 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: skittleys
Date: 2010-09-28 03:54
I'm sure this has been asked hundreds of times, but I've been searching these boards for half an hour with no luck!
At what point is a clarinettist expected to upgrade to an "intermediate" and then a "professional" model? An answer in terms of RCM grade level, years of playing, etc. is preferred! After researching I pretty much know what the differences between the types are, but not what skill of clarinettist would use them.
I started playing the clarinet in middle school in 1997. My parents bought me a B12 in 2000, and that's what I've used ever since. I'm thinking that I've been playing on a lower-level model the whole time ... :( My high school band played at the Grade 5 concert band level, as did the university faculty of music band I joined in 1st year. I also have my RCM grade 6 clarinet. After 2 years of that uni though, I got braces and quit playing. That was in 2005, and I'm starting up again now (just got into a symphonic band, it's not a music department band but still quite high-quality). I most definitely need a new instrument, but I don't know how "good" of a clarinet I should be getting!!! I'm never going to be a music major or play in any good orchestras, but I hope to keep at it for many years to come...and I have this horrible feeling that I'm going to need to fish out a lot more $$$ than originally hoped!
P.S. I said before that my high school band played Grade 5 ... and I know Grade 6 is the highest ... but are those grades actually defined anywhere?!?! I can't find any info about them!
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Author: Franklin Liao
Date: 2010-09-28 04:07
The world's your oyster if you, like me, really are playing for your own amusement and for nothing else. What is right for you shouldn't be pegged to your RCM level. Rather, it should be based on what you really desire in a clarinet.
One thing that is most important is that you should look at your horn and setup before embarking on getting a new one. Repad job, a switch of a barrel and a mouthpiece have all been proven ways to make one's setup work for his/her needs.
You do not need to fish out alot more money than originally hoped I think. What is important however is that you need to know if your band has a mandated prerequisite. Orchestra players would get the horn that they would blend in with, which for some time has meant you would get a Buffet R-13 in North America.
You are in Toronto, so you should really contact Stephen Fox about setting up an instrument. He is busy, but he is a leading acoustician in Clarinet. Having a talk with him would really be helpful in my opinion for you to get a grasp of what might constitute a good instrument.
Since you mentioned concerns about dollar figure, I will use a R-13 for example. Expect to spend about $1500-2000 if you wish to obtain a fine, serviced, used specimen with a proven pedigree, and $900+ minimum. Those that come with customization/accessories will be pricier.
Thomas Ridenour's Lyrique, endorsed by many on this forum on the other hand, can be had for under $1000.
ps: I shamelessly play CSG and whatnot while looking like a total dunce.
Post Edited (2010-09-28 04:30)
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2010-09-28 18:14
Quote:
I most definitely need a new instrument, but I don't know how "good" of a clarinet I should be getting!!! I'm never going to be a music major or play in any good orchestras, but I hope to keep at it for many years to come... There's no rule. If you can afford it, and want it, get it. I see people driving cars that are designed to go MUCH faster than our local speed limits. Doesn't mean it can't get them from point A to point B. And they enjoy getting in and driving it every day. Ultimately it's up to you whether you get something or not.
You feel you need a new instrument, but maybe there are steps you can take to help your current instrument perform better. Did you ever go through a few mouthpieces to select the best one? or are you playing something you bought through a mail-order or through someone else without playtesting it years ago?
If you DO feel you need a new instrument, I don't think there's a hard rule as to when to get it. Personally, I do get a little bit bitter when I find out that someone bought their son/daughter a buffet prestige for them to start out on in fourth grade, but it's only out of jealousy. But all in all, I find that a great mouthpiece can make nearly ANY instrument sound good. The actual instrument itself only differs in tuning, response, and subtle qualities of sound.
i say if you don't have a great mouthpiece, find one first. THEN look around for other instruments if you feel it's not enough. If you do want to upgrade and you feel great with your current mouthpiece, I would look at a used professional quality instruments. And I would put a little money aside in the "budget" for an overhaul/adjustment. For example, if your budget is 1500 dollars, find an 1100 dollar professional model (current or older if you prefer), and save 400 for a complete overhaul and adjustment.
Alexi
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2010-09-29 02:34
There is no set age or proficiency level required to upgrade. It makes more sense to consider it this way:
If your horn is keeping you from progressing further, it's time to upgrade. As to how expensive an instrument you need,that really depends on your budget. I personally believe in getting the best instruments (and other hobby gear) I can afford, which will do the job properly for me. So... I have two excellent instruments: A Lyrique and a Leblanc/Backun Symphonie. I did the same with my photo gear. better to buy quality now, than to have to keep paying over and over to upgrade incrementally, provided you have the talent or skill to make use of the gear you buy
Jeff.
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
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