 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Rachel
Date: 2003-12-24 11:33
There is absolutely no way I can afford to upgrade my clarinet now, but I need some advice for when I eventually do.
At the moment I am playing on a Yamaha 34 wood clarinet, and I really like the tone I am getting out of it. I would like a clarinet with a similar tone, but fuller and darker. I would also like it to be slightly more free-blowing, and with more power in the clarion (especially upper clarion) and altissimo registers. I would also like it to play IN BLOODY TUNE- I have to do all sorts of contortions inside my mouth to get past the intonation problems it has.
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Author: Dee
Date: 2003-12-24 12:34
The Yamahas are generally considered to be fine instruments. It might be that it is out of adjustment. Incorrect pad heights can cause all kinds of intonation problems.
A different mouthpiece might address your other requirements (i.e. fuller, darker tone with more power).
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Author: Fred
Date: 2003-12-24 13:41
Dee made a very important point about pad heights. Players often assume that intonation difficulties are only caused by the body of the clarinet - tone hole placement and size/shape. WRONG. Many (not all) intonation issues can be dramatically improved by a good technician working with a tuner.
I also agree about the mouthpiece. The goals you describe are more easily affected by embouchure and mouthpiece than by a clarinet. What mouthpiece are you currently playing on?
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Author: William
Date: 2003-12-24 14:11
SWK wrote, "The key word in choosing instrumental equipment that allows you to play 'in tune' is FLEXIBILITY".........and I agree 100%.
And if its flexability you are looking for, you might try the LeBlanc Opus, Concerto or Sonata clarinets. Their chief playing characteristics are focus of sound from loud to soft dynamics which allows them great flexability for fine tuning (with your embouchure and ear) and musical expression. Of course, this is just my own opinion as I play them (Concertos) and like them.
Happy Holidays
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Author: Rachel
Date: 2003-12-26 00:53
Ok, so the clarinet doesn't play in tune. In that case, I'd like one with a less annoying set of intonation problems.
Of course the Yamaha clarinets are good. That is why I would like to upgrade to one similar to the one I have now. My first clarinet was a Yamaha C100, and I liked that, too.
My mouthpiece- I'm not sure exactly what it is. It is some kind of a Clark Fobes one. All it has on it, on the front, is Clark Fobes, a crescendo and decrescendo sign, San Fransisco. It is a very nice mouthpiece which suits my instrument and embouchure really well.
I agree that the stuff I mentioned has A LOT to do with the mouthpiece and you, but I have tried clarinets, using my own mouthpiece and reed, that have the qualities I want. (Unfortunately I can't remember what type they were )
SWK- Regarding your comment about the same pitch being out of tune in certain situations, I've noticed that if I play in one key, and then switch over to another key without adjusting the pitches subtly, then the new key will sound out of tune. Is this the sort of thing you were referring to?
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-12-26 02:28
Sounds like you might have a clark fobes Debut. However mine has "Debut" written clearly on it. Maybe yours rubbed off? Well, as far as I know, he has three types of mouthpieces. The Debut (appx. $30), the Nova (appx $100), and the San Francisco (appx $160). So if you can remember what you paid, and unless he made other mouthpieces that I don't know about, you can figure out from the above.
As far as upgrading goes, it depends on what you want to do. If you think you might want to go for a music performance major, I'd suggest saving until you can get a professional line model. If you can find a good used one, you'll save almost 50% most of the time on an advertised price, will have a great pro clarinet (assuming you tested it and it's great to your ears), and pretty much won't have to worry about it cracking since that tends to happen to new clarinets in the first year or two.
If you plan on only playing for your enjoyment, then there's no NEED to play a professional model, although you might want to. Then you can save some money, and still have a great sounding clarinet.
However, just note that pro models have very good resale values, and as far as price difference goes, it's really worth saving for one.
Alexi
(Or you can do a search on Amati clarinets which are about 1/2 to 3/8 of the price of a certain popular buffet that I hear of and has a VERY comparable sound in my ears and others on the board!)
Boy. That was a shameless plug (DISCLAIMER: I didn't get any money or compensation, but maybe one day I will and I'll be that much happier!)
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Dee
Date: 2003-12-26 13:10
Yamahas generally have a good reputation for being well in tune. It sounds to me like it needs going over by a first class technician (not a guy who just knows how to replace pads and corks).
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Author: Rachel
Date: 2003-12-27 01:18
I didn't pay anything for my mouthpiece. My teacher gave it to me.
I think my clarinet does need servicing, it has always had a few intonation problems, but they are getting worse, and it also has a few other problems as well as just a feeling of something not being right.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-12-27 01:23
More than likely a fobes Debut unless you have a VERY generous teacher.
You may want to get a playing condition only service (so they will fix any leaky pads, messed up rods and screws, etc.) so that you can properly evaluate whether you feel it'd be worth a complete regulation and tuning or whether you'd feel better with a new instrument.
Also, look into a higher end mouthpeice (not necessarily more money, just a higher quality one). Do some searches on the board as there have been TONS of mouthpiece debates. Some intonation problems or any other "feeling" problems may stem from your mouthpiece.
After you get a good mouthpiece that you can trust, then you will REALLY know whether it's the clarinet or not.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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