Klarinet Archive - Posting 000587.txt from 1999/08

From: "Patricia Smith" <david-patty@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Earliest Age to Start Playing Clarinet?
Date: Sat, 21 Aug 1999 12:03:09 -0400

I have followed this thread with interest; I am in the process of purchasing
a lyons C clarinet, not just to teach one of my sons to play, but also for
my own use.

Following are direct quotes from Mr. Lyons' reply to my inquiries concerning
his clarinet:

1. There are no current US distributors but, because maintenance and repair
is so easy, lack of a local distributor is hardly a problem. The pads are
rot- and waterproof and I would anyway include some spare pads. Any keys
that needed replacing could be obtained from me within10 days from receiving
a call or email and the cost would be unlikely ever to exceed $20; but there
would be a $10 minimum charge. I would also send a repair
and maintenance sheet with the clarinet.

2. The cost is US$240 which includes shipping. Delivery within 10 days,
often sooner. You can pay by credit card. However, if you are a member of
the ICA (Internation Clarinet Association) there is a
one-clarinet-per-member offer at US$160 being advertised in the forthcoming
issue.

3. The mouthpiece that comes with the clarinet is quite reasonable but any
E-FLAT clarinet mouthpiece (Yamaha, Vandoren, Selmer) can be substituted.
It takes E-flat clarinet reeds but you can use B-flat reed
if you cut off the base of the reed to fit.

Your son, being larger than average, could probably start in a year's time
(When Chris is about 5 1/2, summer of 2000). If he does start then, it
might be wise to limit practice sessions to 15 minutes at a time during the
transition between his milk (baby) and adult teeth.

Yours sincerely

Graham Lyons
West Flat, Whitwell Hall, Whitwell-on-the-Hill, Yorks YO60 7JJ, England
Tel: 011 44 1653 618 085 Fax: 011 44 1653 618 083

Patty here again. I am more than willing to try this new instrument,
because I really enjoy trying new things. Also, as I understand some of the
modifications are similar to sax fingerings - now I may be wrong on this,
don't quote me - and I play saxophone, it won't be that difficult for me to
play this clarinet in C and use it in lessons with some of my flute
students. (I teach Beginning sax and flute and beginning and intermediate
piano, as well as clarinet to intermediate and advanced levels, advanced
being college prep).

I'd like to hear from other people who have tried this clarinet.

Patty Smith

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