 The Ethnic Clarinet
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Author: Steve Epstein
Date: 2001-03-21 03:41
Low D, not low C, correct? Which really means, the written low E of a standard Bb clarinet. So why all the contortions to do this with a c - clarinet? Why not just a good old - fashioned Bb clarinet? A guy like him can probably transpose with ease, and with the modals of klezmer, there are going to be plenty of sharp / flat accidentals thus difficult fingerings in any key somewhere. Tone? Won't the additional length of the low D extension darken the sound, making it sound like a Bb, anyway? I heard Brave Old World once; they were miked and amped, obfuscating the finer points of tonality. He had pickup mikes on both his "C" and his basset horn.
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Author: Ralph Katz
Date: 2001-03-21 22:35
Yes his low note is D concert, or the "low E" of a B flat instrument. My take on it is that, for tonal reasons, he prefers to play on a C instrument. The maker could produce any options he could dream up, and this is the onlyest reason. This gives him the sound he wants plus the ability to play along with most anybody else. The bottom line is, he likes it.
This is something many people are not at all ready for. Most of us accept whatever the big three throws at us and leave it at that. It is a big leap of faith to accept that there exist people who can produce, for you, your own personal dream instrument. If you, given the money and a talented instrument maker, could order a clarinet to your own specifications, what goodies would you ask for?
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Author: Steve Epstein
Date: 2001-03-21 23:56
What goodies would I ask for? Let's see...how about cupholders -)
Ok, seriously, I note from your other posts that you also play a "C". Have you ever tried the Patricola "C" (CL-7)? If you have, what do you think of it?
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Author: Ralph Katz
Date: 2001-03-22 16:04
Steve: I have not played the Patricola C - don't know when it came on the market but suspect it was after I ordered mine. Haven't spoken to anyone who has played on one. This is relatively new on the market - no? I would like to hear anyone's playing impressions.
Cupholders? Those are for minivans. Power seats are better for clarinets. ;-)
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Author: Nate Zeien
Date: 2001-03-22 23:26
Hmmm... What would I ask for on a custom clarinet? Perhaps all of those metal clarinet haters out there will come after me for this, but I would consider experimenting with solid silver. Also, I would change a few key designs, and add a key here and there. I'd love to have a discussions on more specific ideas if anyone is interested... Far too many clarinetists are traditionalists these days, which hinders further advancement of the instrument. Who says a clarinet must be black? Who says a clarinet must even be of wood? Sure, the instrument makers have come up with brilliant ideas to improve the instrument, but they cannot afford to implement these changes if they will not sell. And they often do not sell, as people stick to tradition, and refuse to accept new ideas and inovations. The way some people are so stubborn, I am surprised that we have even made it past the days of playing with the reed up, (Adam Sandler style). Tell me, is there anyone out there that would like to continue this discussion on the technical aspects of clarinet design? I would very much like to take this topic more in depth. -- Nate Zeien
PS -- Forget power seats, tonehole opened and closed like a camera shutter would perhaps be more effecient. Granted, the key mechanisms would have to be radically changed, but it would make for a much more even sound throughout the whole range. No more stuffy notes. The path of the airflow would no longer be disturbed by those big holes in the side of the tube. :-) What about resonators on pads? Also, who says that this current key system is best? I't been a while since Klosé did his mathematical calculations. It is certainly a good way, but it doesn't mean it is the best. Hmmm... I'm starting to ramble... :-)
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Author: Tom Puwalski
Date: 2001-04-18 12:56
Last time, I saw Brave Old world about 1yr ago. Kirt was playing on a Buffet Prestige RC-C clarinet. We bought them from the same store in chicago, International Musical Suppliers. If he has switched to a different horn when has anyone heard it. Do they have a newer album out than "Blood Oranges". I can't imagine that having the low D, I know steve fox makes one, would be all that advatagous. I would just change the key to Emin instead of the "saddest of all posible keys" Dmin. If anyone is looking for a C clarinet the buffet E-11 C is a great clarinet for under a thousand dollars. A smidge of customizing and it's damn near the Prestiges for a whole lot less money.
Later,
Tom Puwalski former principal clarinetist for the US Army Field Band and clarinetist with Lox&Vodka
Check out www. Loxvodka.com
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Author: Ralph Katz
Date: 2001-04-23 16:50
Kurt does have a Steve Fox C - I saw it in Steve's shop when I picked mine in September 1999. It probably was not ready for delivery until July 2000, because Steve was out of the country during the spring. Kurt says he loves it, but he may be switching between the two instruments. Can't comment regarding which keys he uses. I can ask, but he doesn't answer his e-mail that regularly. I don't have the low D, but it is a great instrument. My only issue is that, because of the extra throat B-flat vent, I have to remember not to cover extra finger holes I use on my other instruments to bring the pitch down.
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The Clarinet Pages
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