Author: Ed
Date: 2017-08-02 18:38
Bob- thanks for your report. For my tastes, I have a couple of issues with the "dark" clarinet sound. I have heard players who in the quest to sound dark or covered, end up sounding dead and whose sound gets lost in an ensemble. For some, the instrument has lost its ring and singing quality. Some of these tones are pleasant, but very homogenous all the time, lacking the nuance and color that one would hear from the greats like Marcellus, Wright, Genussa, etc. I think some of the new mouthpieces make it really easy to keep the sound contained at all times, but have lost the sparkle. One needs to find the right balance.
I think the idea of spending a fortune on equipment in some cases comes down to great marketing. There are many who think that if a $3000 clarinet is good, then a $7000 instrument MUST be better. Perhaps if one purchases that, then it will give you the edge. Some of it is good, some is snake oil. It is no different than the idea that getting set of top line golf clubs will make you play like a pro or a $20,000 bike will make you ride like a TDF rider.
It is important for players to find their own voice and use what works best in achieving that concept. It does not take a fortune to do this as most of it comes from the player. I have found over the years that for good or bad, I play like me no matter what I try. In the end, the more I play and practice, the better it all works. There is no magic equipment, of at least I have not found it.
Post Edited (2017-08-02 20:35)
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The Clarinet BBoard
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