The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: David Peacham
Date: 2002-10-12 19:22
I've read a lot of references, on this site and elsewhere, to the effect that supposedly identical, brand-new instruments are all different. The prospective purchaser is advised to try as many as possible before purchasing.
I'd like to understand why this variation occurs. Is it the wood? Is it slight differences in the bore or toneholes, which presumably could be corrected? Is it slight differences in pad heights, which ought to be straightforward to correct?
Is it true of all manufacturers, or are some more consistent than others?
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Author: steve
Date: 2002-10-12 19:44
all true...variation is inherent in all musical instruments of quality, but will be percieved differently by each individual!
no maker is more consistent than another above a certain quality level
after trying many horns and setups, you'll find yours...then your requirements will change because you change!
s.
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Author: William
Date: 2002-10-12 20:13
"Is it slight differences in the bore or toneholes...."
Yes--and the differences are so small they cannot be duplicated nor absolutely controlled during manufacture. Most, however, can be corrected later on by a trained accoustician. But even then, it is often trial and error, a true case of "touch and go".
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Author: GBK
Date: 2002-10-12 20:28
Take, for example, 10 Moennig (or Chadash, etc...) clarinet barrels. Try them, and one sees/feels/hears that there are distinct differences between each.
Now magnify that by 10,000 times when building a clarinet, and one sees the problem.
Compound the human factor of assembly with differences in wood, and tools which eventually become dull (or less precise) and we thus must try a number of instruments to find the best compromise in tuning as well as response.
Some find their ideal instrument. Others are still searching...GBK
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