What is the sound difference between 3D Blackwood and 3D Mahogany?

3D Blackwood tends to have more focus, center, and "ping" to the sound, and 3D Mahogany has a slightly darker, open, more flexible sound and response. 3D Mahogany wood is also reddish-brown in color as opposed to traditional black.

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What level of musician can these products benefit?

3D printing technology helps reduce production costs, even factoring in extensive hand-finishing to make a professional-quality barrel, bell, instrument, etc. 3D products accommodate a wide range of musicians, from professionals in symphony orchestras to students in marching bands. 3D Wood has the warmth and color that professionals look for, while my basic synthetic material (High-Impact Polystyrene) has the quick response and free-blowing feel that is perfect for students and advancing players. In addition, all 3D materials used are very durable and have a lifetime structural warranty.

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Will your larger-sized reed cases also fit smaller reeds? Can these reed cases store synthetic reeds?

Yes! For example, if you purchase a large reed case (regardless of whether it's the version that fits 6 or 10 reeds), you can still place Eb clarinet reeds, Bb clarinet reeds, alto saxophone reeds, etc., inside the case alongside your larger-sized instrument reeds. Regarding synthetic reeds, all Pereira 3D reed cases also work well for storing synthetic reeds. If you're storing exclusively synthetic reeds inside the reed case, you would not need to use a Boveda humidity pack.

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How do 3D materials compare to traditional materials?

The 3D materials I use have been very carefully selected for sound production. The High-Impact Polystyrene used for Pereira 3D Balance Barrels differs significantly in properties from traditional wood (and 3D Wood), yet it also offers unique advantages. This polymer is exceptionally light and vibrates very easily compared to other materials used for instrument manufacturing. This means the synthetic Balance barrels provide a free-blowing experience with an easy response across the entire range and a slightly brighter sound compared to 3D Woods. Regarding ligatures, the polyurethane material used for Pereira 3D Series 1 & 2 ligatures most closely resembles fabric-style ligatures. However, while just as flexible, polyurethane's slightly harder/more rigid texture gives a fuller, less dampened sound with a quicker response.

 

Pereira 3D began offering 3D Blackwood and 3D Mahogany materials in June 2016. 3D Wood has been a breakthrough, combining the benefits of synthetic materials and the warmth/depth of sound found in traditionally used woods. Both 3D Wood materials will not crack, warp, or change over time, and they feature a higher density than High-Impact Polystyrene. However, I've developed a lightweight, thinner-bodied bell (the Pereira 3D Slimline Bell), which noticeably takes weight off the instrument and adds focus/center to the sound. This has been very helpful for those suffering from wrist and hand issues while playing. To compare the two types of 3D Woods, 3D Blackwood tends to have more focus and a "ping" in the sound (similar to Grenadilla wood) while 3D Mahogany tends to have more warmth, darkness, and a slightly more open feel.

 

Is there hand finishing involved for 3D products?

Yes, every single product is finished by hand! Careful hand finishing is done both inside and out after the print process to ensure the products are to exact specifications, and to ensure the surface is carefully textured to respond and sound at its best. Tenon sockets are finished by hand to be accurate and smooth, making the connection between parts seamless. Regarding the textured bore of some products, my 3D Wood products feature hand-reamed bores, which are then textured slightly to produce a deeper and more complex quality of sound, as well as offer an ideal blowing resistance.

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What is your general market for Pereira Custom Clarinets?

My clarinet line covers a lot of ground, and that's by design. I wanted to combine professional, tried-and-true bore designs with features typically found in high-end models, all wrapped up in a very affordable package. Furthermore, I want to allow artists on a budget to have access to options such as having the left-hand Eb key standard, choice of barrel/extension/bell model and material, and having a vent hole in the bell for improved intonation. The result is an accessible line of instruments that can sing in symphony orchestras, in the pit, at outdoor and indoor events, etc. I use materials that yield the best sound qualities but are not susceptible to cracking or dimensional warping over time. So, these instruments can be played beautifully in top ensembles, but are also approachable to someone stepping up to their first quality instrument without breaking the bank.

 

Are 3D Blackwood and 3D Mahogany similar to Buffet's "Greenline" material?

The premise behind these materials is the same: The materials themselves are blends that include wood particles and a stable, crack-resistant material, resulting in a material that matches the sound quality of traditional woods. 3D Wood does not contain epoxy, but rather a plant-based binding agent that holds the wooden particles together and allows the material to remain stable in any climate. 3D Woods are very durable and offer a rich, warm quality of sound.