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Use of old clarinets

Author: Firebird
Date: 2004-09-25 17:24

Is a 1928 Buffet clarinet set fit for professional use or high level playing today? What sound differences will there be?

Chan

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Re: Use of old clarinets

Author: GBK
Date: 2004-09-25 18:34

Are the clarinets high pitch or low pitch? ...GBK

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Re: Use of old clarinets

Author: Don Berger
Date: 2004-09-25 19:28

A pertinent thot-consideration, GBK. A good cl-playing f[r]iend plays on several Buffs of that vintage, very happily, AFAICJ. "Old" is a relative term, to me, perhaps before 1930, Chan. I have just now made a several-hour's evaluation of a [new to me] 1990's? Selmer {USA} Omega vs a 1954 Sel CT [my best cl?], both playing very well [with my tweaking!]. Since the Om is a polycyl/conical? [UJ 14.8x to 14.7x] and the CT is 15.0 cyl., perhaps it is an apples/oranges comparison, they ARE different, both very good horns IMHO. I BELIEVE I like the Omega better [sim. to a 1955+ Buffet??], but need to play with others !! Happy to discuss with "interesteds". Don

Thanx, Mark, Don

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Re: Use of old clarinets

Author: larryb
Date: 2004-09-25 21:32

If four hundred year old violins can be played professionally, why not an mere 75 year old clarinet? so long as it can be made to play in tune, handle all the technical demands, and blend with the other clarinets in the orchestra...

I have a 1930's Selmer that could be played professionally, if it met all the above requirements - unfortunately it and I don't.

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Re: Use of old clarinets

Author: Kalakos
Date: 2004-09-25 23:13

I guess it might depend on the type of sound you want for the type of music you play (classical, folk, traditional jazz?). My three main clarinets (low pitch, Buffet Albert, no rings on upper bouts in C, Bb, and A) are all pre 1900 instruments. They all have fantastic tones for the Greek folk music I play. Anyway, for what it's worth, the old instruments still play well!
Best,
John

Kalakos
Kalakos Music
http://www.TAdelphia.com

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Re: Use of old clarinets

Author: Vytas
Date: 2004-09-26 00:54

90% of all wooden clarinets this old will play more than 20 cents sharp due to dimensional changes in the bore and I'm talking LP clarinets here. If you can find the one that plays @440HZ with an original barrel (without puling more than 2mm) you're in luck. Old Buffets have wonderful tone.

Vytas Krass
Professional clarinet technician
Custom clarinet mouthpiece maker
Former professional clarinet player

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Re: Use of old clarinets

Author: Firebird
Date: 2004-09-26 01:12

Thanks, I guess I am in luck. The pair really plays at 440 with the barrel slightly pulled. And they are LP. Does anyone happen to know the dimensons and shape pf the bore? How different are they from today's Buffets?

Chan

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