 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: donald
Date: 2005-12-23 04:03
Kia ora
Today i spent the morning test playing a pair of Wurlitzer Reform Boehm Clarinets that i have been offered "first option" at a very good price. Both instruments are in a playable condition, but in need of attention and adjustment.
These instruments have an amazingly beautiful sound, quite clearly it is easier for me to make my "more ideal" sound on them. I like the tone of my Buffet R13 and Festival, but i've got to say that these Wurlitzers are just gorgeous!
Intonation wise, they are not as good as i expected. However there are some really good things- for instance the altissimo register is very good (with better tone too) and high F, for instance, is very easy to play in tune with the regular fingering. The Reform Boehm keywork is fabulous, especially being able to trill F#-G# in the upper reg (without an articulated G# mechanism...). Low E and F are in tune thanks to a hole in the bell tenon, but C and B are sharp- able to be flattened by rotating the bell so that the hole is closed.... Brilliant!
A big problem is that i'd have to keep my Buffets to use in the orchestra as i'm not confident that i'd be too welcome on the Wurlitzer (please don't argue about this). I could use the Buffet for orchestra and the Wurlitzer for chamber, but this does seem a little more complicated than i'd like my life to be!
hmmmmmmm also, i'm not exactly rolling in cash, but it would seem to be too good an opportunity to pass over....
what do you guys think?
Wurlitzer for Xmas?
donald
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2005-12-23 07:20
DO IT!
I would!
If you like the tone and playability on these then get them before you miss your chance, then get used to how they play and use them full time.
You'll be kicking yourself if you don't, and you can always get your money back on them later if you decide to sell them on.
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Author: archer1960
Date: 2005-12-23 13:17
: A big problem is that i'd have to keep my Buffets to use in the orchestra as i'm not confident that i'd be too welcome on the Wurlitzer (please don't argue about this).
I'm not arguing, but asking: why would they care as long as you sound good?
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2005-12-23 15:46
I played with a clarinetist this year who uses the Wurlitzers and I played on my Buffet. We did quite well together. I don't see that you would have much of a problem playing with others who were playing Buffets, so if you decided to keep the Wurlitzers you would soon be using them with the orchestra as well.
Just a note here, the clarinetist I played with had problems with her Bb right before a concert with a clarinet solo and she ended up having to pass it to me. She couldn't get a sound from her instrument and we couldn't find the cause. I'm thinking it was probably a pad, but while onstage preparing for the curtain to open is not the time to do a repair.
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Author: Tim P
Date: 2005-12-23 16:22
I think you will have a big problem playing with others. I believe the best course of action is to purchase them and then ship them to me for safe keeping. I will exercise them daily for you and you won't have anything to worry about.
my shipping address is available VIA email.
Merry Christmas
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Author: donald
Date: 2005-12-23 19:46
i didn't suggest that i thought i'd have a problem playing with others, and of course it would seem sensible that if i played well and in tune that would be what mattered the most. i agree with anyone who says it shouldn't be a problem... but let's just say, life is not always as simple for a lowly sub like me...
as it is, i barely have time to practise E flat cl and classical saxophone, each time i get a Bass clarinet gig i'm trying to get reeds at the last minute and i haven't had time to work on my Chalemeax playing lately... now i'll be adding ANOTHER instrument to the mix..... plus i'm supposed to be working on some 5 key repertoire in 2006.... plus the expense of maintaining so many instruments... at least i can make my own reeds!
hmmmmmmm
merry xmas
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