 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: kfeder@hotmail.com
Date: 2004-12-26 23:30
I had a few questions about the forte that maybe someone can answer:
I have been playing plastic clarinets partly because I find them lighter and less of a strain on my thumb than wood. I wonder if the weight of the forte is comparable to a yamaha or vito plastic clarinet. Anybody have info on that?
The info that I have seen on the forte says that the keys have an advanced ergonomic design. Would I experience much difference from a well adjusted vito or yamaha?
As far as the "power barrel" goes, which I understand adds volume to outdoor playing.....would this barrel be suitable for indoor playing where I want to add volume but do not have a microphone available?
I currently have a Vito 7216 and a Yamaha 20 both in pretty good shape and I just wondered if it might be worth it to upgrade to a forte....and this is just for amateur gigs.
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Author: Jimmy Zhong
Date: 2004-12-26 23:45
If the weight of the clarinet is giving you trouble, there are many solutions. You might check out the Kooiman thumb rest, or use a neck strap. You already have two decent plastic clarinets- your next upgrades should probably be something more substantial, especially if you're doing gigs.
Not that the forte isn't a fantastic clarinet- I'm just saying that you probably shouldn't spend $400 if you're upgrading from a vito, and for only a few hundred more you can have a new E11 or even a second hand R13.
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2004-12-27 01:33
The weight (without mouthpiece) of the Forte is about 6.5 units (Newtons), and a Yamaha C100 (probably identical to '20' is 6.8 units.
So the difference is insignificant.
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Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2004-12-27 01:42
(Disclaimer - I am the maker of the Forte')
I'll try to just to stick to facts without embellishments!
The Forte' weighs ever so slightly more than the Vito 7212 and Yamaha YCL 250 because the keywork is power forged and of a slightly heavier bronze alloy.
The register key and the "A" key have a new ergonomic design to facilitate the "pinch" Bb note and to roll the G# - A transition. We were cautioned by several experienced teachers not to make the key design changes too radical so that students could move to another clarinet without much adjustment.
The Power Barrel aids in projection because the even harmonic frequencies of notes are amplified and are better perceived by the human ear than the odd harmonic frequency series characteristic of the clarinet acoustics. The perceived sound volume increase is 12-15 dB. The clarinet does sound "brighter" because of this acoustical trait. It is suitable for jazz work and where projection is desired but definitely more an outside accessory.
There are several threads to search for those that use the Forte' professionally.
The Doctor
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2004-12-27 14:28
I'm also a proud owner of the Forte that I use in outdoor concerts. My regular instrument is a Buffet R-13. In my opinion, as I've stated before, this is no ordinary plastic clarinet and much better than a Vito or any other plastic instrument.
Unless you're specifically wanting a wood clarinet, I'd give one a try. The Dr. will fix you up.
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Author: BobD
Date: 2004-12-28 15:25
I am always intrigued by the term "power forged" and consider it a marketing term. Even blacksmiths employed power when they hammered articles. ....it was from their muscles. However, in the above post I am wondering if there is an implication that the Vito and Yamaha keys are not "forged" but rather "cast".
Bob Draznik
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Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2004-12-28 16:54
I did not mean to infer that the Vito and Yamaha keys were cast like some of the CSO's (to borrow GBK's Clarinet Shaped Objects) but only that powerforged keys (stamped under pressure) come in different alloys, some heavier and harder than others.
The Doctor
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