 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: joeyscl
Date: 2006-01-17 20:38
What are the major differences between the different levels of Horns? Other then the price...
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Author: GBK
Date: 2006-01-17 20:52
Each manufacturer lists the physical specs of every model, either on a web site or in their printed literature.
That would be a good place to start...GBK
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2006-01-18 00:55
I would hope that as the "quality" (list price?) of a clarinet increases you would get.
Improved intonation; the holes in the instrument will be placed precisely so that it plays in tune; the bore will be varied in diameter along the length of the instrument, again to improve its playability and intonation;
Better keywork: more reliable, lighter in action, less likely to have problems;
Better quality wood --so it keeps its shape and does not crack;
Better tone quality;
Unfortunately, clarinets seem to be highly variable. It is necessary to test several at purchase time to find one that has the attributes you, the player, value. Its possible that instruments from different price levels in a single manufacturer will overlap in quality. An exceptional low-price horn might be "better" than a poor top line horn.
Also, unfortunately, it is almost always necessary to have your new instrument adjusted by a skilled technician to get the keywork properly adjusted --and possibly a change in tuning barrel and/or bell to get the most out of the instrument.
Bob Phillips
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Author: ron b
Date: 2006-01-18 01:11
This is not original; I don't remember who said it but it's worth remembering (if I may paraphrase a bit)...
'The instrument you get paid to play is your professional instrument.'
- r![[cool]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/cool.gif) n b -
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Author: ClariBone
Date: 2006-01-18 02:41
I'd say a good place to start would be to use the search function so generously provided by the moderators. Different combinations will reveal different results. If you're unable to locate what you want, THEN post.
Clayton
P.S. Beginner instruments are marked by their relatively cheap price as well as their durability. Designed for beginners who may be careless, these "tanks" can be found on both the marching field and in outdoor concerts.
Intermediate models, as you've no doubt guessed, are step-up horns. There are some VERY good horns out there. Intermediate models are popular with high school students as well as doublers who's primary instrument is something other than the clarinet.
Pro model horns are the best of the best, imho. Marked by their expensive price tag, these horns feature a great quality of craftmanship, keywork, wood, and design. Made for, you guessed it, pros, these horns allow the advanced clarinetist to produce a wide variety of tone colors, and in general a better sound (I'm aware of exceptions, btw!!!).
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Author: RedInferno
Date: 2006-01-18 03:33
Just a bit off topic, sorry:
To ClariBone.... I noticed for the intermediate horns, you said there were some VERY good ones out there. I myself am looking for one. Can you make any recoomendations as to which intermediate horns you are talking about?
Post Edited (2006-01-18 03:35)
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Author: David Peacham
Date: 2006-01-18 08:11
I think the real answer to this question is, there are no MAJOR differences. Just small points of quality.
This is in contrast to many other instruments, where the more you pay, the more features you get. So, for example, a student-level euphonium may have only three valves; a pro-level instrument has four compensating valves and a couple of tuning triggers.
In the world of German clarinets, student instruments have less keywork than pro instruments. In the world of Boehm instruments, this isn't true.
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If there are so many people on this board unwilling or unable to have a civil and balanced discussion about important issues, then I shan't bother to post here any more.
To the great relief of many of you, no doubt.
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Author: ClariBone
Date: 2006-01-19 00:55
RedInferno
I would suggest looking into either the Buffet E-11 or the LeBlanc Rhapsodie. Both are good intermediate horns, imho, and are from 2 of the Big 4 dealers. Test several instruments to find one that suits you. Good Luck and Happy Hunting!!!
Clayton
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Author: Bennett ★2017
Date: 2006-01-19 16:25
I'd appreciate hearing more about the variability / lack of consistency in clarinets of the same make and model #, perhaps even of same manufacturing date.
I've supposed that the machining of wood, drilling of tone holes, casting/tempering/annealing of metal parts are all processes that are highly repeatable and consistent. Obviously the wood blanks may differ but what other factors come into play that make it so desirable or necessary to try several instruments to find a 'good' one.
I'm also curious about the consistency differences between intermediate and professional instruments. Do E11's vary among themselves more than R13's?
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Author: David Peacham
Date: 2006-01-19 18:02
Bennett - a good question. People here will tell you - and who am I to argue - that a clarinet may behave differently even as you rotate the bell or barrel. If that is true, it is hardly surprising that individual instruments will differ.
Whether it is true, whether there is any repeatable or scientifically measurable effect, I couldn't possibly comment.
It is unquestionably true that if you try two identical instruments that have been poorly set up, they will play differently. They'll both play badly, but in different ways. Whether they would play identically if they were properly adjusted is entirely a different matter.
As for whether price is also a factor affecting consistency, it doesn't seem fanciful to suggest that plastic (or indeed Greenline) instruments ought to be more consistent than wooden ones.
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If there are so many people on this board unwilling or unable to have a civil and balanced discussion about important issues, then I shan't bother to post here any more.
To the great relief of many of you, no doubt.
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