 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Bob Arney
Date: 2002-01-02 17:50
IMHO there seems to be an abnormal emphasis on "Pro" instruments on the Board.
Is this a cause of peer pressure, a out-shoot of the "mine's bigger-than-yours" syndrome, or "whoever dies with the most toys wins."? Ownership of a "Pro instrument" says nothing for your musicality, ability, commitment, etc. So, really, where are we going with all this? Do universities now turn down student admissions if the instrument they play on is not "Pro."??
Bob A
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Kim L.
Date: 2002-01-02 18:25
My university has accepted students who play on Bundy's, etc. However, it is our teacher who suggests we buy better equipment, such as a better mouthpiece or a better instrument. As long as we play well on the instrument we own, we will be accepted into the department. It is "our" sound that matters the most, not the instrument's.
Kim L.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2002-01-02 18:27
Bob -
It's a little of everything. "Pro" instruments really do play better than others. They also feel better to play. But I also felt great when I got my first R-13 (when I graduated from high school). It was a pleasure to look at and hold as well as to play, and I felt more confident playing it.
No one's immune to peer pressure, and I'll admit I had a certain feeling of superiority, as well as being able to walk into a room holding an R-13 and have other people see what it was. Many years later, I hope I'm mostly over that, but I still feel good when I put my R-13 together, and even better when I play it.
A good clarinet is less expensive than any other instrument, and costs a lot less than a car or anything else you'll keep for a long time. It's also fun to talk about.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: GBK
Date: 2002-01-02 18:29
It is the player makes the instrument "professional sounding" - not the other way around.
The "household name" professional clarinetists, as we all know, do not play a top line instrument right out of the case. Many have had them tweeked to their own highly personal preferences.
The term "pro instrument" makes the buyer feel that he is now on the same playing field as the "big name players". The only sure way to get on that same field is to practice...GBK
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Wes
Date: 2002-01-02 19:36
Of the 20 or so new instruments that I've purchased over the years, only two needed nothing done to them. Many instruments have chips in the toneholes, leaks, too strong springs, finger rings too high, pad heights not optimum, insufficient cement under pads, and substandard pads. It is apparent that the manufacturers simply can't put the labor into a new instrument to ensure that it is in top condition and sell it at a discount price. Some student and intermediate instruments play quite well with some special TLC. However, the R13 has a certain ring to it that makes one feel good. Happy New Year!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Fred
Date: 2002-01-02 23:51
I like the car analogy that Ken used. Some people shop for inexpensive entry-level cars; some shop for mid to full size for more comfort; and some want the higher end auto that begins with Cadillac/Lincoln and goes up from there. Pretty strong analogy to beginner-intermediate-pro clarinets. Except clarinets are better . . .
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: David Pegel
Date: 2002-01-03 00:18
As a high-schooler I can't fully identify with cars...
But I can identify with cheap clarinets. I play with my best tone on my old plastic 60's Bundy. One of my friends, however, has a Buffet that I'll "fool around" with, and I feel more comfortable when I play that. My grip feels more secure. (Maybe I'm more afraid of dropping it?) My tone goes downhill, but if I used my own setup I'm sure I'd adore that clarinet. much more.
Student and intermediate models seem to have less care put into them and therefore wear out faster. I feel more careful with more expensive clarinets. Somehow my heightened carefulness makes my playing more confident.
Plus my Bundy's due for a checkup and/or overhaul.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2002-01-03 01:05
Well, since I mention more than my share of "pro" instruments, I'd have to say I never thought about it one way or the other. I buy and sell clarinets to all levels of people (including for myself), and try to match the person to the instrument--budget, ability, etc. So, it's like discussing work tools to me--Plus, being a female and all--I don't think mine's better or bigger than anyone else's. But, I get the gist of the conversation.
I do recommend pro level instruments if someone can afford one and is a serious student of the clarinet. They do make a difference. I grew up with a Bundy and didn't know until I could buy my own instrument that a pro model made a difference. There really is a difference--although I've heard wonderful musicians play on instruments that I would have "tossed" years ago. There's a guy in our community band who plays on an old plastic clarinet that is held together with rubber bands--he can really kick out the tunes. But, he is an exception to the rule.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: William
Date: 2002-01-03 02:29
A good musicain (a "pro") will sound good no matter what instrument he or she happens to be playing on. A better built "pro level" instrument simply makes sounding good easier. Just because I pick up Larry Combs clarinet doesn't mean that I will sound like Him. The music still comes from within--the instrument is only the means for expression, not expression itself. Good Clarineting in 2002!!!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Stephanie
Date: 2002-01-03 03:30
I must say that I really appreciate this thread. I was starting to get kinda down because every time I went to an honor band audition or whatever I would see these people with R13s and all. At all state, I sat next to a girl with an R13 and I kinda felt inferior to her. Thanks ya'll.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Don Berger
Date: 2002-01-03 14:34
Good conclusions above, my thots are that beyond the "quality" issue is the psychology that having the "best" causes one to play the best, as if the horn actually has a personality!! Don
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Vytas
Date: 2002-01-04 02:59
Bob Artney, -
Yep… MY IS BIGGER! and you just can't afford one. .
I'm bad!
Vytas
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Vytas
Date: 2002-01-04 03:44
not Artey, -
Juvenile is bad… just like a "PRO" instrument. Right?
Vytas
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: diz
Date: 2002-01-10 23:25
You make a good point. My viola teacher wasn't a wonderful performer herself, but she was the best when it came to imparting wisdom. Her husband was principal violin with the Sydney Symphony and he occassionally used to "barge into" my lessons, grab my viola (my first one was decidedly crappy) and play it. It would sound just beautiful. So I guess not matter what you're playing on, it's the performer that makes the instrument sing, via his/her soul?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
