Author: contragirl
Date: 2003-12-06 21:42
When you say Eb key, you should be careful how you use it. The Festival (I could be wrong) can be ordered with a low Eb (like an alto clarinet), which would really be of no use to a student.
As for the higher Eb above the break, the Festival and Prestige both have the additional Eb/Ab key that allows the player to have more alternate fingerings of the note that already exists on the instrument. Most people that I talk to don't like this key, because they think they will become "spoiled" using it and if they were to go back to a regular clarinet without the key, they would rely on it too much. Personally, I like this alternate key (since I play a low C bass clarinet), because it is a good option when you have your fingers in a knot on one passage.
There are a few differences between the Festival and Prestige, but when it comes to the alt Eb/Ab key, they are shaped differently. I found that the RC Prestige has a smallest, not so noticable Eb/Ab, so it is harder to mistakeningly play it when you mean to play a B/E or something. I think the Festival's key is made more like the the lowest note keys in shape, so it's bigger.
Personally, I think you may want to wait on buying a really expensive clarinet and maybe stick with a standard R13. They are fairly cheaper, and play just as well as the Festival (Without the Eb/Ab key, of course). If you can afford a Festival and you really want to stick to playing, then go ahead. I know some ppl that buy an expensive horn in HS (just an R13), spend $1800 on it, and never play it again.
I suggest reading David Pino's "Clarinet and Clarinet Playing." I'm reading it now and I find it very interesting. He says never to buy a new MPC when you buy a clarinet. You have to get used to one over the other, so you know what you like. The MPC is the most important part of the set-up. If you get the new clarinet, use your old MPC set-up, and if you feel that you need a new MPC set-up, go to the music store and try some out. He has tips on finding a MPC that fits your needs. Same with ligs.
Good luck with clarinet shopping!!
--Contragirl
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