Klarinet Archive - Posting 000676.txt from 2002/05

From: "nanci ashley" <nanjaymar@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] re: new clarinet? or just a mouthpiece?
Date: Wed, 29 May 2002 18:50:25 -0400

I'm "new" and apologize in advance for re-starting a discussion thathas
probably been debated repeatedly, but I really would appreciate anyone's
advice.

I played clarinet through college, although not as a music major. I
happened to attend the only (probably) major university in the country
without a school of music. It was, consequently, quite easy to play in a
number of musical groups.

After a hiatus for graduate education and children, I started to play again
about 10 years ago. I have played most of that time in a smallcommunity
band where we mainly play marches and rags--not enough players for
"symphonic" music.

Finally, the dilemna----. I recently played in a musical and suddenly was
very focused on tone and intonation. I still can't decide if the horrid
intonation (from the CD made during performance) is ALL my fault, but there
are a few passages where I was obviously not "in tune" with another player.
I also realize my tone is more "buzzy" (sorry, sorry, sorry for that word)
than I thought.

I have been wanting to try some different mouthpieces or maybe a new barrel?
But, I've also been thinking about getting a new clarinet.
Soooo, here are the questions that likely have no exact answer:

Which is most responsible for intonation? mouthpiece, barrel, clarinet
I'm thinking that a clarinet that's "in tune" will proably have the best
tone too?

Which should I get first? If I get a mouthpiece for the Selmer and then get
an R13, will I have to get another mouthpiece made for that brand?

I currently have a Selmer 10 clarinet with an accubore barrel and a
mouthpiece that was originally a vandoren but has been filed or something by
a player in the Houston Symphony? many years ago. A friend gave it to me in
college after receiving it from her instructor from Houston.

Any suggestions?

I am hoping to get a little guidance before starting to shop.

Thanks,
Nanci

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