Date: Thu, 18 Nov 2004 19:02:07 -0500
Subject: Re: [CB] [CB Digest]
From: Timothy J Tikker
On Thursday, November 18, 2004, at 06:51 PM, List Server
wrote:
> I have heard several "Flame Organs" - some at Burning Man and one
> recording from a French artist/musician that can generate
very
> "musical" low frequency tones. I cannot describe the total
ear/body
> relationship in experiencing these instruments - I guess
you just have
> to be there!
Just yesterday I read an article about the opposite: an
ice organ! There's a hotel in Lapland where everything is made of
ice. So this time they decided to have an organ made of
ice. They put it in their bar since their chapel was too
small. Of course it started melting once they finally played
it. The article is in the most recent issue of The Organ (from
Britain). It includes a photo.
- Tim Tikker
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From: "Gordon Hallgren"
Subject: Re: [CB] Bass Clarinet Question
Date: Fri, 19 Nov 2004 06:35:38 -0500
you might want to ask the Internet Bass Clarinet Society via
their bass-clarinet list on Yahoo
there are a wide variety of folks on there from seasoned
professionals to green students and your answer is probably in their
archives or you can start a fresh thread if you wish. and when you're
buying don't forget that good reconditioned horns can be found. i
bought a beauty from Charles Fail Music and have been very happy with
it.
good luck!
gordon
---------------------------------------------------------
From: "gsargent"
Subject: [CB] student bass clarinets
Date: Fri, 19 Nov 2004 07:27:38 -0500
I play bass clarinet for the local symphony AND work in a music
store as product specialist and repair tech - I have spent a LOT of
time on this issue. The comments about the single verses double
vent octave key are right on - this makes a HUGE difference in upper
register response. Another factor, especially on older student
models, is the neck angle - the mpc needs to go into the mouth at an
angle like a regular Bb clarinet - many basses have the mpc angle more
like a sax! Now the Selmer USA (Bundy) and I think Yamaha have
improved the neck angle on the student horns. The other BIG issue is
bore size - the bore of the student horns is different than the pro
horns, by a considerable amount (as bore sizes go).
My latest price lists show Vito at .945, the pro level Selmer
Paris at .920, I believe the Yamaha pro model is .937 (which explains
the differences with the Yamaha pro). Many consider the Yamaha a
good horn for chamber music, but not enough sound or focus for large
ensemble playing (which in my opinion defeats the purpose!). I recently
(1 year ago) sold my older Selmer Paris low Eb model and obtained a
newer,used Selmer Paris model 37 with low C (thanks to Matt Stoecker, a
list member and ebay seller!). There was a considerable
difference - the right hand notes in both registers were better in
tune, and much more resonant. Even though I only use the extra 3 lower
notes once in a blue moon, the acoustical improvements make it worth
the difference.
Pro low Eb horns are much less expensive, and used ones much easier to
find, this is part of the reason why. Up until recently, Selmer Paris
bass clarinets were the predominant force in the pro world, but the
redesigned Buffet Prestige is vastly improved and is gaining market
share fast. Pricing is certainly part of it, Buffets tend to sell
about $500-$1000 less than the Selmer (new) even though their list
price is over $1000 higher! I haven't played a recent Buffet to
compare, but I would not give up my Selmer 37 for anything else I've
played!
I would be happy to talk about this further to anyone - email me
off list!
***End of Contrabass Digest***