 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: RAMman
Date: 2004-04-08 22:48
Does anyone own a Stephen Fox clarinet?
Specifically, his basset clarinet extension to a regular clarinet...I know that Buffet have tried this idea, but with the exchange rate from Sterling to Canadian dollars the way it is at the moment...a Brit could snap up this extension for a real snip. I'm not sure if I like the idea of pairing different joints together...but hey, hardly anyone plays a mouthpiece that matches his clarinet right?
I'm not sure if I'm seriously looking...but nice to think about it anyway!
If anyone owns this extension, or one of his clarinets...please get in touch.
Dan.
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Author: NiceOldHorns
Date: 2004-04-08 23:20
I owned, and sold a converted Buffet clarinet in A that Stephen made.
The only way Stephen sells the extension is installed on a particular instrument. The wait can approach a year.
It is at the moment of delivery that the bill is paid (unless you determine to pay in advance)...
My memory of the conversion was one of impeccable finish, solid integration with the instrument (the additional notes 'spoke' as the ones above), and gorgeous overall tone.
Be advised that Stephen prefers a Germanic school of clarinet intonation
and his instruments may depart from the norm exemplified in Buffet.
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Author: RAMman
Date: 2004-04-08 23:25
Oustanding,
I couldn't have asked for a better answer...thank you Nice Old Horns.
Germanic?
Hmmm, that could be interesting!!
I take it he doesn't need to hold on to your A clarinet for a year??
Dan.
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Author: Liquorice
Date: 2004-04-09 06:37
"Be advised that Stephen prefers a Germanic school of clarinet intonation"
I'm not sure what you mean by that. Please could you explain? Thanks!
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Author: Ralph Katz
Date: 2004-04-09 12:21
I have had a Steven Fox C instrument since 1999, and like it a lot. His level of craftsmanship is very high.
Please note that his extensions are permanently grafted onto the bottom joint and not removable. When I picked up my instrument, he had several Basset extensions in progress, on a Buffet and a Yamaha. The keywork is removed, the bottom of the joint is removed. A new piece of matching wood is attached, and precision turned to the desired dimensions. Except for the wood joint, the result looks like it was designed by the original maker.
Like any instruments, if you are considering purchase, play on one first. I think Mr. Fox will be at the ICA convention this summer in Washington, DC. His website has his e-mail information. He has always responded to my messages, although he tends to be pretty busy - don't expect an answer the next day.
Regards
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Author: NiceOldHorns
Date: 2004-04-09 12:53
As Ralph said, the extension and instrument are permanently joined.
Stephen prefers to have the instrument in his possession throughout.
There are LOTS of verified steps he performs to make the best possible
instrument - it has his name on it, after all.
He's teaching extensively and playing more than ever.
Still, if you have a clarinet in A that you could miss for the duration, it will be worthy of your patience.
If I had the money, I would buy a pair of clarinets in his design.
The tuning and intonation were spot on, and the response was tremendous when mated with a Viennese style mouthpiece.
(I play a longer facing, so it wasn't much of an adjustment.)
Anton Crout was the buyer of my Basset clarinet - find him for a long term reply... I've lost track of his address.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2004-04-09 13:58
Liquorice -
Steve Fox prefers a German-style cylindrical bore for the lower joint, rather than the conical French bore, although he makes both. He says the cylindrical bore improves intonation and also produces a more homogeneous, Germanic tone. For more, see Steve's site at http://www.sfoxclarinets.com/baclac_art.htm
I've tried both his designs. The German bore certainly does what he says, but at least for me there's also a lack of flexibility. It makes one very good sound, at the cost of being able to make many sounds. Both instruments are excellent. It's purely a matter of what you like.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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