 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ben Shaffer
Date: 2014-03-18 23:53
I am intrigued by the E flat Clarinet. It of course is higher pitch than the B Flat. Does the E Flat weigh a lot less than the B flat. I know the keys would be smaller. but how much so?
This would be an Instrument I would play for my own amusement
Where would you get a decent used one? I saw a few on eBay from China....hmm
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2014-03-19 00:00
Yes it's significantly smaller and lighter, approx 2/3 rds length of Bb.
A decent one would not come from China!!
I believe the plastic Bundy and Vito student Eb clarinets are quite well thought of and quite commonly found.
Noblets are very good but being wood are quite a bit more pricey.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2014-03-18 20:39
Of course it is a different animal and the pitch irregularities particularly in the altissimo make it quite a challenge. I guess what I am saying is that it's not as easy as a standard clarinet to play. The people who are really good at it enjoy the CHALLENGES of it.
...............Paul Aviles
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Author: shadow1
Date: 2014-03-18 23:03
I have a buffet e11 and I like it. Not extremely expensive. The plastic bundies and the noblets are perfect for marching band if you are up for it. But consider what you would use it for and then decide.
Paul Aviles wrote:
> Of course it is a different animal and the pitch irregularities
> particularly in the altissimo make it quite a challenge. I
> guess what I am saying is that it's not as easy as a standard
> clarinet to play. The people who are really good at it enjoy
> the CHALLENGES of it.
>
>
>
>
>
> ...............Paul Aviles
>
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Author: Ben Shaffer
Date: 2014-03-19 04:11
Now are the E Flat mouthpieces the same as B flat? Would you use the same size reed?
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2014-03-19 00:15
You need to use a dedicated Eb mouthpiece, but you can use Bb reeds if you cut them down to fit OR use a Backun Eb barrel that has a notch to accommodate a full length Bb reed.
.............Paul Aviles
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2014-03-19 04:16
No, the mouthpiece is somewhat smaller as is the "normal" Eb reed. However it is possible to use a Bb reed by trimming the length of it's butt end and some players find that the result is better than using the standard Eb reed.
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2014-03-19 00:21
No, you need a mouthpiece specifically sized for the E flat clarinet. They are shorter,smaller and have a narrower bore/chamber.
A good basic mouthpiece is the Hite. I play on Behn, but it costs much more. Other excellent makers uinclude Walter Grabner and Gregory Smith.
Another excellent alternative if you get serious about the Eefer is the Yamaha 681 clarinet, which is a pro-level instrument with very nice tone and intonation, for substantially less cost than the comparable new instruments from the Big three. I got mine a year ago from Weiner Music, and am quite satisfied with it.
USUAL DISCLAIMER: I am not affiliated with Hite, Behn, Yamaha or Weiner. Just a happy customer.
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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Author: shadow1
Date: 2014-03-19 05:14
Try to make the strength of your mouthpiece PLUS your reed resemble your Bb clarinet's. It has been extensibly argued whether or not using something harder that what you would use on your Bb is good or not(for high notes), and although my reeds are a bit harder for my eefer, they are about the same.
Also, try phasing into playing the eefer. Although it does not take away from your proficiency as a Bb player, the first week will feel like your Bb clarinet is a Basset horn A clarinet. But this you will get used to.
Lastly, make sure you don't bite the mouthpiece because you will need a smaller embouchure. If you do bite, it will sound more squeaky than it already does and your bottom lip will hurt.
It is my favorite instrument to play, so have fun and remember to practice scales and arpeggios because they really help in tuning.
For pitch, it is not exactly like the Bb clarinet. Even if your get an R13, playing it can sometimes feel like you are playing a brass instrument. You have to hear the pitch in your head before you play it.
BUY A TUNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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