trying to pass off a couple pieces of junk ( keys and pads and corks and such missing ) as professional horns he had used when he played professionaly in Las Vegas...... He didnt realize, that I knew he had never even been to Las Vegas, and the horns... well.... they were plastic horns.. so if you are not sure.... ask a non interested ( some one that has nothing to gain whether it is sold or not ) party. most would be more then willing to help.
I guess if a person plays for money, they are a professional, so I recon, the horn they used to do it would be a pro horn? ........ just a thought....
Mike
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2001-04-09 19:37
Francesca -
Always look for the instrument model name in eBay headline. "Professional" with no model name is routinely used for step-up wood clarinets that no pro would go near.
I know of only one pro-class instrument that actually has the word "Professional" stamped on it, and it is the top of the line Buffet bass clarinet model made in the 1970s. These were great instruments. Any other use of the "P" word, particularly without the model name, is a sign to stay away rather than to look.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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