 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Anna
Date: 2003-08-10 01:00
Hi!
I've only recently picked up the clarinet again for the first time in years due to a friend of my mother's and her local group and have decided to ask for some advice from this forum, which I look at pretty much daily, and enjoy reading.
When I last seriously played the clarinet, it was in college where I was attempting to get a degree in music. At the time I didn't have the desire to practice as much as I should and I knew it, so that was the end of that. Here are my questions:
1. When in college my teacher had me purchase a Gigliotti P facing mouthpiece, since I am not seriously pursuing the clarinet any longer should I get a new one and if so any recommendations? (Cause it seems a little hard to play, of course it could be the fact I haven't played in a while.)
2. I have (what appears to be according to the case) an 1983ish Artley (I know, run screaming) Prelude (according to the bell) bought from a friend of my mother's who apparently bought it from a friend of hers. Does anyone know anything about this clarinet? Any thoughts on it?
Just so you know if I continue with this in six months to a year I am considering buying a new one and, thanks to this forum, have a few models on my list.
Thanks for any and all advice and assistance!
Anna
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2003-08-10 01:48
Hi Anna,
Welcome back to the clarinet. It would seem that the 1983ish Artley will get you by for the next few months as you get your chops back. I don't play the P mouthpiece myself but if it is hard to play (maybe based on a weak embouchure that will return), you might want to experiment with a softer reed. Or, the Hite Premier is an inexpensive (about $20) mouthpiece that seems to play very well.
Also, be sure that there are no leaks in the clarinet. Maybe do a quick leak test (one hand over the end of the section for a seal, close finger holes, and blow if you have forgotten). In a few months of practice, your exact need for a new clarinet will become more clear.
HRL
Post Edited (2003-08-10 02:27)
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Author: Barrie Marshall
Date: 2003-08-10 10:45
I have a story about Artley clarinets, a fellow clarinet player who is extremely well respected as a reed player told me this story, he was on a gig and playing clarinet, one of the punters was chatting to him after the gig turned out to be a clarinet player and during the talk of instruments he said he would not be seen dead playing an Artley, the guy said to Harold "you have a wonderful sound on your clarinet what are you playing" Harold of course said "An Artley" one of those magic moments that sometimes pop up out of the blue.
How many clarinet players have a collection of instruments and find they get the best sound out of a supposedly inferior or cheap clarinet. the one I use all the time is a metal Sterling I bought for £100!
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2003-08-10 12:52
If your horn is in good repair, plays in (reasonable) tune and feels good...
it's a good horn.
I dunno how many top dogs out there play expensive instruments that are heavily customised to get the 'right' feel.
The Gigliotti stuff is available in a range of tip openings, and any that allows you to start up again on a good reed from 2 1/4 - 3 1/2 strength without strain will do just fine.
For my part, I like the Hite Premiere and Fobes Nova student mouthpieces as starters. They have a welcoming sound, don't require gymnastics from the player and are CHEAP.
You can shop for mouthpieces seriously in 6 months after you practice...
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Author: krawfish3x
Date: 2003-08-10 13:49
i use a gigliotti P mouthpiece and i love it, i would recommend keeping it.
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