Klarinet Archive - Posting 000769.txt from 2003/03

From: Russell Whyte <russell.whyte@-----.ca>
Subj: [kl] newbie questions about restarting Clarinet playing
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2003 20:24:31 -0500

Hi everyone, I've been quietly lurking here for a couple of weeks
reading everyone's comments. I have some questions I'm really hoping
somebody can explain or point me to a reference, without setting off
a flame war.

A bit of background first: I used to play clarinet in high school,
many years ago. During a flood in the basement, my old Bundy got
rusted out rather badly. I am starting to get into clarinet again now
that I have the time and find myself with entirely too many options!

So, I'm looking at either an Armstrong or a Yamaha as a starter
instrument. Are there any other brands/models to consider or avoid?
My budget for this is ~$500 Cdn, but it's flexible a bit. I am
looking at a new instrument, in plastic. While wood is beautiful, the
conditions in my current place are rather hard on instruments. I have
a rosewood soprano recorder that is showing some signs of pitting
after being here a year, and I think for me plastic is a better
option right now.

I've noticed several postings regarding various mouthpieces, and I
have to admit that I'm mildly confused - what is the difference
between all of these and how does it affect the sound? Likewise with
the number of replacement barrels available.

Are there any "must have" books I should be chasing after? I'm a
total bibliophile anyways, so there's no such thing as too many
books, imo!

Finally, is anyone on this list in the Toronto, ON area? If so, drop
me an email. I'd love to hear from other clarinet players in this
area. I'm hoping to find a group to play with once I get the new
instrument and get back up to speed on it.

Thanks to everyone for any advice you can share!
Russell

--
Russell H. Whyte
russell.whyte@-----.ca

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