what the experience of 21 violin virtuosos have to say to clarinetists

[@gj4257]

Strads/Guarneris are vastly overrated just like Buffets are. The vast majority of people delude themselves as soon as they get hit with some glossy ad campaigns and/or misinformation through their peers. People don’t want to use critical thinking skills and instead they just go by what they’ve been told by others is prestigious and good. Happens all the time with ladies’ handbags, makeup, ridiculous “designer” clothing, and violins and clarinets. 😆 I appreciate all your videos. Thank you for being one of the few people out there who is keeping it real and keeping us in the right mindset whereas most of the rest of the world is constantly trying to bamboozle us. Your candor is refreshing. Thanks for the education.

[@paultheclarinetist]

This is a very informative video. Especially during our current situation whereas some people lost their jobs(Talking about parents of aspiring artist too) Some teachers require their student to purchase a specific brand, but only knowing that some, not all, of those teacher doesn't even play the clarinet. They just know that specific brand because it is famous and well advertised. What we need now is an instrument that is easily accessible and affordable, most important is that it must play well and will last long. I would rather choose practicality with quality over than hype that I would regret in the future. This is my stand and I respect others stand too. Peace!

[@ezraschwartz5201]

Thank you for this thought-provoking video. I think that developing strong emotional bonds with objects, including commodities like cars or smartphones or clarinets, is an inherent human trait. While we might know that objectively, feature by feature, one maker’s product is better, we might still choose an iPhone, a Tesla, or a Buffet, because of a brand’s perceived cachet. Than, there is the other class of objects such as the Strads, that by combination of age, quality and rarity, make us feel a special glow, an aura of uniqueness that objectively is perhaps not there, but it does not matter. We see something special in such originals, which is why an original Da Vinci is priceless, and an identical replica, even if created by some talented painter, will be significantly less valued, if at all.

[@billyboy647]

The sum of what you seem to be saying is that people make bad decisions for bad reasons. I couldn't agree more. The writer of the article noted that as well, and HIGHLY recommended against it as abusive and harmful. While I will agree that is the condition and inclination of our human nature, it is a decided fault. Alas, people seem to have an endless number of ways to self-deceive, some of these attachments can be prohibitively expensive. If that's how you want to waste your $$$, that is your right. But I think if you purchase something that is no better than an another of the same item that is five times less expensive, to most people, you end up looking not all that bright. Regarding some of the particular items you mentioned, they are apples to oranges. Some you hang on a wall---including some of the violins. But clarinets---you perform with them, and they either respond or they don't, they're either easy to play in tune or they're not, they either crack, or they don't. The only place clarinets were hung on a wall was at Bennigans, and they went bankrupt. So, there's that! Thanks for commenting.

[@rashakor]

Over the years I have been far more satisfied playing with plastic or metal clarinets that I ever been playing with wooden ones. They were plenty of studies in France in the 50 and 60’s with blind tests showing that players could not hear any difference between materials and the main influencer in sound was internal geometry.

[@avarmadillo]

can you site the studies?

[@avarmadillo]

acoustical design trumps materials every day and twice on a Sunday.

[@lillianhusbymelien5471]

Thank you very much for your videos, they have helped me a lot. Good or bad reputation is incredibly powerful, with regard to both people and things. Unfortunately, and you are absolutely right, there are very few who compare them to reality. It’s a sad fact.

[@billyboy647]

You are very welcome

[@emjay2045]

Does the same apply with “synthetic” reeds & wood?

[@grantkoeller8911]

My late 1950's Conn Clarinet is a superior jazz instrument, (16N)

[@grantkoeller8911]

I can get a great used R 13 for $2499