 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: BassetHorn
Date: 2005-09-07 16:34
Hello Mark, I know this is not a clarinet post, but just wondering if anyone can offer an opinion on the quality of Amati’s contrabassoon. Has anyone tried one or own one?
I would love to own a top brand model like Fox, but it’s impossible at the high price. Just how good (or bad) is the Amati? Is it a well-built instrument and easy to play? If my primary use is in concert band, will it do the job competently?
I have an Amati C clarinet and it plays very decently, yet I tried its G clarinet and I couldn't make it work for me. So really don't know what to expect of the contrabassoon...
Thank you.
Willy
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2005-09-07 17:06
I have tried several Amati contras, and one yesterday in fact, and for the price I reckon they're much better than the more expensive Adler contras (and possibly some Fox contras!) - basically there's little competition between contras in this price range, and they're well worth the asking price.
Though it's always best to get one that's been set up well beforehand, obviously with Czech instruments there's things that need to be checked before they're sold. The keywork was very light and positive, and the bottom Bb spoke with ease, and from an easy ppp right up to a rattling fff without splitting!
I was nearly going to buy one back in 1998, but bought a Marigaux cor anglais instead - not to say my interest in Amati contras has dwindled, far from it - and trying one yesterday had me wondering where I can get the money to get one with.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
Post Edited (2005-09-07 17:10)
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Author: BassetHorn
Date: 2005-09-07 17:17
Hi Chris, some have said that the contra's quality varies drastically from horn to horn, some are quite good, some are terrible, since you have tried several, do you find this to be the case?
How many bocals were included? Are they of good quality? What about reeds?
And how do you find the internal support of the carrying case? I have read that the case itself is solid, but the upholstery is not sufficient strong.
Lastly, is the instrument esthetically appealing? The stock photos are in black and white and can't tell the colour of the maple.
Thanks.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2005-09-07 17:28
You get two crooks with them, of as good quality as you'd expect from an entry level instrument, though there's always the option of sourcing a Heckel or Fox crook to see if that makes any improvement, not that I felt there's much to improve to be honest.
Reeds can be ordered through any reputable double reed specialist, though as usual you will have to alter or scrape them to work best for you.
The inside of the case is reasonably padded at certain points, but this can be improved (the lining is in black velvet, so adding extra pieces of foam covered in black velvet can be done), and the case itself is sturdy, a dark burgundy/brown (maroon?) colour with four latches and a strong handle - but a big case at that, and should fit in the back of a VW Golf with the back seats down.
They definitely look the part, being of nearly all wood construction, the top U tube is in wood and the descending bell section, with a silver-plated bell as most contras have.
Here's a decent picture of the thumbs side:
http://www.amati.cz/english/production/instruments/Files/abn/abn_36g.htm
I haven't seen a duff one yet - I've tried four brand new Amatis in total.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
Post Edited (2005-09-07 17:33)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2005-09-07 17:36
No problem - though I haven't included my email address in my profile.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
Post Edited (2005-09-07 17:43)
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Author: BassetHorn
Date: 2005-09-07 17:39
Chris, my email is:
bassethornmusic@hotmail.com
Can you send me an email to initiate contact?
Thanks.
Willy
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Author: Kel
Date: 2005-09-07 18:39
Chris P said:
"...obiously with Czech instruments there's things that need to be checked..."
But if they're Czech instruments aren't they already Czeched?
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