 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: brahma
Date: 2009-02-06 20:07
Hello all.
I am very new to clarinet playing - started in September and am still only at the beginning of my learning curve. I am really enjoying the instrument and have enjoyed the progess (allbeit very limited) I have made so far - with a lot of help from this forum - thank you all.
I am 43 years old and did wonder if I'm too old to take up an instrument - thankfully I decided to give it a go anway. I am a family man with three children so do not have enough money to pay for regular lessons so have only had one lesson (second to follow soon!!) but have bought a number of books.
I bought what I can only describe a clarinnet from this site http://www.studentmusicsupplies.com/asp/productdetails.asp?productID=9 as at the time it was all I could afford.
And now at last, to my problem. I am getting quite a lot of vibration and quite a lot of "air noise" while I am playing - som much so that it is starting to affect my enjoyment. When I had my lesson, my teacher said that I had a very good embouchure so I dont think this is my problem - I am wondering if it is due to the clarinet that I have bought? How much does the quality of the instrument affect this type of thing?
Also, I have seen that you can buy different barrels, different ligatures and different mouthpieces. Would it be a good idea for me to invest in a better quality equipment and buy a new barrel, mouthpiece, ligature etc? Or should I save up and buy a clarinet.
Sorry for the v.long post!!
Many thanks,
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Author: Bluesparkle
Date: 2009-02-06 20:18
Is the vibration and air coming from your mouthpiece? If so, then you may be playing with a reed that is too hard. Try a softer reed with a firm embouchure (don't bite the mouthpiece), and see if that helps.
As far as your instrument is concerned, you definitely get what you pay for. Quality barrels, ligatures, and mouthpieces (and instruments) help tremendously but cost a pretty penny. Many a beginner has started playing, only to give up in frustration...not because they are incapable of playing well, but because they are fighting their instrument and don't even realize it.
Good equipment costs money. In my opinion, what little cash you can put towards your new hobby should be put into sessions with a teacher. Ask around and see if any of your local school band directors play clarinet. I have found many people who played through college at my church. Anyone with this much experience can get you on the right track...both with your technique and your equipment.
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2009-02-06 20:30
Okay, I'll bite.
First of all, 40-something definitely isn't too old. Actually, one is never too old for something new. (I started at the tender age of 41, FWIW)
Second - I don't know the brand of clarinet you're using, thus I can't say whether it's a dud or a bargain.
Third, your problem. Everything has a resonance frequency at which it will start to vibrate in sympathy with the stimulating (exogene) frequency. The most prominent (and most short-lived) example is the Tacoma Bridge. For example, my own clarinet "hums" at the above-staff A. This is not unnatural, and the instrument makers artistry comprises finding a resonance frequency that doesn't coincide with a note played off the sheet.
Remedy? Tough call. Damping helps. Damping could mean "oiling the rods and pivot points" or "greasing the tenon corks". In more extreme cases, try to wrap a damp rag around eg the bell or some other suitable spot and see if it changes anything. If none of that helps, try to borrow another instrument and see if the problem (using your own mouthpiece, reed and ligature) persists.
--
Ben
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Author: D
Date: 2009-02-06 20:41
Nip in to a music shop and ask to try a couple of standard beginner clarinets (take your reed and mouthpiece with you so you play something you are used to) and see if you get the same effect. Costs nothing. Try something like the Buffet B12 or the Yamaha student model to see how yours compares to the industry standards.
Unrelated money saving tip; large public libraries in the UK often have loads of sheet music to borrow, and charity shops often have peoples old exam music cheaply.
Second unrelated money saving tip; if you really want a few more lessons and have no money you could perhaps try trading for them instead. I pay for some of my music lessons in home made cakes. I've heard of people mowing lawns, giving use of washing machine, giving lifts etc. For example; If you found a music student to give you a couple of lessons they might take payment in lifts to the train station, or somewhere to do their washing where it wont get stolen and come out smelling strange and stale. My brother painted his music teachers house once!
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2009-02-06 21:10
ACK the budget hints. My teacher was a soon-to-be-graduated conservatory student. If there's a music school near you, by all means pop by there.
Oh, here he is.
--
Ben
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Author: kdk
Date: 2009-02-07 22:11
First the easy answer - 43 is certainly not too old to start playing.
Checking the URL you gave for the clarinet, it seems it's a brand called "Academy" with a price range from $79 to $109. I've never heard of the brand, but the price makes me suspicious of its quality. Maybe someone else has seen them somewhere.
As to your problem, can you describe the "vibration and ...'air noise'" in any more detail? When do they happen? Are they always together or do they ever occur separately? Where do you feel the vibration (mouth/teeth, fingers)? Do you have any sense of where the "air noise" is coming from - the mouthpiece area, farther down the instrument, inside your head (like an air leak through your nose while blowing into the clarinet)?
Your best source of help with this *should* be your teacher. If he/she said you had a very good embouchure, does (s)he have any reaction to the problem you've described? Does (s)he hear it or experience it when playing on your instrument/reed/mouthpiece? If (s)he has tried your setup, do *you* hear anything like the problem sounds you describe?
Post more detail and see if it suggests anything specific to anyone here.
Karl
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Author: pewd
Date: 2009-02-08 04:38
>Or should I save up and buy a clarinet.
thats what i would recommend if you were my student.
my experience has been that starting with a qood quality instrument makes a huge difference. it is much easier to get started on a good quality instrument, either new, or professionally overhauled if used. FWIW, i try to get my beginners to start on a new Buffet E-11, with a Rovner ligature, and a Fobes 'Debut' Mouthopiece.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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