 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: jippyjapp
Date: 2003-08-17 00:35
Hi,
I have a 1955 wooden Boosey & Hawkes regent clarinet.
Having only just got it it appears to be in good condition though it will be sent for a service at the local music store shortly.
No doubt it will require a complete overhaul in the next few years as the key plating is a bit scruffy as are the joint rings and a few tenon rings and would like to know if anyone can recommend some where to send it when the time comes. I am based in Portsmouth, Hampshire in the UK.
I also feel that it would benefit from a new mouth piece and lig. While I have been looking at Vandoren B45 or the 5RV (I am a beginner and will start lessons again in the near future) I have also looked at the David Hite PREMIERE mpc but would like an informed appinion before I make a decision. Is there a better lig that would go well with these mouth pieces?
Could any one advise me on which reeds would go best the local store only stocks Rico and I seem to have a very hard time trying to play as it requires alot of effort or is this normal?
Many thanks for your time
Tracy
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ralph G
Date: 2003-08-17 02:42
For players of my generation, it was almost a rite of passage to use Rico 2.5 reeds as a beginner. But you may be better served with Mitchell Lurie 2.5s (also made by Rico).
I've heard good things about the Hite Premier as a beginner mouthpiece. The Fobes Debut also gets a lot of good remarks. B45s are so-so and are said to be very inconsistent (I own a secondhand B45 as my "last resort" mouthpiece and as it's the only one I've ever tried, I can't tell you how much they vary), but I don't believe it's the best choice for beginners -- you could do much worse, but it's not tailor made for newbies like the Hite and Fobes are.
Far as I'm concerned, a lig's a lig. Only factor that makes a difference to me is regular vs. inverted (I prefer inverted). Get one that looks the coolest on your horn. The Rovner and the Bonade are inexpensive choices. Or try the Vandoren Optimum if you've gotta have the fanciest on the block.
Good luck
________________
Artistic talent is a gift from God and whoever discovers it in himself has a certain obligation: to know that he cannot waste this talent, but must develop it.
- Pope John Paul II
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Bob Schwab
Date: 2003-08-17 02:57
My two cents. I don't think you could go wrong with the Hite Premier. I own a Hite, though a different model, and love it. And from what I understand, there is no shortage of professionals who also hold the Hite in high regards. As for a ligature, I also am very happy with my Rovner.
Bob Schwab
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Dee
Date: 2003-08-17 03:15
Note that a complete overhaul, while it may involve buffing the keys a bit, does NOT include replating. So don't be surprised if the appearance is not improved much. However, it is the playing characteristics that count, not the looks.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: leonardA
Date: 2003-08-17 14:21
I am a begginer. I have a Hite Premier (bought it because of a lot of favorable comments on this site). I like it very much. Nice tone, responsive and easy blowing.
Leonard
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: CJB
Date: 2003-08-17 18:04
Jippyjap
I'd recomend Dawkes in Maidenhead, both for selecting mouthpieces and also for repairs. They've done decent jobs on all of my clarinets and saxophones. They are also good for mail order for reeds etc. Modern Music in Basingstoke are also pretty decent for mouthpieces.
Sorry I don't know anywhere closer to you, I'm also in Hampshire but find the trek out to Maidenhead worthwhile.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: EEBaum
Date: 2003-08-17 18:07
As for reeds, for your sake and the sake of others please avoid the regular Ricos once you can decently play (and afford) something other. Some people swear by their fancier brands but I avoid them as well, though I'll try not to turn this into a religious discussion.
However, I haven't known regular ricos to play too hard. Perhaps you should step down a size or two? Try experimenting with a few other brands of reeds... perhaps a box of Vandoren V12 or Gonzalez.
As for mouthpieces, I had a 5RV-lyre that served me well for a number of years, before I upgraded to a Richard Hawkins last year.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: clarinetgiggirl
Date: 2003-08-18 07:15
I have both a 5rv and B45. I started with the 5rv which I loved, but got hold of a B45 on e-bay and now play only that. The B45 is much more open and probably not the best choice for a beginner. However, I have bought a second one (one for each clarinet) and have had no problems regarding consistency.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Joseph Brenner, Jr.
Date: 2003-08-18 17:23
If you're looking for a mouthpiece, try to ensure compatibility of mouthpiece bore to instrument bore. I'm assuming that your B&H is a wide bore horn. jbjr
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
