Author: clarnibass
Date: 2011-03-10 14:23
Attachment: amati_cls.JPG (199k)
Based on the posts I think something in my post was confusing, I'll try to clarify.
>> The Forte is based on the Amati, btw, which would be why they seemed very similar to you <<
Yes, when I said one Amati seemed identical to my Forte, I meant it had the same feel in the keys and the same response and intonation problems. It also had some of what I thought were distinct Forte features like the bigger throat A key and unique register key shape, the support for E/B hinge rod and maybe a few other things. I'm pretty sure some Amati models don't have these. Of course warrenty, accessories, etc. are possibly/likely different, I have no idea. I also don't remember if the unique bridge design, the type of pads, etc. were different. So maybe they are not the same in some ways and identical was the wrong word.
They PLAYED the same with the same issues so that's what I meant by identical, they were more similar than two clarinets of the same model often are. I attached a photo of this Amati C clarinet, I'm not sure but I think it is a 354 model (the one in the middle). You can notice it has some of these features which are different on most other Amati models.
>> However, you do note that Dr Henderson satisfactorily resolved the issue. <<
Sorry, I think I really confused with this. The problems that were solved are that my Forte C clarinet cracked and that I got it with two barrels of the same length. Because I'm outside USA shipping for repairs under warrenty or replacing the clarinet wasn't a real option. So Omar suggested a solution that was fine and completely solved these issues (and if anyone was wondering, the crack happened with almost no playing at all, while the clarinet was in its case, kept in the same place that all my clarinets are, none of which cracked).
However, the mechanical, intonation, etc. issues with the clarinet have nothing to do with this. They are issues of the clarinet and with the way it's made. To give an idea, here are some of the issues:
- Very flat low notes, especially the E/B but also F/C (also same fingering in clarion)
- Flat throat notes
- A few notes are very stuffy (e.g. throat Bb more than usual, low D)
- Several tone holes poorly finished with some chips (one especially bad, the C#/G#)
- Sharp machining finish of posts hurting my hand when assembling (same for the E/B support)
- Adjustment problems from new
- Damaged slots of rod and pivot screws (one completely ruined, had to be replaced)
- Binding linakges or double action in some linkages
- Some issues with design of key arms
To be honest there are more, but these are most of the objective and significant ones. Some are just my personal opinion (e.g. I don't like the unique and different shape of the throat A and register keys). My full review has all the details for anyone who is interested. Some are a bit nitpicking and then I admit it is not a major issue, especially for the price, but some (e.g. chipped tone holes, intonation) are IMO a significant problem even for the price.
I notice it's not popular to give a negative review of a product by some forum sponsors, but I was so surprised from the Forte C clarinet I got after reading all those pretty positive reviews. Well this is my honest review. Maybe mine is a one-off and that would be great.
Post Edited (2011-03-11 05:07)
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The Clarinet BBoard
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