 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Christoffer
Date: 2000-11-22 22:14
So, I have finally plunged into the clarinet world ... I have played the recorder for twenty years now (and I'm 29 now), I really love this very simple little thing, but thought it was about time to face the challenge of something a bit more advanced. I had the opportunity to try an old clarinet - it was in a miserable state, but I actually managed to get a few very beautiful tones from it.
That turned me on, I knew that I had to continue, but I needed a decent instrument. Thanks to this forum, I have found loads of good information - so I rented a Yamaha (23 II) - their beginner's instruments seem to get good reviews, and also the 4C mouthpiece it came with. It was fitted with a #3 reed, I guess that is a rather hard thing to put on a typical student's horn, but never mind, the dealer gave me a handful of #2 and 2 1/2 reeds. I have started with a #2, and this combo is almost as easy to get a reasonable sound from as a recorder ...
OK, reasonable, not great yet, but then again, I have only been playing for less than a week. So far, it seems to me that the deeper the note, the easier it is to get a good sound. Around the throat A the things start to get a bit more difficult, but right now, I am concentrating on mastering the chalumeau register, then the Break can wait. I couldn't help, however, to try to press the register key, just curious to see what it felt like - felt rather easy to me, easier than the thoat notes.
Oh, but my poor neighbours ... I am afraid they have to get used to this. It is a great instrument, and I am looking forward to explore it ...!
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Author: Kontragirl
Date: 2000-11-22 23:59
Welcome to the world of clarinet! I wouldn't worry about the neighbors until you fall in love with a bass clarinet, or lower.
It sounds like you've started off on the right foot. I too played recorder before I played clarinet, I still play it. I'm glad I do, it made sax a lot easier to pick up. Anyway, just keep practicing. You might want a private teacher, but until then some method books would keep you advancing. I personally like Rubank's, but there are plenty of other good books around.
Good luck, and above all, have fun!
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Author: Willie
Date: 2000-11-23 03:29
Welcome to the world of clarineting. I certainly hope you have an easier time with it than I'm having with the recorder.
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Author: The Jester
Date: 2000-11-23 04:26
Hint: In my experience, the lower notes are easier to hit with a thin reed. When you're ready for that octave key, up the reed strength.
Sincerely
The Jester
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Author: Yusuf Zaid
Date: 2000-11-23 20:53
From Yusuf
Welcome ,welcome ,welcome.
I've recently started too. At 56 yrs old(young) and there are plenty of people older than me on this board. I've been through all what your going through, as probably every one has at the beginning. Keep it going lad it only gets better, a tutor is invaluable and so are the people on this BB. Anything you want to know, theres a person who will give you the answer or tell you where to get it. Keep practicing, don't try to go too fast,take your time, it will be ages yet before you are 120. And enjoy yourself. Good luck, take care and keep in touch.
Yusuf
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Author: Anji
Date: 2000-11-23 23:11
Check out the Legere reeds before to long, they can eliminate the "Good reed/Bad reed" hassle in the beginning. They'll never play as well as a good piece of cane, but they're dependable.
To play the uppermost register well, a firmer reed is essential. To play the lower register well, you need solid breath support.
Beware of playing really soft reeds for very long.
Lastly, two months with a teacher now will shave years off development time later.
Your experience with the recorder will be invaluable, especially reading the upper staff.
Good luck!
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Author: Christoffer
Date: 2000-11-24 13:44
Thanks for warm welcome and good advice. I do plan to find a teacher, I just cannot afford it right now.
I've tried a Rico Grand Concert #2, it felt considerably harder than the Vandoren of the same number I've been using until then. Improved my sound vastly, too. It sounds a bit brighter, but also less airy, and the throat notes are so much easier to get right.
I am really amazed about how much difference all the little things make - strength or brand of reed, the angle I am holding the instrument in, how much reed I "swallow", double or single lip embouchure, the pressure of my under lip against and/or around the reed etc. This is all very promising, it seems that this plastic tube has endless possibilities to explore ...!
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Author: Tracey
Date: 2000-11-25 07:22
A Rico Grand Concert reed is harder than a Vandoren? Well, I've never tried Grand Concert, but Ricos are generally softer than corresponding strengths of Vandoren. I think it sounds a bit better because it's softer, as softer reeds are better to start on. Once the Ricos or softer Vandorens start sounding a bit too bright or actually take a harsh, ugly sound, it might be time to move up in reed strength. On the opposite hand, the airiness you experienced in Vandoren means that it's too hard to use just yet. A guide to use is that *generally*, Vandorens list their reed strengths as one up of Ricos. (ie. Vandoren #2 would be about Rico #3) I'm a junior in high school, and I've been using Vandoren #4's since 9th grade, and when my teacher told me to try Ricos 1 1/2, 2 and 2 1/2--well, it was sort of interesting. It gives a nice idea on how far you've come...maybe you should try it after a month. Although, harder reeds don't necessarily mean that you're a better player, some people, like me, prefer them. Stay away from the regular Rico reeds, and for now, a Grand Concert would probably be great for you . Good luck!
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Author: Christoffer
Date: 2000-11-25 11:01
You're probably right that the Rico reed is softer, I don't really have enough experience to tell a reed's hardness "at first lick", so to say. My first impression was just that it felt somehow thicker and less "floppy", but as a newcomer in this business, I don't really have a background to found a judgement concerning actual hardness on. But of course the important thing is how it sounds, and for the moment, the Rico #2 seems to be the right thing for me.
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