 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: k_squared
Date: 2004-08-12 04:49
Hello,
I have recently come into possession of a few used clarinets:
1) an Armstrong, which has two different numbers on it--4001 on the upper portion and 215418 on the lower portion
2) an old Vito--B33928 (which is the one I "injured" while cleaning it and posted a question about the other day, which post I subsequently deleted after figuring out what was wrong with it and fixing it myself...it is also exactly the same brand/type that I played in band in the 70's and early 80's)
3) a Vito Resotone 3(?)--A13158
4) Vito V40.
My older daughter has been using the Armstrong, which I know nothing about as it was given to me when she started lessons a couple of years ago(if any of you can give me feedback on it based on the info provided, I'd really appreciate it), but I was planning of having her start playing the V40 because of what some of you have said about it on this board. It needs to be cleaned and have some pads replaced.
My younger daughter will be starting lessons this year, and I plan on having her use the Resotone 3 as it is in really good condition, except for needing a few pads replaced.
I'm wondering if I should have them use any of the mouthpieces that came with the clarinets or if I should purchase new ones. I live in a VERY rural area and there are only a couple of music stores near me, with very limited choices, if any choices at all, so trying out a variety probably won't be an option. My daughters' ages are 11 and 9, and they are both on the smallish side, if that makes a difference.
The mouthpieces that came with the various clarinets are:
1) the only marking is "5RV" (ligature says "Harrison" on it)
2) Noblet 3
3) Buffet ^2B106
4) Esprit
They are all intact (no chips and minor ligature scratching), although the Buffet could use new cork.
Are any of these mouthpieces "better" than others? From reading through some of the posts on this subject, I know it depends upon the individual, but is it really possible for young students who are just starting out to figure it out? My older daughter might be able to, but not my younger one as she hasn't even started lessons yet.
If new mouthpieces are recommended, are there any that are moderately priced that would/should be available in even the most rural areas, via a store or the internet.
thanks in advance,
k
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Author: Bani
Date: 2004-08-12 06:07
Hi k,
I'm currently using an Armstrong. 4001 is the model while the other one is the serial number. I'm just a beginner myself (seven months) but here's my experience with my Armstrong (I call her Armie). I started off using the stock moutpiece but was told by my instructor to change it. I got a Vandoren AT45 which wasn't bad at all and learned the basics and several easy pieces using this. There was the usual squeaks which came less and less with more practice. But some weeks ago I discovered the B-flat sounded really flat on the AT45 (not at all like it use to do), so did the middle A. After doing some research on this site I decided to get a Vandoren A1 (crystal) and a Vandoren 5RV. With the A1 Armie sounded a lot better than with the AT45. However with the 5RV it just kept squeaking and squawking the more I play it. I have stopped using the 5RV altogether and am now using the A1 exclusively. (Perhaps I can use the 5RV when I get a wooden clarinet which I don't think will be any time soon.) Hope this helps.
Can anyone of the more experience guys and galls out there explain this?
Thanks very much.
B.
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Author: ohsuzan
Date: 2004-08-12 14:09
Dear k --
First of all, mouthpieces have been discussed probably more than anything else (well, except maybe reeds . . .) on this board, so I suggest an archive search if you want to find more information than anyone could possibly use.
Second, of the mouthpieces you cited, I would think the 5RV, if it is intact, would clearly be the winner.
Third, the mouthpiece that I (and many others) think is one of the best for youngsters (and oldsters) is the "Debut" by Clark Fobes. It costs $25, and will save you and your kids years of struggle caused by inappropriate mouthpieces.
Fourth, I empathize with the limitations you experience due to your rural location. I have the same problem -- I live miles and miles from nowhere, in every direction. But I have found that online buying is the way to surmount distance. You can, for example, buy the Fobes "Debut" from any number of online merchants, or in fact, from Clark Fobes himself. Just go to Google, type in "Debut" and "Fobes", and you will be on your way.
Best wishes,
Susan
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Author: k_squared
Date: 2004-08-13 01:11
Thank you Susan, that is exactly the information I was looking for. I had searched the archives, but it's hard to narrow down a search and takes too long to look through all the posts; however, after you mentioned "Fobes," I did another search and got loads of info, plus another recommended mouthpiece, Hite Premiere. I've located both at decent prices on the web at Weiner (sp) music. They also have good prices on reeds, so I think I can get everything I need there. Now I just need to get some pads replaced, and maybe a little cork, and the clarinets should be good to go.
thanks again,
kathy
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