Klarinet Archive - Posting 000772.txt from 2003/03

From: Richard Bush <rbushidioglot@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] newbie questions about restarting Clarinet playing
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2003 22:05:26 -0500

Run from the Armstrong. Yamaha's are good quality and so are the Vito
Classic clarinets. Maybe hold off a bit. Leblanc is coming out with a
Vito that will have a poly cylindrical (sp?) bore. It might be worth
waiting for. I think they're going to call it V-40. They've used this
name before. Selmer USA has a new student line clarinet that has "nice"
feeling keywork on it. I understand it plays well, too. Sorry, don't
know the model number of it off hand. Buffet's B 11 is a good playing
instrument, but I personally like the Vito Classic more. Try them all.
I think you'll be surprised how well they all play. I think student
line clarinets are getting better.

Mouthpieces have a HUGE effect on tone quality, response and tuning.
Some mouthpieces are more reed friendly than others. People who
frequent this news group like the student mouthpieces by Clark Fobes,
Ralph Morgan and David Hite. The stock mouthpiece that comes on
Yamahas is a good quality mouthpiece. Vito puts junk on theirs and so
does Selmer.

Since it has been a long time since you played last, it would be a very
good idea to restart with a good teacher, even if you don't have the
time to take a lesson every week.

On Wednesday, March 19, 2003, at 05:24 PM, Russell Whyte wrote:

> 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
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
Richard Bush
Maker of 'BasSonic' bassoon reeds
760 Robins Avenue
Ogden, UT 84404
(801) 393-7265
IDRS member
ICA member
rbushidioglot@-----.com

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