 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ryder
Date: 2009-06-01 01:53
In about two weeks i'm going on a hiking trip in Colorado. It will be a week long, in addition to the time lost for travel from San Antonio, TX. On the trip there will be a decent bit of down time in which I would like to practice. I have a competition coming up and cannot afford to put off any more practice time.
I was wondering what the rest of you would do. My plan was to find a plastic clarinet in decent working order in a light, small case. I know reed and all that will be a pain at that altitude, but that's the least of my worries right now.
Thank you very much
____________________
Ryder Naymik
San Antonio, Texas
"We pracice the way we want to perform, that way when we perform it's just like we practiced"
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Author: weberfan
Date: 2009-06-01 03:31
Ryder,
Yamaha ycl 250 or the older Ycl 20. Good small case; packs easily. But more to the point, it's a great plastic clarinet.
Mouthpiece and reeds of your choice. Dunno what affect altitude has on reeds and reed strength. You play a Vandoren 4, or V12?
Maybe you can rent a clarinet. Probably a monthly rental fee, but perhaps it's worth it.
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Author: Gary Foss
Date: 2009-06-01 04:57
I just came back from a raft trip where I took a plastic bundy along. The trip was last minute so the bundy was the only option. I used my back-up mouthpiece and stock buffet barrel, which I don't use and four reeds on their downside, not my concert grade. This was a great solution to not playing at all for four days. I can't say progress was made, but very little was lost, which was the goal. Playing outside in canyons is great fun, even if you can't get your best sound. The altitude will only affect You the first couple days, less so if You hike at higher elevations than what you practice at. I am now going to upgrade to a top line resin based/or rubber horn, so the bundy can wait for another student to start on.
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Author: soybean
Date: 2009-06-01 07:51
I'd use a plastic clarinet for sure. If you had a C clarinet that would be even lighter and smaller. I wouldn't take an Eb tho, unless you really enjoy playing the eefers. Bring a couple of synth reeds like fibracell or Legere.
~Dan
(Leblanc Bliss, Buffet R13 key of A, Yamaha 250 Bb)
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Author: William
Date: 2009-06-01 15:25
"Bring a couple of synth reeds like fibracell or Legere."
Another, maybe better, choice would be the new Forestone reed.
But I would have to ask myself which is more important--the competition or the hike? And then plan accordingly..............
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Author: xarkon
Date: 2009-06-01 19:43
I live in Colorado - at 7300 feet. And I've done a fair amount of backpacking, but never with a clarinet.
1. You will very likely need a slightly softer reed. Maybe 1/2 strength at most. However, a softer reed won't fully make up for the reality - the air is just thinner...
2. What altitude will you be at? Acclimation for full performance takes longer than a couple days, but within a couple days you should at least get past the initial effects. (It takes a few weeks for the body to build enough new red blood cells to account for the pressure differences.) However, if you are contemplating going to 10-14,000 feet, it's going to take longer.
3. I'd definitely go for the plastic horn. In the summer, humidity can swing dramatically. Afternoon thunderstorms are common - we've had several over the last few days and are expecting another today.
Dave
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2009-06-02 00:20
SA to the high country.
You'll be lucky if you can even get a reed working in only a week.
Skip the horn, and enjoy your little break from practicing.
Bob Phillips
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Author: Cindyr
Date: 2009-06-02 02:42
I'm taking my Yamaha plastic up to New Hampshire in July. I play in the rec. hall so as not to drive anyone in the cottages too crazy. I'd love to see pictures of people playing in unusual places this summer!
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Author: gwie
Date: 2009-06-05 09:00
Teaching clarinet in Colorado this summer at 7000+ ft.
I've not had a problem with my R-13's in the previous years, nor my current CSG's, but I've always kept a humidifier in the case though...the sudden storms that come and go really affect things. I avoid opening up the case outside.
I find I end up playing on reeds a half strength softer, and bringing up extra Legere's on those days where the wood ones just won't function properly. The Reed Wizard I bring along gets loaned out to everyone, and it sees a lot of use. :P
Important thing for us sea-level dwellers at that elevation though...keep that fluid intake up, or be prepared to suffer in quite a horrible way.
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Author: Rob Vitale
Date: 2009-06-06 01:11
agreed great choices. To get your reeds to equalize, soak them in a cup of water for a few minutes, then let them completely air dry. Wet it again and your good to go.
best of luck on your trip, as an eagle scout I know how fun, and also boring they can be.
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