Re: Issue 1752 in lilypond: redesigning G clef in our Feta font

[lilypond]

Comment #5 on issue 1752 by address@hidden: redesigning G clef in our  
Feta font
http://code.google.com/p/lilypond/issues/detail?id=1752

Hello,

I'd just like to raise a hand here and ask

"Why are we doing this again?"

To me this is a pretty fundamental change in the look of the Feta Font, and  
while I am not against change per se, is this change for change's sake?  
After all the g clef is kind of *the* primary glyph (at least I'd say it  
was THE primary glyph) for most of the music I set.

I've already stated in private emails after janek kindly re-did some of my  
original .ly files with the new clef that I thought it too small, cramped  
and not as nice as what we have now.

I have also seen Neil's response to a proposed redesign of Tremelos

http://codereview.appspot.com/4636081

And I think this is the same sentiment I have over this potential-proposed  
change.

To me this is like redesigning a single letter from a well established  
foundry (like tweaking the curve of the 'S' in Times Roman). I don't  
believe that we have had complaints about the G clef before to warrant a  
change?

My worry is that this is a thin-edge/slippery slope where any well-meaning  
programmer can come in and start to change aspects of Feta which to me are  
pretty well establised.

What happens if we do change this glyph? How can mere mortals like me who  
cannot 'roll my own' glyph get back the clef I prefer?

We have a tracker here:

http://code.google.com/p/lilypond/issues/detail?id=1494

That is essentially wanting a way to add/modify the default font - this is  
specific to Jazz fonts at first but the principle is the same here.

I realise that it is much easier to tweak an existing glyph and replace the  
original than start a new font family, but with this tracker and the  
tremelo one above I am wondering if those that know their font foundry  
tools might be better creating a 'Feta Modern' (or whatever) and creating a  
way for LP users to choose what they need.

To me this isn't an enhancement at all, it's detractment (?) and a  
fundamental one at that.

Thanks for your time

james