 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Birdy
Date: 2003-10-27 16:07
Hi all, I'm new to this board, although I have been lurking for awhile. My name is Ted, living in Virginia, and I am another one of those who played clarinet for years while in school (back in the 60's) and while I enjoyed playing in school band and orchestra, I fell away and picked up the guitar to be a rock n' roller, ha!
I am now interested in picking up the clarinet and am looking for a good horn mouthpiece combination. I have an old Artley that my wife gave me, but it's like trying to blow through an old section of conduit. It's really hard to blow and except in the lower register and I feel like I'm giong to blow an aneurysm. After playing guitars for 30 plus years, I have found that it is much easier to learn, play and teach others on a good quality instrument and progression is much quicker than if trying to learn on an inferior instrument.
I would like to buy an intermediate or reasonable priced pro horn that is easy blowand dosen't feel lik it has a pair of socks jammed in the lower joint. I realize that reed, mouthpiece combos etc make a difference in how easy a horn may play, but I never played on one as hard as the one I currently have. Could anyone direct me to a good easy playing horn? Is there a real difference in ease of play between certain models? I read a lot of posts regarding different models ie Buffet R13 , E11 etc and would appreciate any advice on what might be appropriate for my situation.
I am serious about regaining my old abilities and would like to be able to play in local groups in the future. All replys would be most appreciated and hopefully I will be able to contribute something back to the board in the future. Thanks
Ted
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Author: ron b
Date: 2003-10-27 19:22
Welcome back to Clarinetland, Ted. You'll meet a lot of us "re-treads" around here 
I can't speak for you or for anyone else but, from my personal observations, the Artley you have now is a pretty good place to start on your return path.
Artley isn't a bad horn, if it isn't totally broken. My experience has been that, when they're adjusted right, they're pretty good. Besides, it's a gift from your wife - so (I presume) it already has some sentimental value... and, it's free! It'll probably need new pads, adjustment etc. Most reputable shops will get it in Play Condition for you for about half the price of a complete overhaul (which I doubt it needs). That also will likely be way less than half the price of a so called "pro" instrument and will be fine for your needs for a long time to come.
In my opinion, you'd do well to get the horn fixed, start tootin' with the mouthpiece you have for a month or two, or so, to get your chops workin' again. Try different reed strengths. When you begin to get a feel for how the mouthpiece/reed combination is responding for you, then try some others if you feel you need to. You'll be better able to discern mouthpiece/reed differences after a few weeks, rather than right now.
Happy Tootin' to ya, Ted
- r![[cool]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/cool.gif) n b -
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2003-10-28 07:27
When you find an easy playing horn I am sure that we would all like to know. Sounds like the old Artley needs some TLC.
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Author: Micaela
Date: 2003-10-28 19:18
What kind of mouthpiece and reed are you using currently? They make an *enormous* difference.
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Author: diz
Date: 2003-10-31 01:55
G'day Ted .... welcome and enjoy reaquainting yourself with your licorice stick.
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Author: Birdy
Date: 2003-11-01 04:38
Right now I'm using Rico Royal and Vandoren Traditional 2.5's. The mouthpiece that came with the horn is labeled "Precision" and has a 3 stamped at the base. Never heard of it before. I don't know if it was original to the horn or not. I've been visiting relatives in the land of OZ for the last week, but might try some different reeds and try out some mouthpieces Saturday and see if they make a difference. Wish me luck !!
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