Have just been reading about the BC Tosca clarinet. Top of the range apparently. Has anyone out there got one and are they really lovely to play? Going to Harrogate soon to try a few out. Been busy this week treating one of my sheep but she seems to be on the mend now so can turn mind to music.
The Hanson manufacturer here in Yorks looks intriguing. Has anyone visited their factory?

I had my first clarinet from Hanson. Some of the experienced clarinettists on the forum tried it at a forum event and all commented favourably on it.
I'd still like to give the rosewood one a proper try some time.
I went to the factory to buy it. You need to ring to let them know you are going to ensure that someone will be there to help you and that they have what you are intersted in ready.

Have tried one. It's a good clarinet, and the tone I feel is excellent. Is it worth the money? Not sure. I play on R13s, and to be honest, there was nothing in the Tosca that convinced me it was worth switching. But you may well be different, so do give one a go.

A friend has purchased one - I thought it was rather lovely (which is unusual for me with Buffets) but if I was spending that much on a new instrument I'd be looking at other manufacturers at the same price bracket as well.

I'm also not sure that I could ever get enough more out of it than out of my Yamahas to justify spending that sort of cash.

There are plenty of discussions about the Tosca on www.woodwind.org clarinet B board. So worthwhile looking there

Thanks for those replies. It's all such a tempting proposition this choosing of a new instrument. Fun though!

Hi Fenix

I have a pair - surely one of the best clarinets ever made? I spent decades searching for the best clarinet for my needs and have tried most of the usual suspects.

For years I played a set of B&H 1010s, having moulded my sound on Jack 'Creamy Tone' Brymer's, then I worshipped the land of the rising sun with a few custom Yamahas after being traumatised by the experience of playing throat register passages on the 1010s in cold churches. I thought the Holy Grail search had ended when I tried some Peter Eatons, and came very close to buying a pair. I also was intrigued by some of the new designs coming from Leblanc as a long time fan of Eddie Daniels. Then I came across the Tosca, which seemed to have a richness of tone and rock solid intonation that really matters to me. I don't care much for the 'Tosca key' which is a bit of gimmick, but the rest is fabulous.

Mind you, those Backun clarinets from Leblanc are something else...

However, having tried many great clarinets over the years I think any pro quality clarinet will give you what you're after, it's just the feel of it that makes you respond and rise to the challenges of the music. I'm ecstatic about owning the Toscas, but would still be happy to play on any pro clarinet as the sound really comes from you, not the instrument.

Thanks for the details. I loved Jack Brymer's playing. My mum ran the local music club in the town where I was brought up and we had six concerts a year given by a variety of professional musicians. Jack Brymer was one of them and my proud boast is that I served up stuffed tomatoes when he came to our house for tea prior to the concert!!! A lovely man and a wonderful musician. Much missed.

Much missed indeed...

I would recommend to any clarinet players, a read of Brymer's autobiography, 'From Where I Sit'. A very readable account of the bygone pioneering days of a wonderful musician at home with both orchestral and chamber playing.

I even like the photograph used on the back - you'd think they'd have a picture of him playing, but look carefully at the picture taken at an orchestral rehearsal, and you actually see Brymer ticking off roses in a gardening catalogue!

I will try to get a copy and look for the roses catalogue!! Lovely story!!

I'm a postgrad student at music college in London, and I upgraded to Toscas a year ago from standard R13s and the difference is amazing. There is so much more tone and different sounds to play with and I feel that you can really blow them and the sound won't suffer. I would definately recommend them! When I first played on one I was hooked! The only drawback is the price (I got an award to pay for mine) but even then I think they're worth the money.
Having said that, the Peter Eaton clarinets make a lovely sound, it's definately worth shopping around and getting a few things on approval to really try them out.

Good luck!