Author: lmliberson
Date: 2021-01-02 20:23
I’ve barely posted to this Bulletin Board in the last several years as I think that much of what I have seen here is little more than noise - or, at least, I have reached that conclusion for myself. Sorry, but my time (and likely yours, too!) is much better served by practicing than reading a lot of this _______ (fill in your own derogatory term here!).
However, I did happen to come across a review of a couple of Brad Behn’s newer products which, obviously, have rubbed me the wrong way.
First, just to put it out here, I hold Brad and his products in very high regard and any comments I share are, in no way, critical of him or his products. I, myself, have purchased and used them. He is a class person and runs a class operation. Please keep this in mind as you continue reading my rant, ok?
I don’t know who Eric Bromberg is. And, perhaps, that’s my point. We get all these “reviews” on this site without benefit or knowing the source of these so-called reviews. Does this review come from a student? An amateur that plays in a community band somewhere? A seasoned professional? A university professor?
A review is only helpful, informative, and edifying if there is an understanding and acceptance of the source from where it comes. Anyone reading a review can either accept or dismiss any assessment of equipment, etc., but the source of that information lends credibility - or lack thereof - to any kind of review.
So, taking the review in question as an example, I have my own little quibbles concerning it. First, as I read it, it’s less of a review and more like advertising copy:
“.....exceptional craftsmanship is able to capture the traditional American clarinet sound.”
Perhaps I’m a bit dense, but what exactly is the traditional American clarinet sound? Harold Wright? Ralph McLane? Robert Marcellus? Mitchell Lurie? Frank Cohen? Ted Oien? The guy or gal who sits next to me in the orchestra? Ad infinitum...? Do/did all renowned American clarinetists produce a similar sound? I don’t think so. They are/were as individual as different colors of the spectrum as are players of today. And I’m not even delving into jazz, klezmer, ethnic players! So, Mr. Reviewer, which of these or any other players did you have in mind?
Next: “I believe this element is what makes the mouthpiece appeal to audiences with an older clarinet sound in mind.”
Really? In the literally thousands of concerts I have performed, I can honesty say that absolutely no audience member has ever commented to me anything close to their attachment and nostalgic yearning for the older clarinet sound they had “in mind”.
Lastly: “My Behn mouthpiece was crafted to allow me to perform at my greatest potential.”
Well, duh. Do any of us think that such a fine craftsman as Brad would choose to fashion something that will have you sounding like crap?
I’m not meaning to dump here on this particular post or poster - but it is the most recent example to cite as to what I’m speaking of.
I can’t tell you how frustrating it is when a student comes in with a new ______(fill in the blank), telling me that he/she read all about it on this or other Internet sites. Most often, it becomes a waste of $$$. I can’t help but wonder what the attraction was other than some unknown poster extolling the virtues of some piece of equipment that I would then explain was totally wrong or inappropriate for them.
We currently live in a world of Facebook likes, Amazon and Trip Advisor reviews, thumbs up, thumbs down, etc. Some are helpful, some are written with malice, some are totally bogus, and some are merely plants. How do we assess these without an understanding of the sources?
For example: my wife and I order a $150.00 bottle of wine while dining. She, with the acute palate she has, notes the hints of blackberry, chocolate, oak, etc. while my comment is akin to “tastes like cow piss strained through a dirty sock”. Do you really want me as your sommelier?
Anybody has license to post their feelings about anything here - that’s a great thing and we should all be grateful for everything that Mark has done on our behalf. That’s democracy (and we all know what happens when we are bombarded with misinformation and disinformation). But an understanding of the source of reviews can hopefully lend credibility to what is written - or not. Perhaps when you choose to post your opinions about anything, you might want to also share who you are and what your experience is, not to mention your self-assessment of your expertise and competence, so that those who read what you have to say can make their own assessment of what you have to say.
I’m not trying to imply censorship or anything controversial like that. I only seek clarity. I think you all should demand the same. Life’s too short, ya know?
Apologies for the length of this rant.
But thanks for reading!
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The Clarinet BBoard
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