Klarinet Archive - Posting 000809.txt from 2003/03

From: "Wendy Bosma" <bosma@-----.net>
Subj: RE: [kl] newbie questions about restarting Clarinet playing
Date: Fri, 21 Mar 2003 08:21:14 -0500

Y'all are giving some wonderful advice about mouthpieces, but I haven't
heard anything about Vandoren. I use a B-45, how does that compare
nowadays?

Wendy :)

-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Hausmann [mailto:bhausmann1@-----.net]
Subject: Re: [kl] newbie questions about restarting Clarinet playing

At 08:24 PM 3/19/2003 -0500, 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...
>...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.

Do not, under ANY circumstances, even CONSIDER an
Armstrong/Artley. Yamahas are fine.

(Disclaimer: I do work in a music store. We carry BOTH UMI (now
Conn/Selmer, which makes Artley and Armstrong) and Yamaha. I refuse to
sell Artleys on principle. The Armstrongs are identical. The company
makes other fine instruments, but not clarinets.) This is a personal
opinion and does NOT reflect the opinion of the management.)

>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.

Sort of like asking, "Does the choice of a different engine affect the
automobile's performance?" The stock plastic Yamaha mouthpiece is not bad,
for a stock plastic mouthpiece. To advance beyond the beginner level, you
will want something better. Some, like the Fobes Debut, can still be quite
reasonably priced. Messing with barrels is for more advanced players and
definitely for instruments beyond the plastic student level.

Bill Hausmann

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

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