The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: ron b
Date: 2005-08-24 05:51
I've played a few Chinese made clarinets that actually are not bad. I have a CSO around here somewhere, absolutely NO markings whatsoever, that plays very well. First time I blew it I was startled by its response and intonation... could'a knocked me over.... I'd planned to give it to my son to make a lamp... now I'm having second thoughts. (...well, no, that's okay, go ahead with the lamp )
The closest I've come to the Simba was two years ago listening to a tech friend describe his experience. The horn played okay for what it is, an inexpensive not-too-sturdy 'beginner' instrument. The keywork is not very stable, meaning the keys can be bent rather easily. You need to be careful not to bump or grip too hard or it will easily go out of adjustment. Intonation is not the best but probably okay enough to get someone getting started playing. He refused to work on it after he'd 'test-played' it.
Will I work on 'em? Sure. I just won't guarantee that the regulation will last. Big four instrument repairs are guaranteed for a year.
When you get to the point of wanting to be in an ensemble, community band or some kind of group playing, Ah Clem, you'll probably want to upgrade to something a little more stable. For now your Simba is probably fine for what you're doing -- learning at your own pace at home and becoming familiar with the feel of making music on a clarinet.
I've seen far worse examples, most often very poorly made saxophones (and trumpets). Chea...(oops).. *inexpensive* clarinets seem to get away with things other comparably priced instruments couldn't. I'm not sure why -- maybe it's the overblown twelfth rather than an octave that allows them to get by... I don't know....
- ron b -
|
|
|
tim smith |
2003-10-02 17:54 |
|
Mark Charette |
2003-10-02 18:05 |
|
Dan Shusta |
2003-10-02 18:21 |
|
GBK |
2003-10-02 18:56 |
|
ron b |
2003-10-02 19:12 |
|
GBK |
2003-10-02 19:53 |
|
Mark Charette |
2003-10-02 20:24 |
|
Meri |
2003-10-02 20:43 |
|
David Spiegelthal |
2003-10-02 21:29 |
|
JMcAulay |
2003-10-02 22:18 |
|
diz |
2003-10-02 22:34 |
|
L. Omar Henderson |
2003-10-03 01:30 |
|
Synonymous Botch |
2003-10-03 10:56 |
|
allencole |
2003-10-03 11:15 |
|
Mark P. Jasuta |
2003-10-03 16:15 |
|
ron b |
2005-08-24 05:51 |
|
redwine |
2005-08-24 11:30 |
|
clarinets1 |
2005-08-24 16:11 |
|
Chris P |
2005-08-24 16:31 |
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
|