Klarinet Archive - Posting 000493.txt from 2001/03

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausmann1@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] First Clarinet Purchase
Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2001 07:27:18 -0500

At 01:30 AM 3/19/2001 -0500, Ed Stuart wrote:
>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?

The current models of Vito clarinets are virtually identical to what you no
doubt have. They are perfectly fine student instruments with a good
reputation. But I would recommend getting your horn in to a competent
repair tech ASAP. He will be able to make it play like new. There are TWO
Pete Fountain models. Only the more expensive one has the larger bore. A
larger bore design can give a bigger sound, but it is not that large a
difference. Another inexpensive large-bore clarinet is the Selmer 1400 (or
older Bundy 1400 -- if a Bundy says 577 on it (meaning .577 inch bore, it
is NOT a 1400, but a 1401). I use one for jazz playing myself. It has a
bore of .590 inch, as does the true Pete Fountain model. The standard Vito
is .584, so there is not a lot of difference anyway.

The list is archived: http://www.sneezy.org/Databases/LogsIndex/index.html

Bill Hausmann bhausmann1@-----.com
451 Old Orchard Drive http://homepages.go.com/~zoot14/zoot14.html
Essexville, MI 48732 ICQ UIN 4862265

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is TOO LOUD!

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