 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: chorusgirl
Date: 2009-02-10 13:38
Hi - I've gotten some wonderful advice here regarding buying a new clarinet, but the more I search, the more confusing it gets. I have a few questions that I am hoping some of you can help me with:
1. What is the difference between the French system and the German system? Is the Boehm the same as the German system?
2. What is the difference between plastic, ABS plastic, and polyblend composite?
3. I might be interested in the Ridenour student model ($625) but I thought the important factor in the Ridenours were that they were made of rubber - the student model is made of ABS. How would this compare the the rubber?
4. What is the difference, if any, in the Andino ABS plastic and the Andino polyblend composite? They are both $499.
5. Can anyone point me to a where I could find pricing for a Forte B flat clarinet? I can't seem to find anything despite googling it extensively (I did find one site that has a description/discussion, and it sounds good, but I can't find a vendor or pricelist).
I can't buy a wood clarinet because it's needed for marching band (and we already have a nice Buffet E11).
I appreciate any help!
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Author: feadog79
Date: 2009-02-10 14:51
1. German system (Oehler) info can be found here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oehler_system
French system (Boehm) can be found here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boehm_system_(clarinet)
Once you read about them, you will realize that the Boehm is the "standard" configuration that you are used to!
2. "ABS" plastic means acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic, which is the type of thermoplasic used to make plastic clarinets. Clarinets that are described as made of plastic are typically ABS plastic.
As for "polyblend composite," I suppose this could mean a few things. The Buffet Greenline is a blend of wood powder and carbon fiber. I don't know what the Leblanc Bliss and Andino "composite" bodies are made of...maybe plastics and hard rubber? If someone else knows, please clarify. I've been wondering myself (can't find clarification on either website).
3. I believe the MOST important factor of Ridenour's clarinets, whether they are plastic or rubber, is the acoustical design (I play his hard rubber Lyrique). I cannot ascertain with scientific evidence that there is a difference in sound between his plastic instrument and his rubber one; you'd have to play them both to find out for yourself (I haven't played the plastic one). I suppose there would be a difference because of the material, but it is also likely that there are differences in the acoustic design of the two models. Either way, I suspect that his plastic instrument is of high quality. You could order one from him on a trial basis to test out. You could also email Tom Ridenour and ask him.
4. I don't know if there is a difference in the acoustic design of the Andino plastic and the polyblend. Obviously, there is a material difference. If you were seriously considering the Andino, you could always order them both from WWBW to try, and send back what you don't like.
JW
P.S. I emailed Andino to inquire about the composition of the "polyblend" instrument.
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2009-02-10 21:55
I would suggest getting info from the source, directly on Tom Ridenour's clarinets. He is in the Dallas area (Central Time Zone) and you can call him at this number: 1-888-258-7845 . Tom would be happy to discuss the characteristics of his different instruments.
Jeff
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