 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: potatohead
Date: 2003-11-09 20:58
Has anyone had any experience with Amati clarinets? I hear both good and bad things about them so I don't know WHAT to think of them. Can anyone give me their experiences with them? I'm considering the Amati ACL601-II...
Also, does anyone know any factory direct, online clarinet dealers for the major brands like Buffets, Selmers, LeBlancs, and Yamahas?
Thnx
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Author: GBK
Date: 2003-11-09 22:13
JMcAulay, myself (GBK) and others have written extensively on Amati clarinets.
A search under "JMcAulay Amati", "GBK Amati" or just "Amati" (all without quotes) will bring up much to read.
Also, you may want to contact Graham Golden of Graham's Music http://www.grahams-music.com/Home/index.html as he is the largest Amati dealer in the USA and would be happy to answer any specific questions ...GBK
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Author: potatohead
Date: 2003-11-10 01:38
Thank you! For you Amati owners, will I need a new barrel if I buy an Amati to fix the 440–442 tuning issue? E-mail me or post.
-Maria
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2003-11-10 04:09
Your 600-series Amati will have two barrels, one of which should be okay for A-440. At least, that's the way it was when I got mine.
If I am living in the past too much, perhaps Graham will let us know if Amati Clarinets are not delivered that way currently.
As a side comment, a friend is a professional musician whose primary Clarinet is a Buffet R13. Last month, he bought an Amati ACL-675 (full Boehm A Clarinet, as is GBK's Amati), based largely on his favorable impression of my ACL-602-II (Boehm ordinaire, except for added L4 G#/D# key). He purchased it from a dealer other than Graham's Music. He is generally pleased with it but has complained a bit. I played his instrument and discovered that a few minor corrections were required. For example, one of the Eb/Bb fingerings (L1 and L2 plus lowest side key) was a bit stuffy. The side key pad was not opening enough. I showed him this problem along with a couple of others, and he was eager to get it into the hands of an excellent tech to have it adjusted and regulated properly. These are not catastrophic problems, just irritants. Such tweaking requirements are not uncommon even with professional Clarinets made by the usual Gang of Four.
I recall GBK's Amati required about $150 or so in spiffing-up efforts before it became the instrument he now appreciates quite well. My Amati was adjusted by me and I like it. You might confer with Graham, a Bulletin Board sponsor, to understand what he accepts as his responsibility when you buy an instrument from him. Both my Amati and GBK's were acquired from other sources before Graham presented himself on this Board as an Amati dealer.
Regards,
John
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Author: GBK
Date: 2003-11-10 05:59
As John McAulay previously wrote, I acquired my Amati through a source other than Graham Golden (I later learned of his involvement in Amati clarinets and he was most helpful with information and advice). My clarinet of choice is the Buffet R-13 (I have 12 of them) but the Amati was a most pleasant surprise and a nice addition to my "family".
I had my tech do some customizing and tweaking of the Amati to make it the way I prefer. The most notable change I had done was to move the right pinky low Eb key (I have a full Boehm A) further down and away from the other right hand pinky keys, as I felt it was a bit too close to the others. Other adjustments consisted of voicing, spring tensions and the reseating of a few pads.
The Amati represents an exceptional value for the price. The care and quality of the workmanship is comparable, if not better than, the "Big 4". The wood is tightly grained and the sound is quite nice. Most impressive is the response and clarity of the clarion and altissimo register.
I have used the Amati in professional settings with the utmost of confidence. It does not disappoint...GBK
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Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2003-11-10 13:06
(Disclaimer - I do not sell Amati's or have any financial interest)
I purchased a 604 Full Boehm Bb from Graham's Music about a year ago because I liked the warm full tone for Jazz and solo work - I also own and play a Buffet Vintage R-13 among my herd of horns.
Amati, and Graham's expert setup and tweaking of the horn, has come a long way from a couple of years ago. I had Staubinger pads installed at the beginning and some tweaking and voicing done by Graham. I am extremely pleased with the horn and use it for different settings where I want a warm, full rich tone for the hall that I am playing. Graham now has a variety of barrels that compliment Amati. I was not pleased with the stock barrels but now have a couple that I interchange depending on the venue played.
On my horn from the factory there were some cosmetic aspects - burrs on the rod screw ends, dull finish,etc. - that were quickly and professionally finished by Graham. The wood was finished by me. The wood seems to be of excellent quality and tightly straight grained. The mechanism and keys are smooth and precise.
The Doctor
Post Edited (2003-11-10 13:14)
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Author: Ralph G
Date: 2003-11-10 13:35
I don't believe I've read any comments about the Amati C clarinet, the ACL 351. They're awfully inexpensive, like under $500. For that price, I've thought about picking one up sometime just in case I ever need it. Any comments on this little guy?
________________
Artistic talent is a gift from God and whoever discovers it in himself has a certain obligation: to know that he cannot waste this talent, but must develop it.
- Pope John Paul II
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Author: diz
Date: 2003-11-10 20:25
Ralph, I was curious at the relatively low price on the "matter-of-fact-toned" C clarinet, too.
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