Klarinet Archive - Posting 000486.txt from 2001/03

From: "Edward Stuart" <estuart@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] First Clarinet Purchase
Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2001 01:30:34 -0500

Hi,

I'm 42 years old and, I just started playing the clarinet 4 months ago and I
have been typically putting in 1 to 1.5 hours of practice per day. So far
things have been going well for me. Previously, I played the trumpet in
high school (I was really good), so learning how to read music has not been
a problem; instead, I have been able to focus solely on the clarinet. I
just finished asking my instructor when I should be ready for "prime time,"
and she predicted that by some time between the end of the summer and the
end of the year I should be ready to join some low end community band. I
started out playing on a borrowed clarinet of a friend. It is a plastic
Leblanc that is over 20 years old, and it definitely needs work. The horn
is definitely turning into a problem, because playing it at this point is
like running into a brick wall. Also, when I face difficulties at times I
cannot distinguish whether the problem is me, the clarinet, or both. At
this point, I'd like to purchase an axe that will not hamper my learning
technique. My instructor has suggested that I purchase a Victo V40 or a
7216 (Pete Fountain gizmo). However, I really don't know what I am
purchasing. To start with, I'd like to know what the bore size means to the
sound and playability of a horn. Will the 7216 hamper my learning technique
in any way?

In the end, my goal is to play jazz, but jazz in a very modern vein. Given
this, I'm also looking for insight on how to eventually develop "my own
sound," but I'm not sure where to begin besides with continuing to work on
developing a good tone.

I'd appreciate any pointers that you people could give me.

Also, is this list archived? If so, where?

Thanx,
Ed Stuart

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