I'm happy to see Jared (jdbassplayer) chime in here! He is a professional craftsman and extremely creative in this field. Jared's video at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrYU3D-fPjc shows just some of the work that he did to improve the HR (ebonite) version of this instrument.
He and I agree that it took us both much more fine tuning than that video shows. As I've already noted, I spent a month working on mine, and ultimately I'm very pleased. So Phil – you might want to contact Jared about fine-tuning yours. I'm sure you'll be pleased. I would do it gladly, but I can't take it on this winter.
To answer Dibbs, your two eBay links show the SAME instrument, from different sellers in China. This is the wood version that Jared says needs very little work and is his favorite. He says it's grenadilla, and he knows.
Jared first got the HR version, then Phil and I did as well. It seems like a proto-design, as if the maker went from there to solve the major problems on the wood version. Eventually, logic would have it, they will take those improvements back to the HR version (as the same maker did with the C clarinet). We won't know that until someone buys one and reports back to the group! ... But meanwhile, I am watching the listings. I should be able to spot some changes in any updated photos, like when they lengthen the bell!
Back to Jared's posting of the Hakam Din version. Yes, it is definately the same Chinese keywork. The only good thing we can say for sure is that it is shipped from USA, and has a 30-day return policy. But, that wood does not look like cocobolo. They say they use synthetic pads and they include a spare set! ... Why?? Doesn't smell right to me.
On the other hand, the pads on my Chinese HR G have been excellent and have held adjustment really well. I replaced 3 pads with leather ones where I needed more resiliency to synchronize them. I dissected one of the originals. It has two layers of bladder skin bonded together, then bonded to the felt. In conclusion, to buy one today, consider the Chinese wood version, and a few hours of shop time to fine tune it.
Also, read my listing on eBay: "angled barrel, improvement for G clarinet". It explains a solution for people who aren't tall and long-fingered, who may have trouble reaching the bottom keys.
We put a lot of effort into gathering and sharing this information. If YOU buy one of these instruments, good or bad, PLEASE share your results! // Windy
