 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Franky099
Date: 2006-08-12 23:29
Hello everyone,
I was the typical high school student. I played my clarinet from 5th grade until I graduated. My local high school has a yearly alumni band, which I really want to play in. The problem is my horn. It was my mothers horn when she was in school. Nice wooden clarinet.....it's just seen better days.
I am looking to purchase a new clarinet. Nothing on the high scale end, just something that would be good to use for alumni functions. However, I don't want to buy junk either. I've been looking on e-bay, and have found several low priced horns, but would like to hear some brand name suggestions before I just bid on something.
Looking forward to enjoying this message board!
Amy
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-08-12 23:38
What make is your clarinet?
If it's a good make and structurally and mechanically sound, I'd recommend you have it fully overhauled by a good repairer - and this will be better than buying a used clarinet that needs work done to it, and better than buying a low priced one that may not last long.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: clarinet@55
Date: 2006-08-13 01:44
Check also your local pawn shops. I picked up a Bundy years ago,had it re padded & cordked. It plays just fine. I'm a little rusty, but improving gradually. I wished when I had the chance that I could have played in out alumni band, when I was still living in town. Now I look to the day when I can play in The "Play It Again" band or just be able to play like I did in High School. I practice warming up with my grade school band music books and some B flat popular song books I had back then.
Good Luck
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Author: Franky099
Date: 2006-08-13 15:27
I'm not up to date on what brands are best and all that.....so I really don't know if my horn is that great or not.
On the case, the clasps that hold is closed says LeBlanc. On the horn its self it says Noblet, and under it Paris. It does have a number on the back of it, a serial number I assume. Is there anyway I can learn anything about my horn from it?
Some of the keys stick, and I'm sure the pads have seen better days. Some of the cork has been replaced by dental floss, lol....dental floss is the high school marching band must have for clarinet players!!! My ligature only has one functioning screw!! LOL!
This horn has seen a lot of concerts, a lot of halftime shows and many parades. I wouldn't part with it for anything! It does not have any cracks at all.
I know this probably sounds stupid, but sometimes when I play it, it's almost as if air won't even pass through it!! What's that all about?
Considering its age and its flaws, it doesn't play that bad, until you get to the upper registeres.
Any ball park figure of what it might cost to have it overhauled?
Thanks guys...I really like this board!
Amy
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Author: Bruno
Date: 2006-08-13 15:53
Before going out and buying a new horn which, since you don't want to buy a professional top of the line horn, may be worse than the one you have, have your clarinet overhauled; re-corked, re-padded, and adjusted, buy a new ligature and a new case, clean the mouthpiece with soapy water, and play it for six months.
If it is wooden and not cracked, it is by now settled and well-seasoned. I know several pros who take horns just like yours out to their gigs and leave their "gem" at home in its case.
I'd love to hear how you make out. In fact, I wish I had your old horn! You may be surprised at how well it plays AND sounds!
b/
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Author: Gandalfe
Date: 2006-08-13 15:58
Leblanc Noblet clarinets have a bit of a cult following. It can be an excellent clarinet for your purposes and cost you much less than instruments that you would never be happy with. If it were me, I'd have the instrument overhauled by a qualified tech. Here's hoping your reunion isn't next week. But if it is, rent a horn for the gig. :o)
Jim and Suzy
Pacifica Big Band
Seattle, Washington
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Author: Franky099
Date: 2006-08-13 17:36
I never thought of renting one.....but I'd be scared of something happening to it. Our marching band was never one to be easy on instruments, lol. We like to dance, "drive off", and have a good ol' time out on the field and in the stands.
I'll make some calls tomorrow and see if I can get an estimate on what it would cost to have it overhauled.
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Author: ClariTone
Date: 2006-08-13 17:36
Welcome to the BBoard!!!
If it is a LeBanc (a member of the Big 4 - Buffet, LeBlanc, Selmer, Yamaha) then it may very well be worth repairing. Take it to a good clarinet technician *Clarinet being the keyword, not someone who only knows how to change pads/corks*. The technician should display knowledge about the clarinet's mechanics, as well as be a fairly proficient player. You can ask around at churches, local public schools/university music departments to find reputable technicians.
As for ball-park figures for an overhaul...well in the past I've paid anywhere from $60-$200 or so for a general overhaul. This included changing all pads/corks that needed changing, oiling the bore, cleaning the mechanism, and adjusting key alignment/pad clearance.
Best of Luck and Welcome Back!!!
Clayton
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Author: Franky099
Date: 2006-08-13 19:14
That will be the problem....finding someone who specializes in clarinets. There is an instrument shop in the next town....but they do everything I think, don't really specialize. I will call them tomorrow and see what I can find out.
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Author: Bob A
Date: 2006-08-14 21:02
Depending where you are located I'd consider either Dave Spiegelthal or J. Butler. Checks the 'threads' regarding 'repairs' and gtheir work assessments.
Bob A
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Author: warrenclarinetboy236
Date: 2006-08-14 22:11
I am just starting marching band for high school and required to use a liar for a b flat clarinet and I don't have a clue how to use it any idea's thanks
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Author: GBK
Date: 2006-08-14 22:22
warrenclarinetboy236 wrote:
> I am just starting marching band for high school and required
> to use a liar for a b flat clarinet and I don't have a clue how
> to use it any idea's thanks
If the liar tells you he can play the Nielsen Concerto from memory, don't believe him. ![[wink]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie3.gif)
Seriously, there should be a ring attached to the lyre which slips around either the middle or lower joint of your clarinet...GBK
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