Klarinet Archive - Posting 000137.txt from 1997/02

From: "Lorne G. Buick" <lgbuick@-----.net>
Subj: Re: Newbe questions
Date: Thu, 6 Feb 1997 08:47:06 -0500

Greetings from the far end of the world, and congratulations on getting
back to the clarinet.

> After reading a lot of info I am just more confused
> and would like to know how do I go about to begin looking for the right
> mouthpiece /reed combo? I use a HMG hard rubber w/ a lyben lig. and have
> tried various reeds.
> Also, how do you know when it is time to go to a stiffer reed? I play a 1
> 1/2 easily but sound like a wheezy old geezer playing a 2 (these are rico's)
> is this just something I have to go thru?

I'm sure you'll get lots of opinions on this - here's mine (based on 20 yrs
teaching & playing): work your way up to a 2 1/2 asap (whether this takes a
month or a year depends on how much time you have for practice etc.). As
for changing mouthpieces, I assume you are thinking of this because the
sound you hear is not what you want; there is no other worthwhile reason to
change. Maybe another clarinetist can help you determine whether your
mouthpiece is a problem, or whether it'll work fine once you get back in
shape and find some good reeds.
>
> And are there any of you out there from the Napa Calif. area? I would like
> to meet others interested in the clarinet and also I need to find a good
> teacher.

I'm not sure of my California geography, but if you're anywhere near Folsom
I have a good friend there who would be worth contacting for lessons, or
just to talk clarinet some time. (I hasten to add, she lives in the town,
not the Penitentiary!)

Best of luck...

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LGB Lorne G Buick St. John's
lgbuick@-----.net Newfoundland
Canada