Klarinet Archive - Posting 001220.txt from 1999/01

From: James.P.Reed@-----.net (James P Reed)
Subj: Re: [kl] Roger Harvey's question about upgrading
Date: Sun, 24 Jan 1999 12:54:06 -0500

Roger,

I'd like to reinforce Cindy's comments about sticking with your Noblet
and trying some different mouthpieces and ligatures for awhile. That's
the approach I've taken in the past year, having picked up and started
playing the clarinet at age 50. Personally, I don't think I could have
told much of a difference in my tonal quality or playing, in the
beginning.

About a month ago, I did upgrade to a used, professional horn, finally
having reached a point where I could begin to tell the difference in my
playing and the tonal quality I could produce on a better instrument.
I've stuck with what Mark C (I believe it was him) has referred to the
baby duck syndrome and stayed with Selmer, which was my first
instrument.

IMHO, I suspect whatever professional quality clarinet you really want
most, you can learn the nuances of and play well, without getting caught
in the never-ending search for the perfect horn. Read Tom R's, Roger
G's and others commentaries about the R13, Selmer Signature, Opus and
other horns from the past few weeks. Then, visit Tom's website and read
his commentary about how to consider selecting a horn; he's got some
excellent information on his website.

http://home1.gte.net/klarinet/

You didn't mention whether or not you're able to take lessons or are
learning on your own. Earlier in this thread, somebody, Vicki, I
believe (excuse me if I'm in error) mentioned looking into some
recordings you can play along with. There are two website sources that
I can find for these, which you may be interested in browsing, Music
Minus One and Jamey Abersold:

http://www.musicminusone.com/
http://www.jajazz.com/

You may also want to acquire a variety of sheet music and books, such as
the series of Rubank method books and others that some of the educators
and other players on this list are much better qualified to suggest than
I am. However, Anne Bell, a member of this list has done an excellent
job of locating and listing a variety of sheet music and other web site
sources for things of interest to clarinet players. Her website is on
sneezy and can be reached at the following address:

http://www.sneezy.org/anne_bell/

While I would encourage you to spend more time practicing than on the
Internet, I've found browsing a variety of web sites, and receiving all
of the mail discussions on the klarinet list, have been great
supplements to my clarinet and music education that I wouldn't trade for
anything. I'm still a wide eyed novice when it comes to music theory
and playing my horn but I'm enjoying myself and continually progressing,
having reached a point where I am starting to play simple duets with my
instructor.

Wishing you the best,

Jim

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