 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: SebastianB
Date: 2022-10-14 07:08
So here's Todd Levy playing Brahms on a Selmer Signature and probably a [edit:
B40, thanks Bob]:
https://youtu.be/DJSxYCYzNJg?t=418
...and here's our own Eric Black playing some Schumann on a Buffet Tosca with a Gleichweit 7-1:
https://youtu.be/ZXoaf9X0i00?t=272
Would it be fair to say that the tone shape (dark vs. light, how much brightness, etc.) is very similar? If I'm way off base, what should I listen for?
Post Edited (2022-10-15 05:48)
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2022-10-14 12:39
Yes, they both have the same approach to clarinet and the recording techniques are similar, though the Levy was recorded in a small recital hall (or engineered to sound that way).
................Paul Aviles
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Author: Bob Barnhart ★2017
Date: 2022-10-15 02:44
I’ve read in several places that Todd Levy plays a B40 (I think series 13 but I’m not sure). To my ears he usually has a very large, dark sound, due in part to the Signature clarinet, which like the German instruments is designed with a lot of resistance.
The Gleichweit mouthpieces are designed for, and seem to elicit a similarly dark sound, but I would imagine that the “feel” is different than a B40.
It is tempting to expect that if one plays on someone else’s setup, they will get the same result, but ultimately one’s physiology, tonal concept and approach to playing typically override equipment so that one’s individual sound still comes through.
Bob Barnhart
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Author: m1964
Date: 2022-10-15 03:16
Might as well compare apples to apples:
Todd Levy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJSxYCYzNJg&list=OLAK5uy_n8s-cXdTaFd7_g5zo7qWn2eX2-LxTOSXE&index=5
Eric Black: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_t_QeXae4Q&t=438s (6:02)
***How do I insert a hyperlink?
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Author: SebastianB
Date: 2022-10-15 11:15
Bob, thanks for the correction. As the BD5 came out in 2015, Levy could not have been playing one on that 2007 release. FWIW I have seen one each comments here in threads from last year about him playing a BD/BD5.
Yes it is tempting to emulate an admired player's setup. In a way this thread is about shaking up that temptation. If it fails in that regard I'll be in danger of buying a [insert magic mouthpiece flavor of the month to make one sound like XYZ].
M1964 thanks for the earlier links. They are helpful even though the ground has shifted. Oh and yes, Sabine.
Post Edited (2022-10-15 11:19)
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2022-10-15 15:45
The bottom line is that you only sound the way you WANT to sound. You generate the sound that is in your head. Equipment makes that easier or harder but you sound like YOU no matter what.
That said I still find equipment reviews and descriptions can be helpful finding those things that make your sound easier to achieve.
One obvious downside to trying new equipment all the time is cost. But then you lose the time in adjusting to new equipment as well.
I say this as one dedicated to constant exploration. I appreciate the calmness that must be inherent in the lives of those who have remained with the same equipment for decades.
................Paul Aviles
Post Edited (2022-10-15 22:52)
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