Author: fskelley
Date: 2016-05-11 20:34
OK, I'm not the only one on this forum who has spent too much energy pursuing different- sometimes exotic or unusual- clarinets, accessories, and techniques. To the point of annoying some here. I think we all understand our primary attention has to be on time spent on music of appropriate difficulty and content to match our personal musical goals. But I also guess that all or nearly all of us have the experience of switching something, anything, and at least for a short time having a better playing experience. And that can lead us to do more of that. Equipment and methods are important, but we agree not overriding, right?
So, I have a basic and rather academic question for all you "serious" clarinetists. I prefer to hear from those who substantially support themselves financially with clarinet, or are at a similar level with those folks. Or- if you respond here- at least confess you're not. I'm not.
Any of you folks regularly play on one "basic" instrument (perhaps an identical backup), I'll arbitrarily say under $3000 though even that's a lot- whatever that might be? No closets full of random exotic other clarinets? Using a "basic" mouthpiece, nothing off the wall or exotic or overpriced? And no others that you ever play on? Without any exotic or overpriced barrels or bells or neckties? Using one type of reed that any of us could get easily? Using simple methods we'd all understand (for breakin, storage, prepping etc)? Using a basic ligature that would be no surprise or too $$$ for others? And you've done all this for years. And you know very well that you could perform equally well with 27 other kinds of clarinets or equipment, and you wouldn't even care if you had to, so long as you had 5 min to adjust before performance? And you don't use or do ANYTHING you consider to be off the beaten path?
What I am characterizing as "basic" could in fact be rather expensive (equipment) or difficult or tedious or time consuming (methods). But I have seen discussed here with great seriousness- many things I would say are not basic. I know it when I see it, and I bet you do, too. I am guilty as charged.
Have I ruled out all of you? If so- why doesn't "basic" work for you?
I am just curious. Forgive me.
Stan in Orlando
EWI 4000S with modifications
Post Edited (2016-05-11 21:28)
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