 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: D
Date: 2005-05-19 18:29
First posting from a long time lurker....please forgive mistakes.
I have searched through many postings on this site and have gathered that most people here agree that if you like the feel and sound of your A and your Bb, then they don't necessarily have to be the elusive 'matched pair' even if you are swapping between them frequently. They don't have to even be the same brand as long as they feel similar enough to the individual player.
However, I was unable to find an opinion on the problems caused by quality jump between clarinets.
i.e. if one were to own a student Bb and a professional A, (or visa versa if you could find such a thing as a student A) would this cause any greater problems than owning two professional quality instruments by different makers.
Many thanks for your comments
D
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Author: larryb
Date: 2005-05-19 19:03
Dear d (hope you are not offended by my use of the familiar form of your name):
one is likely to find the major cognative dissonances switching between instruments that are characterized as "good" and those characterized as "not so good." Whether professional A or Bb or student model A or Bb makes little difference. A malfunctioning "pro" instrument will be more difficult and less satisfying to play than a well maintained student instrument. A good mouthpiece and reed would help too.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2005-05-19 19:14
The term "matched pair" or "matched set" is about as real as the Tooth Fairy.
What do people really expect this to mean?
1. What are they matched to and by who?
2. Serial numbers that are within +/- 100?
3. Made on the same day of the week?
4. From the same billet of grenadilla?
I've played on many sets of R-13's that were supposedly "matched" and there was nothing what so ever "matching" about the two instruments, other than the fact that they were in the same double case.
It is far better to go and find 2 clarinets, either the same brand or different, that play with similar tonal and resistance characteristics and then have your tech adjust the spring action and voicing to be as identical as possible, than worry about finding the elusive and fictitious "matched set"...GBK
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2005-05-19 19:50
I used a Buffet R-13 Prestige Bb and a Leblanc Concerto A for many years and was happy with the set-up. I didn't use the A very much, but when I did I noticed that the thing that bothered me the most was the difference in the way the instrument felt in my hands. I also had to work a bit harder on intonation on the Prestige than the Concerto--but also had less flexibility of tone quality on the Leblanc vs. the Buffet. I would have loved to have had a "matched pair" of either the Buffet or the Leblanc--but had to purchase them at different times and different economic situations.
Bottom line--it's nice to have a matched pair for the reasons I described above, but not absolutely a must. It just takes a min. to get used to the switch and if you've been practicing on them both you know by instinct what each instrument requires to bring it to top level. It's no different than a doubler on sax and clarinet or sax and flute, etc.
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Author: D
Date: 2005-05-19 20:12
Mmmmm interesting responses, thanks all.
So, Clarinetgrammy:
as I do also play sax and flute (pretty badly but heh....) then it sounds like you think I would manage with a big difference in instrument.
I think the reason I am concerned is that with the flute and the sax (and all the recorders that I play) they are all so different that there is no danger of being caught out. But I have trouble in Orchestra at the moment with the orchestras As (they lend them for rehersal but you can't take them home to practice) because it is always such a shock that the little finger keys are almost but not quite where I expect them to be, and all the little teeny keys in between the fingers are different too.
I worry that the response difference in a student model v an intermediate model v a professional model will be an obstacle that is not easy to over come.
Do you guys think there genuinely is much difference in the way a pro model responds? Or is a lot of it hype?!
I have read things about there being 'less hesitation' etc with the pro instruments. (another myth?)
Assume money is no object, what would you do, would you want two instruments of the same standard (regardless of brand) or is it irrelevant.
Post Edited (2005-05-19 20:14)
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Author: Robert Moody
Date: 2005-05-19 20:29
I would prefer two instruments (Bb and A) of the same quality to play in a performance setting (i.e. orchestra where you switch back and forth). Most likely, you would find yourself with a "professional" level A clarinet with an "intermediate" Bb clarinet rather than the other way around. Personally, I've never seen an intermediate level A clarinet, that is why I suggest that.
Since money is no object in your example, I would want two professional clarinets that matched in every respect as much as could be expected considering the physical differences in size. If money were no object, I would not touch an intermediate clarinet for a performance. I would look until I found the professional one that suited me best...both A and Bb.
Take care,
Robert Moody
http://www.musix4me.com
Free Clarinet Lessons and Digital Library!
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Author: Alseg
Date: 2005-05-20 12:27
Matched set:
This means that each instrument is matched to you and your needs, not to eachother.
I know of a prominent principal orchestral player who uses a Selmer Recital Bb and a Buffet R13 A clar. They are matched to him...not to eachother.
The whole megilla is a misnomer.
Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-
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Author: Merlin
Date: 2005-05-20 14:43
"i.e. if one were to own a student Bb and a professional A, (or visa versa if you could find such a thing as a student A)"
Buffet actually makes an A clarinet in their E-11 model series.
I lay claim to having the oddest A - mine is a hard rubber Noblet with a wrap-around register key. Given that I maybe need it once every two years or so, it's served me well.
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Author: bob49t
Date: 2005-05-20 19:37
I'm the Tooth Fairy, GBK.
Maybe it's too obvious, but no mention has been made of making sure the instruments both tune well with your favourite mouthpiece.
Horrendous problems may arise if trying to pair up clarinets, one, a narrow bore Buffet, say and a wide Selmer, 1010, Eaton etc. Check the bores !
Try tuning to your desk partner on any of the others in the woodwind section with that lot !
And before you shoot me down, I've been through this experience a few times.
Better prevention than cure.
I'm sure, however that there will be others who disagree.
Bob T(ooth)
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