Klarinet Archive - Posting 000344.txt from 1999/11

From: Audrey Travis <vsofan@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Beginner's Equipment
Date: Wed, 10 Nov 1999 17:06:16 -0500

"Kevin Fay (LCA)" wrote:

> Audrey Travis wanted help on student stuff:
>
> <<<I know we've had a lot of discussion over the past few months about
> mouthpieces, but I would like to ask for people's best
> recommendationsfor mouthpieces for kids who are 9 or 10 when they start in a
> full band program with no time available for sectionals or a lot of
> troubleshooting on the spot. By the time each class is settled, I'm lucky
> to get 25 minutes of teaching/playing time twice a week.
>
> Also, as a relative clarinet beginner myself, how does one know how to match
> a clarinet and a mouthpiece? Would anyone venture to put together
> some good clarinet and mouthpiece combos? I start all my beginners on #2
> reeds.>>>
>
> Audrey--
>
> The strange and sad thing about student clarinets is that they all cost
> about the same (at least for the new, plastic ones). There are many, many
> brands I could list that students "shouldn't" buy, but that's really not
> necessary or desirable. It's not necessary because it's really more useful
> to steer the student to the better-performing brands; it's not desirable
> because you will inevitably have students with the "bad" ones and you don't
> want to make them feel like second-class citizens.
>
> My advice is to do what I used to: I told parents that there is quite a
> variety on the market, but Buffets, Yamahas and Vitos generally do a better
> job. They're easier to play (in tune) and cost less overall because they
> hold up better. I personally do not like the Selmer/Bundy clarinets because
> (a) the keywork is cast, not forged and is quite awkward in design (at
> least for my small hands -- please note that little kids have small hands,
> too) and (b) many of them are intentionally pitched sharp in the clarion
> register. Others like them, however. IMHO, other brands should be avoided.
>
> As a general rule, however, most any new clarinet made in the U.S. would be
> better than a used clarinet that has not been maintained. You can get a
> great deal on used instruments -- about half the instruments I regularly
> perform on are "pre-owned" -- but most band parents won't be able to tell if
> the instrument is in good condition or thrashed and unplayable.
>
> Buffets, Yamahas and Vitos all come with pretty good mouthpieces already.
> If you want a good, cheap upgrade, I'd go for Clark Fobes' Debut or Hite's
> Premier. Both are plastic, however, so you'll need to use a mouthpiece
> patch. There shouldn't be an issues of which mouthpiece for which brand of
> horn; they should all work fine.
>
> The Selmer & Vandoren B45 are OK, I guess, but some would not consider them
> a large step up from the mouthpiece supplied with the Buffet, Vito or
> Yamaha. They are also quite expensive -- the Fobes and Hite should be just
> a bit over half their price.
>
> Reeds -- Starting on 2s is OK, I guess. I would urge 2-1/2s myself. Clean
> ones are far better than green ones!
>
> All of this my opinion, of course.
>
> kjf

Kevin

Thanks for your reply. I have a couple of questions, tho ( and please excuse
my ignorance)

1) what do "cast" and "forged" actually mean?

2) what about these tiny hands? It's long been a concern of mine when I see
these tiny hands trying to finger the lowest g, f and e. Are some clarinets
cut with smaller holes? I thought the Artleys were, but Walter discourages
them as I noted someone on the list did a few months ago. Any comments?

Thanks!

Audrey

>
>
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