 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: rgoldem
Date: 2005-03-17 15:56
In many opportunities I have been using what is called an intermediate instrument in professional settings. That has not been a real problem and I feel that, with the correct setting, they can work as well as a professional instrument.
The other way around, I feel that some labeled professional instruments are not so professional as they are called. My opinion is that equipment depends mainly on a subjective judgement and sometimes I don´t understand what really makes the difference between an intermediate and a professional instrument. Maybe it is just the way the industry markets them. What is the opinion of the members of the list? What is the real idea behind different levels of clarinets?
Thanks,
Rich
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2005-03-17 16:13
True, its always a question what you may get for additional cost, also what is the more impressive name really worth?, possibly a few $s more on resale?? I should hope that the pro cls would have at least an hour of Pro tuning/tweaking/ check-out before sale, at least we should be able to inquire and recieve an answer ! Comments? Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Bob A
Date: 2005-03-17 19:00
Rich--Once upon a time there was a world in which manufacturers cared about the quality of the product they were pushing out. There were even artists, craftsmen totally dedicated to quality production. IMHO this was all BEFORE there was a R13 mafia. Now, it's what sells. What does the kid with the most clout in the band play. What does my band director get the most kickbackbacks from. What does the local repair person accept in his shop to work on. Call me a cynical old geezer, but there it is.
Bob A
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Author: BobD
Date: 2005-03-17 22:30
I guess a pro instrument is one that delivers what the player wants it to deliver and is built to last and to be repairable when necessary. A thought...how many clarinets are as old as Rachel Barton's violin and are still being played.
Bob Draznik
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Author: Iplayclarinet
Date: 2005-03-19 01:56
i'd tend to look at what the pros are playing on to decide, i myself have a pair of 1972 R-13's that i would be perfectly content playing professionally, they sound great, but yeah i would look at what your teacher plays and what the pros are playing to get an idea of what a"professional" vs an "intermediate" instrument is.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2005-03-19 22:12
Another good idea is to have your teacher help you pick an instrument (as in go to the store with you as you try them or even allow them to try the instruments themselves . . . this way you'll get the stamp of approval from a professional)
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Bob A
Date: 2005-03-20 16:38
Hey Sfalexi, here is part of my original comment:"What does my band director get the most kickbacks from" and your "teacher", in Rural America, might just be all there is and fit that slot. Professional? Yes, they take money for what they do!
Bob A
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2005-03-20 21:15
Good point Bob A. Also, some teachers are biased towards or against certain brands. So I guess it's always a chance to have someone help you pick one out. Sigh. I wish this world were simpler.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Dano
Date: 2005-03-20 22:25
Besides marketing, I believe that the basic difference in pro clarinets and others is what pro clarinetists want and others don't. Sometimes the differences are not noticed unless you really want that extra key or metal tenon ring. Or you believe that the wood on a $4000 clarinet "really does sound better". I don't believe in having your teacher pick out your instrument. It is way too personal and most clarinet teachers have an overgrown ego so you may end up with something you really don't like. Just a generalization. I think that finding an instrument that you feel comfortable with that can help you do your "pro job" fits the bill. There have been pros that used Vito and Bundy clarinets and we as audience never could tell how "pro" the clarinet was.
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Author: hans
Date: 2005-03-20 22:46
rgoldem,
Some differences between a pro and an intermediate instrument that come to mind:
adjustable thumb rest
better quality wood
undercut toneholes
better quality keywork
a decent mouthpiece (my "pro" instrument came with one; others may not)
Whether or not these are important is up to the individual and her/his budget constraints.
IMO the ability of the performer is more important (within reason) than the instrument; for example, Charlie Parker played the "World's Greatest Jazz Concert" on a white plastic sax.
Regards,
Hans
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Author: ken
Date: 2005-03-21 00:12
In 2003, I purchased a student model Leblanc Esprit as a back-up to my back-up. Come to think of it, the horn the only one I've bought completely on faith of a peer and not trying out (thank you Brenda; besides my teachers GBK would be the ONLY other person I'd trust as well).
It plays so superbly in all musical and emotional aspects I have absolutely no compunction grabbing it instead of my Opus or R-13 for any performance setting. v/r Ken
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