 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Spelunkeny
Date: 2002-02-23 21:36
I purchased a metal Commodore clarinet, and I was wondering if anyone out there knows anything about this instrument? Thanks.
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Author: Fred
Date: 2002-02-23 22:41
Most, but not all, metal clarinets were pretty mediocre when made and have since gotten much worse. They are neat conversation pieces, however, as many people have never seen such a beast. I'm afraid that the Commodore was most likely one of the many "better talked about than played" instruments. Regardless of quality, most band directors, much less orchestra conductors, would have a fit if you showed up with one at their rehearsal or concert.
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Author: Spelunkeny
Date: 2002-02-23 22:50
Do you mean a fit as in they become giddy with fascination or fit as in getting red in the face and throwing said clarinet into the wall?
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Author: Fred
Date: 2002-02-23 23:01
Imagine one of those "not in my band, you won't" kind of looks . . .
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Author: ron b
Date: 2002-02-24 02:35
Commodore is probably as 'average' as any other metal clarinet. I don't know. I've never owned one or played one. With a good mouthpiece it might be okay or....
Metal horns may be mediocre, most of them. Okay, 99% of 'em Are mediocre No question about it. And some of them are just pigs.
But, the player... well, you've heard it all before. Here, there, everywhere -- the beat goes on and on. It's XX% (pick a number) the player that... you know the argument
From my strictly personal view:
For outdoor use, I think metal clarinets are acceptable.
I have a metal (Albert) clarinet that I prefer using when the following conditions exist:
First; I don't like to drag my 'good' wood horn(s) around when temperatures fluctuate a lot. From indoors to outdoors, then quickly back inside again, etc.
Second; it's pretty reliable (most of the time
Occasionally, someone might remark that it's an interesting looking horn (Did that thing come over on the Mayflower? Otherwise, since it sounds like a clarinet, nobody (including the director) says anything other than, 'you guys sounded pretty good tonight'. Or, if we didn't sound so good... nothing : In that case -- we just know... but, usually, we have a good time :]
Good or bad, it's not the instrument's fault. Never, ever, go that route.
I've never gotten 'one of those looks' -- because no one's ever had reason to give me one.
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2002-02-25 09:03
although 99% of metal clarinets are mediocre I came across a couple a while back that were interesting. A Bb and A Albert system pair made of solid German Silver with no makers mark at all. They were newly overhauled and played very well. They are now somewhere in Greece being played by a no doubt happy Balkan clarinettist. They were in a repairers workshop who was the son of a repairer who was also the son of a repairer and had just been sitting there for years without anybody giving them a thought.
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