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Re: gone sharp

Author: m1964
Date: 2023-07-27 02:52

Philip Caron wrote:
...The clarinet is otherwise sounding well...But it's showing age too. Years ago I put cork pads in all the keys that fill with moisture ("moisture" happens more with me than most players, apparently). All that cork is now hard and clacky. And the keys are getting looser and noisier in ways that don't stay fixed very long - worn articulations and such. All that could be addressed, and the old unisex artifact (can't say "girl") would probably benefit from a full overhaul. But.

I've gotten the itch, possibly age-related, to get a good new clarinet. I've never had one. I can afford it. Testing some hand-picked top-of-the-line lavished-with-care demonstration Uebels and Toscas at Clarinetfest a few years ago was unexpectedly thrilling. It makes me laugh at myself - a self-teaching isolated pretentious nobody with a great clarinet? - but, haha, I might do it.

Philip,
I can tell you from my own experience that a brand new "good" instrument feels just so mush better than the old one (even though my old R13 is in almost perfect condition). The tone, response, tuning are better on current pro models than on vintage instruments (most of the times).

Prestige level Buffets (Prestige RC, Festival or prestige R13), Selmer Muse all do play very very nicely. As well as the top of the line Yamaha Artist, Uebel Zenith and Superior II.

I personally do not need the clarinet I have for my level of playing, but it feels so nice to have one.

One thing you can do in order to save some money is to buy the instrument in Europe- that's how I was able to afford the clarinets I currently have. You can e-mail me if you want any tips on buying an instrument abroad.

If money is no object, then a trip to a reputable shop owned by a knowledgeable performer is the way to go. No online shopping from WWBW, etc (IMO).

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gone sharp new

Philip Caron

2023-07-20 21:20