 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Jenny55
Date: 2016-06-15 13:39
Hello,
As a 55 year old beginner, I am working to make my dream of being a clarinetist come true. Best mouthpiece ideas-worst mouthpiece ideas? Gigliotti A442? I purchased a new Buffet B18. Any advice is very much appreciated. I am taking lessons and want so much to be a decent player.
Jenny55
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2016-06-15 15:46
Congratulations Jenny55!
It sounds like you have a good start with a teacher and a new instrument. I recommend the Fobes Debut as a starting point, and there many options. Ultimately others can relate what has worked well for them, but no one will be able to make an iron-clad recommendation as to what will work best for you, personally.
Your teacher may also have strong preferences for what you choose.
Congrat's and good luck!
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: kdk
Date: 2016-06-15 17:04
Take your teacher's advice. That's what you're paying for.
Gigliotti A442 just means it's meant to play at a slightly higher pitch (mostly I think, for European use). The American standard, if there is one, is A=440, and the regular AG P or AG P-34 might be one good choice. But there are less expensive ones that would be more than satisfactory to learn on - the Fobes Debut being a good one. The Vandoren line are a little more expensive but reasonable - an M13, M13 Lyre or M15 are the most popular ones these days for beginning study.
Most important at this point in your learning process is to avoid the trap of equipment shopping in any form. Buy a mouthpiece with your teacher's help, buy the reeds he or she recommends, and just practice and play.
Good luck.
Karl
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2016-06-15 17:20
The Hite "Premier" or the Vandoren B45 would also be good starter mouthpieces. They both seem to work well for most people.
Tony F.
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Author: GeorgeL ★2017
Date: 2016-06-15 18:23
An internet search should show you if there is a New Horizons band in your area. See http://newhorizonsmusic.org/ It seems like a logical thing for a beginner to join at some point.
I have no experience with such groups; other posters may be able to provide more information about when or if such a band is appropriate for you.
George
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Author: kdk
Date: 2016-06-16 00:41
This is, of course, all based on personal opinion, so the OP should really go with the teacher's suggestion. I personally would avoid the B45 (or the other Vandoren mouthpieces in the B series) because I don't think they're a good starting point for a beginner. My experience points toward less open-tipped mouthpieces to start a child. But I'm sure there are successful players out there who started on B40 or B45. They've been around for a long time.
The fact is that any good quality mouthpiece will work for a beginner because she doesn't know one mouthpiece from the other and won't care for a long while, as long as it plays easily for her.
Karl
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