What's a Tosca?
The Tosca was first released in 2004, as Buffet's top-of-the-line clarinet, and pretty much took off. Super popular for a long time (and still is). It is technically part of the "R13 family" of bores, but the bore in the bottom joint of the Tosca is narrower than the R13. The idea here with that bore change is a tighter core to the sound (a.k.a., "focus") and more stability in the clarion and altissimo registers.
The Tosca's narrower bore on the bottom joint has an effect on the low F, you will notice the addition of a second F key (which is used just for the low F, not the C in the clarion register, unless you want to be 50 cents sharper than the rest of your section). You can see this in the photos.
Resistance: 7/10, Medium-Heavy
Because of the bore changes, the instrument feels more resistant than the R13/Festival/RC line of clarinets you may be familiar with. If you are used to a closed setup with hard reeds, you might want to consider a more open mouthpiece and lighter reeds. Otherwise, when you try this, you'll think "damn, this is hard to play" — and you'd be right. But with a more open setup, you will think "damn, this is easy to control."
In general, more resistance in a clarinet design usually keeps the louder dynamic ranges from spreading; the clarinet "holds its core" and focus, but will provide a smaller dynamic range (on both ends, loud and soft) and smaller color palette. A less resistant clarinet typically provides a much wider tonal palette to choose from, but will require more control from the player to control pitch and sound consistency.
When listening for how a clarinet responds to added air pressure and embouchure control, listen to the Weber example (wide dynamic range and color range), then the Berlioz excerpt (wide dynamic range, but narrow color range), and finally the Gershwin excerpt (narrow dynamic range and narrow color range). You will hear how these clarinets respond — for better or worse! — to my input as a clarinet player.
Then compare the Tosca with a more free-blowing (less-resistant) clarinet like the Uebel Zenit or the Selmer Privilege. You'll hear the difference, especially with the dynamic extremes in the Berlioz and Gershwin.
Special features
The Tosca has metal-capped tenons (a great addition IMO, that Selmer has also been doing on their Signature and Privilege clarinets to great success).
The Low F correction key sits right below the Low F key, providing an opportunity to, well, correct how out of tune that note often is.
New ergonomic rings around the tone holes. A small thing, but man does it feel good. In fact, all of the keys feel (and look) fantastic.
Comes with:
- 65mm and 66mm barrels
- Metal tenons and sockets
- Low F correction key
- Cork and gore-tex pads
- Silver and Rose Gold finished keywork with adjustable thumb rest
- Légende single case with case cover
All earspasm instruments come with a 7-day trial. Please read my trial policy before pulling out that credit card.
FAQ:
Q: What is a "demo" instrument?
A: Sometimes I get open-box instruments that have been to a trade show. These instruments are brand-new, and come with the same warranty as new instruments. But because they've been unboxed, they can't be sold as new...so I get a discount which I pass along to you. Each one is set up, just like every instrument I sell. If you have any questions about a specific demo instrument I have for sale here, just reach out and we can discuss!
Q: What if I'm in New York and want to try it in person?
A: Contact me to set up an appointment, and let's do it!
Q: Does the instrument come with a warranty?
A: Yes, it comes with the Buffet warranty against cracks, etc. If you ever have any problem with the instrument, I'm your quarterback. I'll take care of the whole process, just let me know you need help, and I'll take it from there.
Q: What happens if it's damaged during shipping?
A: Inspect the package before you sign off at delivery! If there are any issues resulting from shipping, we have taken out an insurance policy to cover damage (and loss). But we need you to document this damage or we can't do anything to help. Please read my trial policy for how to handle this issue, should it arise.
Q: If I decide to return it, do have to pay return shipping costs?
A: Not if you live in the Continental US! Because I want you to find the right instrument for you, and doing so online is harder than doing so in-person, I will cover the return shipping. Please read my trial policy for trial and return rules.
Q: Do you ship internationally?
A: Yes. You can add your shipping address when checking out to see what the shipping costs will be before taking the plunge. Note that VAT and Customs Duties are not included in this cost.
