Author: m1964
Date: 2018-09-16 08:53
Donald wrote:
>Just a small note- it doesn't have an "SK mechanism". That is >activated by the thumb ring and isn't an "either register OR throat B >flat" mechanism as on a bass clarinet. The SK mechanism opens >one hole when being used for the register key, and two holes when >being used for B flat. This one has a mechanism activated by the >throat A key, and is "either/or" in that it opens a register hole OR a >B flat hole depending on if the A key is open.
>The SK mechanism is more reliable- but tends to result in lower >pitches in the altissimo (this depends on other elements of the >instrument design). The "either/or" mechanism tends not to have >this drawback, but is mechanically less reliable (complex mechanism that >relies on counterbalanced springs etc).
Hi Donald,
You are absolutely right: I got the clarinet and I do not like the "feel" of the throat A key- it feels "OK" when playing a scale at slow tempo but as soon as I tried to play a quick passage I felt that it was not responding as easily and quickly as in a "standard'' system.
The levers had slight amount of extra travel and could use new corks but I felt that it would not improve the feel how it opened significantly.
In addition, the first octave B was muted comparing to the C, C#, D, etc.
Yes, the B, not Bb.
In fact, Bb sounded very similar to throat A or G#.
The tuning was OK to my ear but with a tuner I noted some unevenness in tuning but nothing that could not be compensated by the lips tension.
The sound was good. I recorded the sound of the 2nd movement of Mozart concerto on my cell phone playing the Leblanc and then R13 half tone lower. The Leblanc sounded as good if not a tad better then my R13.
If not for the A throat key mechanism and muted B, I would consider buying this clarinet.
I made an offer on an Buffet RC on ebay and hope I get it. If I do, I could "report" my impressions here if anyone is interested.
Thanks a lot to everyone who participated in this thread.
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The Clarinet BBoard
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