 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Chris P
Date: 2026-06-04 02:49
If my maths is correct, a typical clarinet with a basic range from low E to altissimo C has 45 notes in total.
Now divide the current equivalent full retail price of your clarinet by 45 and that will give you the cost of each individual note.
Clarinets built to low Eb have 46 notes, those built to low D have 47 notes and those built to low C have 49 notes.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
Independent Woodwind Repairer
Single and Double Reed Specialist
Oboes, Clarinets and Saxes
NOT A MEMBER OF N.A.M.I.R.
The opinions I express are my own.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Dan Shusta
Date: 2026-06-04 05:35
OK, using the well recognized formula E = MC², (i.e., Effort = Monetary Cost²) it is intuitively obvious to the most casual player that high altissimo "C" costs the most.
Matter of fact, it costs so much that only a select few, wealthy players can hit it consistently each and every time.
(Here's hoping somebody has a sense of humor...)
Post Edited (2026-06-04 06:46)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Chris P
Date: 2026-06-04 18:48
And with bass clarinets built to low C, how much does each extra semitone cost compared to the same level low Eb version?
I only thought of this as I bought a keyed low Bb extension for my Marigaux cor anglais and joked with the flute player that it cost £XXX just for that one note.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
Independent Woodwind Repairer
Single and Double Reed Specialist
Oboes, Clarinets and Saxes
NOT A MEMBER OF N.A.M.I.R.
The opinions I express are my own.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: kdk
Date: 2026-06-04 19:03
Chris P wrote:
> And with bass clarinets built to low C, how much does each
> extra semitone cost compared to the same level low Eb version?
>
Depends on how much work you have to turn down because the repertoire you're asked to play requires an extended bass.
Karl
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Hunter_100
Date: 2026-06-05 02:09
Considering how much R&D goes into making each note sound good, I would think the throat Bb is the most expensive.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Tom H
Date: 2026-06-05 04:46
Going higher than (altissimo) C7 means each note is now worth less?
The Most Advanced Clarinet Book -- Songburd Music (paper and digital)
Search title. Amazon.com (search Tom Heimer).
Boreal Ballad solo -- Songburd Music item -- search title.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Luuk
Date: 2026-06-05 12:07
Playing a gliss leaves all notes worthless.
Amount payed divided by infinitely many notes = 0
Regards,
Luuk
Philharmonie Brainport
The Netherlands
Post Edited (2026-06-05 12:07)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ebonite
Date: 2026-06-05 14:03
You can increase the value of your notes by removing the lower joint
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Reformed
Date: 2026-06-05 16:48
Doesn't the value of a note equal what the market is prepared to pay?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Tom H
Date: 2026-06-05 22:19
If the Canadian dollar is lower you get more notes on a U.S. clarinet.
The Most Advanced Clarinet Book -- Songburd Music (paper and digital)
Search title. Amazon.com (search Tom Heimer).
Boreal Ballad solo -- Songburd Music item -- search title.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Dan Shusta
Date: 2026-06-05 23:57
Ah, yes,...the exchange rate between Canada and the U.S....
My take on a weaker Canadian dollar:
1) When the Canadian Backun clarinet is played in the U.S., each note is worth much less here than when played in Canada.
Conversely,
2) When the American made Fox clarinet is played in Canada, each note is worth a lot more there than when played here in the U.S.
p.s. There...I think I finally got it straightened out.
Post Edited (2026-06-06 02:40)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Fuzzy
Date: 2026-06-06 02:33
Quote:
Going higher than (altissimo) C7 means each note is now worth less?
This had me laughing way more than it should have! Thank you!
Thanks also to Chris P - this thread has been a hoot.
Fuzzy
;^)>>>
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Tom H
Date: 2026-06-06 06:08
Fuzzy-- Well I figure if the clarinet is now divided into more total notes then each note is worth less? Just a theory.
The Most Advanced Clarinet Book -- Songburd Music (paper and digital)
Search title. Amazon.com (search Tom Heimer).
Boreal Ballad solo -- Songburd Music item -- search title.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
