The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: heitzler
Date: 2005-11-09 23:32
Have you ever played on a german system. If yes do you like it or not?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ron b
Date: 2005-11-10 00:52
I play the German system almost exclusively, heitzler, (since 'way back in the 50s, for the record) and, yes, any disinterested party might infer that I like it... if only because I own around fifteen of 'em
- rn b -
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2005-11-10 23:15
Dear Heitzler,
I had played Oehler system Herbert Wurlitzer 100c clarinets for about 12 years. I would say that it is an acoustic difference as well as a finger difference. Fingerings are not that different or difficult to overcome save for how fingers one and two of both hands seem to be used almost in an opposite sequence from Oehler to Boehm (the only constant frustration).
The sound is markedly different in that it is, for lack of a better word, smaller. There seem to be more overtones present as well. The best thing about them is the tremendous consistancy in timbre and pitch from the low E all the way to five ledger line C. No other clarinet can touch them on this score.
The down side is that Boehm system clarinets just cannot sound the same way, so blending with a section of non-Oehlers is no fun at all. My hat is off Michele Zukovsky of LA for doing this for so long and doing it so well.
In the end, I began on Boehm and I will end on Boehm, I guess it's just in the blood now. But if you have to have that sound, can muster the energy to force a blend at all costs and (this is most important) have enough support in the accessories dept. (reeds, mouthpieces, technical advice) then go for it.
..............mit grosse lieben,
.....................Paul Aviles
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Chris P
Date: 2005-11-10 23:57
I bought a Richard Keilwerth Oehler system to see what it's like to play - to be honest I do love the German sound, though I know it is impossible to make a completely German sound on Selmers, but I'll try to get as near to the sound I have in mind with my equipment - I'll probably get a German style mouthpiece in the near future to help matters.
The lower register is much clearer on Oehlers - especially E4 and C4 - these issue through fingerholes, rather than vents covered by pads on Boehms.
And then there's the excellent low E-F# and B-C# (across the break) trills that only the full Mazzeo system can do as easily, while Oehlers and simple systems have used for aeons.
I do miss the linked little finger keys and the long Bb when playing Oehlers.
I know I keep saying 'If only...' but I still wish I bought a pair of C. Wurlitzer full Oehlers - I don't know how they compare to F.Wurlitzers, but they were both new old stock full Oehlers going for a good price in Lewingtons about 10 years ago.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
|