Author: frank
Date: 2006-11-22 15:56
Of course Donald...that's what I meant! I would have quoted you if I thought your statement was tongue in cheeck or suspect. You were right on!
I guess marketing hype, without actually improving the product annoys me no matter what product it is. "New and Improved" slogans are scattered throughout the land here. Truth be told, how much improvement has the Boehm clarinet made since it's debut in circa 1849? Other than a few tweaks in keywork (better materials now, but worse wood) and a few MINOR bore adjustments in some brands (yes, brands, not all manufacturers use the same bore and tone hole dimensions), nothing has changed. There are plenty of clarinets from late 1800's to early1900's that play far better in tune and with a better sound than some select pro horns. How could this be you ask? I will say it in caps... THE CLARINET IS VIRTUALLY UNCHANGED FOR WELL OVER 150 YEARS. Why? Design limitations. Look only as far as the Benade NX clarinet designed by eminent physicist Arthur Benade. He was an amateur clarinetist who designed a clarinet based on acoustical formula. The result? An awful sounding and playing instrument.
So, by the Boehms inherent design, in order to sound like the clarinet we know and love today, it must remain close to the original. What does that mean? Well, it means that all the manufacturers who charge 4k+ MORE per horn and claim a "perfect intonation" or "amazing sound far better than brand x" are simply selling snake oil. All I ask anyone to do is listen to vintage recordings of players like Bonade, Marcellus, McLane, Cahouzac, Leferbre, Wright, DeSantis, Gomez, etc. Their sounds are amazing and compare favorably to any top professional today. I know for a fact that Bonade didn't play Backun...so he must suck (sarcasm).
I do realize I've had a question and answer session with myself. I'm never wrong that way! lol Buy the R-13 if you want a great pro horn and resale value in the U.S., and budget is your concern. I don't make the rules, I just follow the market. 
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The Clarinet BBoard
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