Klarinet Archive - Posting 000609.txt from 1997/01

From: "David B. Niethamer" <niethamer@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Plastik clarinet--which?
Date: Mon, 27 Jan 1997 16:56:50 -0500

>My 2 cents' worth is that you should buy a decent used wood clarinet to
>start with. If you are planning on finding a teacher (good idea), why
>not find the teacher first and have the teacher assist in selecting an
>instrument in your price range? The only reason I can see for using
>plastic clarinets for beginners is if the beginners are children and not
>ready to be entrusted with the care of a more delicate and valuable
>wooden instrument. I am convinced that the wooden instruments in
>general give a superior sound (Dan?), and that is important
>encouragement for an adult beginner. Good luck!

OTOH, if all you can afford is a plastic clarinet, they will do fine *if*
you get yourself a good mouthpiece, ligature, and reeds better than the
Ricos that most kids play at first. I've had many kids upgrade the above
three items on a Yamaha, Vito or Bundy and do just fine until they could
afford a wooden clarinet.

David

David Niethamer
Principal Clarinet, Richmond Symphony
niethamer@-----.edu
dbnclar1@-----.com
http://members.aol.com/dbnclar1/