 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: KaiLiau
Date: 2017-08-31 08:28
I apologize for the long read (and this almost like asking if you prefer stronger or softer reed) but I am torn. Help is highly appreciated.
To verify the throat notes intonation issue of the CSG2 mentioned the other day, I managed to get a CSG2H (same clarinet but with Hamilton plating replacing silver) from the same seller and this one doesn't have intonation issue so it's slightly higher price is justified. It would be an easy choice which one to keep if it's only the tuning (and key plating) the difference between these two.
And this is where I need your input. What would you pick?
(CSG2H) More sensitivity (requiring more control when consistency is required), less resistance to blow, slightly brighter tone although warm (or dark) sound is still possible.
VS
(CSG2) more consistency in tone, higher resistance, perhaps less flexibility, slightly darker tone. (Please ignore the tuning issue for now).
Details...
Compared to the CSG2, CSG2H has less resistance to blow, especially the throat and the clarion. Overall its timbre is brighter and more flexible, although still focused like a CSG. To me, at least now, it takes more mental focus on my embouchure, tongue position, and air support to sound full and dark on the CSG2H. It could be my current preference to sound the same all the time. It still sounds decent even if I pay less attention. However, perhaps of its sensitivity, sometimes I feel like I hit its ceiling quite easily as it's harder to play loud and covered (vs shrill) at the same time on this CSG2H, if not impossible.
On the other hand, the CSG2 has more resistance to blow but its tone is covered and dark almost all the time regardless of the volume. I don't have to pay as much attention to make this sound on the CSG2. This consistency (or lack of sensitivity) is more like my old Buffet clarinet so I am actually quite used to it but I don't know if this is good or not.
PS. These are the seller's last two CSG2s so these may not be typical case for H and non-H model.
PSS. I am using B45 with Legere European cut 3.25 now.
Thanks in advance...
Post Edited (2017-08-31 18:37)
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Author: Dan Shusta
Date: 2017-08-31 23:19
After I read the two comparisons, it appears to me that you favor the CSG2 but dislike it being more resistant.
A possible solution would be to get the CSG2 and lower the strength of your reed. Vandoren says the B45 takes a 2.5 to 3.5 reed. Perhaps by simply going down to a 3 might reduce the resistance enough to still satisfy your playing needs while increasing your enjoyment of playing.
Just a thought...
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Author: KaiLiau
Date: 2017-09-01 00:55
Thanks for replying, Dan.
With my old stuffy buffet, I am actually very used to higher resistance setup so CSG2 actually plays more comfortably to me, despite of its higher resistance.
However, I am slightly leaning toward the CSG2H as it feels like it's a color palette with more color options when needed. With background mostly in classical music, I am used to the somewhat dark and covered sound but it may not suit all conditions and different kinds of music. I start to feel it probably has more to do with my really old B45 mouthpiece (as it can be wild sometimes due to its design and age) so I am going to experiment different mouthpieces like Vandoren M30 and BD5 over the weekend and see how these clarinets react with newer and more controllable MPs.
I can keep these clarinets until maybe mid next week.
Other suggestions are welcome as well.
Post Edited (2017-09-01 00:56)
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Author: donald
Date: 2017-09-01 04:53
To be honest you will most likely end up adjusting your setup (esp reed selection) to get the resistance you want/like, so if one has better intonation then go with that. When you choose an A clarinet, of course, try to match the resistance if this is at all possible.
Dn
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Author: KaiLiau
Date: 2017-09-01 05:12
Thanks, Donald.
I think overall their resistance is similar. I am splitting the hair in this regard. They are the same models afterall. I care more about the tone. I just played with few other MPs I have and now I think I like the sound of CSG2 better.
The tone from the CSG2, the one with more intonation issues, is more defined and rounder, regardless of volume. The CSG2H, the one with better intonation, has a slightly less focus tone (more overtones, hence brighter) and I need to focus more on how I play it to keep the same tone color when increasing volume.
BTW, the pads of the CSG2H seal slightly better per my suction test. Does a less sealed clarinet play rounder/darker?
Anyone with this kind of experience picking a clarinet? Can the brighter CSG2H make consistent round sound with another different/reed combo? Can the CSG2 be adjusted to be in tune easily?
Thanks for the reply.
Post Edited (2017-09-01 07:18)
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