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RE: A or Eb?

Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2001-11-29 01:34

Nice dilemma! ;^)

I tend to agree with Mark, here. If your A is less than 40-45 years old (remember, though, Mark, that Carl Fischer used the R13 designation long before Buffet adopted it for the polycylindrical model so her "R13" could be 60+ years old) with a good overhaul, the A you have should carry you a long way. The truth is, however, that you probably won't get nearly as much use out of an Eb as you will out of an A (at least if your focus is orchestral playing -- band is a different kettle of fish, altogether).

For orchestral playing, I think the order of usefulness is probably:

Bb
A
Bass
Eb
C

For band playing, the order of usefulness is probably:

Bb
Bass
Eb

(Alto is probably called for more often than Eb, but the parts are usually pretty boring.)

In general then, I think you'd get alot more use out of a bass than you would get out of an Eb. But, a bass wasn't one of your listed options and, given that the cost of a new professional bass is considerably more than an Eb, it may not be feasible. So, to respond to your specific question:

If your A has no serious structural damage and a serial number higher than around 55,000 (and certainly if it is above 63,000), I would recommend an overhaul and an Eb. If your A has a serial number below 63,000, I would recommend you take the instrument to a good local repair tech or clarinetist for their evaluation of whether it is worth overhauling.

However, if you are still open to other options and the A has a serial number higher than the ones I've noted above, think about an overhaul of the A and a good used intermediate or professional bass (low Eb) clarinet. I think you'll have more fun with the bass and get more use out of it.

Best of luck with your choice.

jnk

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