 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Pathik
Date: 2006-04-12 08:40
Hi All
A while back I posted something about possibly replacing my Buffet E11 B flat clarinet with something better. In response somebody suggested checking out Hanson Clarinets, so I went to their web site first of all, and rather liked what I saw and read. It turned out that they're located only about 21 miles from where I live, so I made arrangements to go and see them and possibly get a new clarinet. Well, it was a grand day out for me, as I was showed round by Alastair Hanson, who also explained to me in considerable detail how they make their clarinets. Very interesting and enjoyable! I tried several clarinets in their T5 and T6 series and finally took a really nice rosewood B flat clarinet with me home. It came with a B45 Vandoren mouthpiece, and to my great surprise this mouthpiece "upgraded" my old E11 to a considerable degree, in fact so much so that I decided to keep it after all. So what to do with the new one? I got in touch with them again and asked if I could exchange the new clarinet for a new A clarinet instead. No problem, so off I went to the clarinet factory again, and got a brand new T6 grenadilla A clarinet, which I fell in love with straight away. I had never played an A clarinet before, but just knew straight away that this one was a winner. It's got the loveliest, pure and beautiful tone, is very easy to play, very little resistance, plays in tune throughout all registers - and looks great too! So if anyone is considering getting a new clarinet, I would certainly recommend Hanson Clarinets. My experience so far has been very good indeed. I would also like to mention that Alaistair, and the customer service person, Maria, as well as the other people I met while I visited them, are all really nice, helpful and friendly people. I'm very lucky to have such a great little clarinet factory almost right next door to where I live!
Pathik
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2006-04-12 14:47
Thanks for the review of Hanson.
BUT, ... how could you bear to return that rosewood sculpture? Maybe I've been to too many custom car shows, but a rosey with gold keys just lights my fires. I'd probably just fondle it in front of a mirror --never playing it because I couldn't track the image and see the music at the same time.
SIGH
Bob Phillips
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Author: Old Geezer
Date: 2006-04-12 16:42
Yeah the Hanson site is really user friendly.
When I visited it I asked them about their famous
Titanium clarinet. He said they've only made one
for display at trade shows etc.
Did you see it while you were there?
Their clarinets look really first class...how they sound you and others will have to tell us.
It was interesting to hear about your experience with them.
Good luck with your A clarinet.
Clarinet Redux
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Author: Pathik
Date: 2006-04-13 07:40
Bob, the rosewood was beautiful to be sure, and also a very good clarinet, but when I experienced the difference the new B45 mouthpiece made to my old E11, I just got this very strong feeling that an A clarinet was what I really needed. Maybe I'll get an upgrade to my old B flat later, I don't know.....but then there's also the urge to get a bass clarinet, which Hanson also make, so I don't know..... The rosewood looked a lot darker than I had expected, though not quite as dark as my new grenadilla A, which in turn is quite a bit lighter in colour than my old E11, which of course was painted black by Buffet during manufacture. I must say I prefer the natural "lighter" colour of grenadilla, it really looks very beautiful - and plays like a dream come true!
Old Geezer, no I didn't see a titanium clarinet while I was there, and it didn't occur to me to ask about them. I feel I've found my "perfect" clarinet now (although there might not actually be such a thing), so I don't look at others anymore. Thanks for your good wishes,
Best regards,
Pathik
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2006-04-13 15:29
Yeah, I guess an A has priority in my quiver over a decorous, new Bb.
Thanks.
Bob Phillips
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