 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2024-11-22 00:30
I'm fed up of people not even questioning poor build quality and blaming themselves when the instrument is clearly to blame. It's not their fault, it's just their high expectations.
I wish players knew that the majority of all brand new clarinets sold are defective in one way or other and there's always room for improvement instead of barrelling on regardless with something they're not completely happy with and most are only going on the recommendation of their teacher, professor or peer pressure.
Some teachers and professors are very scheming and only recommend specific instruments bought from specific shops as they get some form of commission as a result and use their reputation as a weapon to hold the shops to ransom.
Just because something is highly respected doesn't always mean it's going to be good as one size doesn't fit all - the holy grail of instruments may have potential but most have to be reworked to reach that potential. And sometimes that holy grail of instruments is unsuitable for the player, who in turn believes they have no other choice in the matter.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: David H. Kinder
Date: 2024-11-22 05:53
I hope my dissatisfaction thread didn't inspire this post?
Getting back into playing after 20 years.
Ridenour AureA Bb clarinet
Vandoren M15 Profile 88 (non-13) mouthpiece
Vandoren Optimum Silver ligature (plate 1)
Vandoren blue-box #3.5 reeds
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Author: RBlack
Date: 2024-11-22 06:52
It is frustrating, and really SHOULDN’T be the case, but new instruments come in conditions ranging from not ideal, to downright unplayable.
Last year I tested out a flagship model from a big French brand, and was shocked at its condition. My old R13 played rings around it.
Near the end of summer I worked on a Buffet Festival (only a couple years old) that had toneholes in appalling condition.
If even the big brands and expensive models are not exempt, then what hope can anyone have?
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Author: Julian ibiza
Date: 2024-11-22 11:25
I think that with some kinds of musical instruments, there has long been an attitude that after you buy it new, then you have it adjusted to your personal preference. On string instruments this is often the case with the string height above the fingerboard. Some people like it as low as possible, while others like it a bit higher. Hence the instrument often comes with the action higher than anyone would EVER want, making it virtually unplayable. With clarinets that personal adjustment might apply to the spring tension... but really nothing else. I rather suspect that this long standing notion that the buyer should naturally have their instrument adjusted post-purchase for legitimate reasons, has led to a somewhat lazy and negligent approach to the whole business by manufacturers.
The lines between reasons and excuses have a way of sliding into a comfortable place.
Julian Griffiths
Tel. 34 696 798 853
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