Klarinet Archive - Posting 000494.txt from 2004/10

From: Haschengeliebter@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] It seems I can't get away from clarinets
Date: Sun, 17 Oct 2004 23:33:12 -0400

Adam,

Right now I love my clarinet it saved me (I don't blame it I just don't have
an expensive one that worth as much as everyone else's is)...it helped me
realize I could play (I like my sound most of the time my high notes have gone to
pot lately though and I don't know why)...and people liked the sound I
made...on my other clarinet I almost wanted to quit because it was in an "UN
repairable" condition and it sounded like crap and all the other players used to make
fun of me and tell me not to play so loud...well I showed them...I passed them
all up and then some...I am still afraid to play out sometimes
though...because I think I might not be too good sounding...I am visiting home (Ohio) for
the next 2 months and I plan on getting my clarinet checked up on and a few
little things done and taking lessons in that area...I have never had "real"
lessons...but now that I can pay for them myself and go to them myself I will get
some...I want to see where I stand in the world of music (and improve) and I
also want some help finding a school...do you think that is asking too much of a
clarinet teacher??? thank you for making me remember its the player not the
instrument I recall now people with nice instruments that could not make a good
in tune sound...thank you :)

~Krista~

In a message dated 10/17/2004 8:10:54 PM Pacific Standard Time,
amichlin@-----.com writes:
Krista,

It is a poor, I don't mean monetarily, clarinet player who blames his or
her instrument. Assuming, of course, the instrument is in proper repair
condition. It is a stupid clarinet player who practices on an instrument
which isn't in reasonable repair condition.

What follows are totally unscientific numbers, but I doubt anyone will
disagree with the sentiment. Playing the clarinet is about 80% you, 15% the
mouthpiece/reed combination, and 5% the quality of the instrument
(assuming, again, the instrument is in reasonable repair condition). Ask me
for percentages tomorrow and I will probably give you different numbers,
but the "you" part will always have, by far, the most significance.

A good teacher (who can help with the "you" part) is infinitely more
valuable than a high quality instrument. Give me a plastic clarinet, my
mouthpiece, and my reeds any day over a poorly made mouthpiece, bad reed,
and the most expensive clarinet Buffet makes.

Incidentally, Buffet seems to have caught on to what the flute world has
known for at least 20 years (and the string world has known for at least
100 years). Namely the fact that people are willing to pay absurd prices
for instruments which just aren't absurdly better. I must admit I have not
tried the new Tosca clarinets, so maybe I'm wrong. I am quite confident
someone will correct me if this is the case (and, I dare to hope, let me
try their Tosca clarinet(s)in the process).

Most importantly: R13, schmar13. And yes, you may quote me on that, but
please don't be disappointed when no one recognizes my name.

-Adam

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