Klarinet Archive - Posting 000568.txt from 1998/12

From: "Carl Schexnayder" <carlsche@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Clarinet for Above beginner but rusty; restore metal possibly antique?
Date: Mon, 14 Dec 1998 11:14:38 -0500

Hi Ravel:

Just a brief comment: I'm fairly sure you could find a used professional
clarinet for $1000.00 or less. Also, I'd like to recommend the LeBlanc
"Sonata" - between $900.00 and $1000.00 at the WW & BW. Check WW & BW,
among others, for used instruments. Also several classified sections on the
internet.
www.musicyellowpages.com This is one source. Also check eBay. I'm sure
others can come up with other sites.

Carl Schexnayder

Ravel Wrote:
>>Hi - I've been reading the last few days since I've joined, and have been
>>imipressed with the quality of responses. About 40 years ago, I was a 1st
>>char clarinet in my jr. high school band. I've only played occasionally
>since
>>then for my own please. I'm planning to get serious again, take some
>private
>>lessons, with goal toard enjoying myself a lot, and possibly playing in a
>>community symphony or group in 5-7 years when I retire (or maybe sooner).
>Am
>>going out this week --maybe tomorrow after work, Maybe Saturday, to a
>>reputable music store to purchase probably a used wood, above student
>model.
>>Suggestions welcome. I'm in the $600 - $800 - maybe as high as $1000
price
>>range.
>>
>>Have my bfrother's old metal one-piece that I learned to play on, American
>>Standard serial # 1484! with an Alexander - Paris K9 mouthpiece. Key
>action
>>seemsOk, but not fabulous, pads shot or missing. Worth restoring?
>>
>>Iill check the board before I go out if I go out tomorrow evening.
>Otherwise,
>>it will likely be Saturday.
>>
>>Reeds - killed a Rico 2 1/2 trying to play - have 2, 3 3 1/2 left, all
>Ricos.
>>Suggestions? I also heard there is another reed that is even easier to
>play?
>>
>>Thanks in advance, everyone.
>>
>>Ravel
>
>
>Lessons are a great idea to get yourself on the fast track back.
>
>No need to wait so long to try to get into a group. You will be surprised
>at how fast much of it comes back (and frustrated at the slowness of some
>things). If you start now, you should be able to join a community concert
>band this summer. Most of them are always looking for clarinets. And
third
>clarinet players are as necessary as firsts so even if you are not back up
>to speed, they probably need you. Highs don't sound good without the lows
>to support the sound.
>
>Intermediate horns by Leblanc (Noblet 45, Noblet 40, Normandy 4), Buffet
>(E-13, E-12, E-11), Selmer (Signet or CL series? I think ), and Yamaha
>(don't know models) ought to all be suitable. Prices are about the same
for
>comparable models across these makers. There are also older models by
these
>same makers that are suitable. For example the Buffet Evette is the
>forerunner of their E-series.
>
>Any of the above horns should be in this price range or even less if used.
>Here's what my latest Woodwind & Brasswind mail order catalog shows for
>*NEW* Leblancs. The same thing holds true for the other brands and models
I
>mentioned.
>
>Noblet 45: List @-----.50
>Noblet 40: List @-----.00
>
>For new horns, local stores will probably charge close to the list price
>although a few do price somewhat closer to the common mail order price.
The
>price quoted from the Woodwind & Brasswind catalog is probably
>representative of other large mail order music houses. So bear this in
mind
>in your horn hunting.
>
>Stay away from the chinese imports (Lark, etc). The vast majority marketed
>by UMI aren't great either (Artley, Jupiter, Conn these days). For the
>prices you can get one from the four makers listed above.
>
>Plain Rico reeds are atrocious. They are poorly finished and rough.
>Several people (including my daughter's friends) have reported splinters.
>Almost any brand in the world (except for gimmicky Flavoreeds) are better.
>
>Here's some suggestions for someone just returning to clarinet but expect
to
>change strengths and brands as your embouchure redevelops. There are lots
>of others but these are usually easy to find at practically any band music
>store and are all good.
>
>Mitchell Lurie: 3 to 3.5
>Rico Royal: 3 to 3.5
>Vandoren: 2.5 to 3 (these run hard you see).
>
>
>Metal horns were once popular for students and marching bands. The
American
>Standard was one of these. Metal clarinets are no longer made and the
>majority of them are 50 to 70 years old. They are no better and probably
no
>worse than a 50 to 70 year old wooden student horn. Would you fix up a 50
>to 70 year old wood student one? Some people would and others wouldn't.
>
>My take on the old metal student horns is this. Fun to have and play
around
>with but not for anything serious these days. Newer horns (even beginner
>horns) incorporate many additional years of acoustical research on the part
>of the makers. But don't let anyone turn it into a lamp. As I said, they
>are fun. If you decide not to fix it up, simply display it or sell it.
>Although since so many were made, their value is not particularly high
>(under $20 at a flea market, running $50 to $70 on the eBay auction if in
>good condition).
>
>Welcome back and good luck,
>
>Dee Hays
>Canton, SD
>
>
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