Klarinet Archive - Posting 000644.txt from 1996/12

From: Alex Bellamy <100624.441@-----.COM>
Subj: New Clarinet
Date: Thu, 26 Dec 1996 11:58:26 -0500

Hi everyone,

I am new to the Clarinet Network. I am 16 years old and attend a secondary
school in Market Deeping (lincs) in the UK. I am a competant clarinet
player and I am at the UK (AssociatedBoard of Royal Schools of Music) grade
7 standard ( the max. is grade 8) I play in various concert bands and
orchestras including the county (state!) band.

I currently have a really rather cheap Buffet plastic clarinet, while okay
for the beginning is now below me!! <g> I can produce a quite respectable
tone from this instrument, however some of the notes are becoming hazy
(windy!) and the notorious Bb is particually sharp - even with various
combinations of right hand fingers - which means I have to blow it in tune!

I am hoping to replace this instrument with either a Buffet or Yamaha brand
clarinet which will cost approx $1300 (700GBP) I'm about to disappear off
to my local music shop to try both names, but what models would you
recommend I look at (plus other brands if worthy). Please all opinions will
be gratefully accepted!! If you live in the UK perhaps you could recommend
a supplier around the midlands for me to visit (cheap, cheap!)

Many thanks,

Alex (reply to: bellamy@-----.com)

PS. I play a vandoren 2.5. Do you think this is the best sounding/quality
reed??