Klarinet Archive - Posting 000790.txt from 1997/04

From: Adam Calabrese <adam.calabrese@-----.gov>
Subj: Re: Discouraged (beg. clar. purchase)
Date: Fri, 25 Apr 1997 16:55:07 -0400

At 09:18 AM 4/20/97 -0700, you wrote:
>Hi.
>
>I am an older beginner on the clarinet and would like to purchase a top
>quality instrument right at the start. It appears, however, that the
>varied quality of even the best clarinets stands in my way.
>
>I have read both Stein's and Pino's books on the Clairnet, and frankly
>I'm discouraged about how to select a fine instrument.

...deletions...

>Is there no consensus on what the best makes and models are, and given a
>purchase of one of these and absent any glaring flaws, can't the player
>learn to adapt to his instruments idiosyncracies?

There is no consensus anout the "best clarinet" because there are just too
many variables, as you have pointed out. These variables include the
physical instrument, as well as the players mouth, embouchure (sp?),
experience, etc...

A good clarinet will play even better with the right
mouthpiece/ligature/reed combination (again, based on their own physical
makeup and playing ability).

If you have enough money to get a good clarinet right off the bat (without
even deciding whether or not you will stick with the clarinet), then you
*probably* have enough money to buy a middle-of-the-line clarinet, play it
for a couple of years, and then move up to a top-of-the-line clarinet. That
way you will have some proficiency at the instrument, and be able to make
your own decisions as to what brand and model of clarinet you would like to
move up to. This is the route I would recommend - probably because it's the
route I followed.

I started on a plastic Bundy from 4th grade until 8th grade, got a used
wooden Evette (Buffet's mid-line clarinet) from 9th grade through high
school, and then moved up to a Buffet R-13 before my first year in college
since I wanted to major in music and math at the time (things changed a
bit, but never my love for music). 13 years later I still play the R-13 as
an amateur.

I realize that as an older beginner, the progression from mid-line to
top-line clarinet will be much faster. But I still think it's worthwhile.

If you must buy a new top-line clarinet, and don't know any proficient
players that can assist you, then I would buy from Weiner music (800
622-CORK) or the Woodwind and Brasswind (800 348-5003). Weiner play-tests
all Buffets, and you can probably be assured not to get a "lemon" by
purchasing through a reputable national dealer. The WW and BW doesn't
mention that they play-test all instruments (they deal in a wider range of
instruments the Weiner) but I *assume* they have a decent return policy
should something go wrong with your instrument. Call Weiner - Fred W. may
talk to you personally if you have a question about a Buffet-level clarinet.

But I would still recommend starting with something like a Buffet E13 or
E12 clarinet.

Good luck-

-Adam Calabrese
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899