Author: NBeaty
Date: 2013-11-17 23:42
If the material of a mouthpiece has an affect on the sound (which it does), then it stands to reason that the instrument's material matters as well.
Other variables are at play, since it's near impossible to get a plastic clarinet that has the same design as a professional level wood instrument.
To me, the "the audience can't tell the difference" (whether it be clarinet players or others) argument is weak. It's essentially saying that if you can slip one past people, it's all the same. The keywork, tuning, pads, bore size and shape, barrel type, etc. all have an impact on our INTERACTION with the clarinet. If you play for people and they say they can't tell the difference, good job. Now decide on what sounds the best, tunes the best, focuses the best, resonates the best, responds the best....etc. If a plastic clarinet is really put through its paces, I don't think most players would choose it over a high quality wood instrument.
While I'm very doubtful that any pro would use a plastic horn, the ones I know who have used one just want to make a point that the player matters most (helps break people out of paralysis by analysis). James Cambell has been doing this at IU, but I'm not sure if he still is.
I have yet to meet any professional or college student for that matter, choose a plastic horn as their primary because it was the best they found.
Yes, a plastic horn works, so does a Civic. But if driving is your profession, you'd probably choose a Porsche. Fortunately for us, clarinets are relatively cheap!
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The Clarinet BBoard
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