Author: kdennyclarinet
Date: 2004-06-07 01:07
Hello everybody. I just got back from the OU Clarinet Symposium. Eager to try the Tosca, I have held out on a clarinet purchase because I knew that some would be there. I will share my opinions and let you know that almost everyone I talked to agreed. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed. Granted, it is a new model, so there may be some improvements down the line. Also, there were only two to play on, so it could have been the clarinet and not the model. However, I offer the following bits of information based on my test-play:
1. First impression: extremely resistant. I enjoy a bit of resistance in a clarinet... more so than most people, but this was extreme! It took a lot out of me to get a decent, workable sound.
2. I did not hear that lovely "ring" in the sound that one hopes for when
playing on a new instrument. Instead, it was very difficult to project.
Maybe there is a certain reed/mp setup that works best for this model.
3. The vented F key was a nice addition, however I can agree with past
postings how it could get in the way technically. I was, however, able to play a forte low F and it was fun to hear it be perfectly in tune for once. Also, on the plus side, the keys felt very nice and comfortable. The keywork was also very smoothe.
4. The resistance was not even throughout. I found it very difficult just to play a smoothe C major arpeggio. However, because of the added resistance, the upper register had a solid sound that did not become thin at any dynamic level.
6. The instrument itself seemed quite heavy. To some, this is not an issue. It was about as heavy as the Selmer Signature.
7. IMHO, it is way overpriced. The best quote I got was from wwbw for 3,799. Like anything new, it will probably settle down to be more affordable in the future.
Luckily, I found an incredible R13 Vintage model. A nameless "in-house pro" agreed that it was the best clarinet at the conference. I slapped down my Visa and signed my life away! I'm actually extremely happy with it and saved a bundle (compared to the Tosca).
I will be interested to see if anyone else has tried it recently. Maybe more people will comment after the ICA fest in DC. I look forward to discussing this and also have hopes that maybe I just happened to play on the two bad apples in the bunch. I had high hopes after reading some product reviews from the wwbw site. I encourage you to read these reviews and share your findings:
http://www.wwbw.com/Buffet-Tosca-Bb-Clarinet-i109177.music?t=4
Best wishes to all!
K. Denny
BME, MM, DMA
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