 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: laughhearty
Date: 2004-02-28 08:42
Hello Everyone!
I'm so overwhelmed by the wealth of information you all provide!
I played clarinet for 4 or 5 years when I was in my teens. I lost my clarinet by unfortunate circumstances and it's been about twenty years since I've played. I really had no intention of picking up the clarinet again until my mother recently purchased one for me as a gift.
I am certain I have in my possession a clarinet that very few on this board have ever played or perhaps even seen. Brace yourselves:
I am the new owner of a purple Harmony (brand name) student Clarinet from JC Penney. Made in China.
I am a trooper. I tried to play it. It was a gift, after all, the giver meaning well. But, after one week I realized how criminal it was to make an instrument of that inferior quality and expect a beginner to appreciate any sound coming out of it. The upper register key was crooked and the by the end of the week a key was broken.
I was thoroughly frustrated. So I took matters into my own hands.
My new Stowasser SCL201II (Amati-Denak) clarinet arrived today. I haven't played it yet as I got home at 11pm. I did manage to take it out of the box and compare it visually to the Purple Hooter. Wow, even visually there is a difference between a shoddy clarinet and one made with a modicum of quality.
I've read some past post on Amati and I realize that in previous years the instruments were poorly made. It seems things have gotten better. This Stowasser is brand new so hopefully it has a nice tone. But since I've never played a Selmer or Buffet, I'm just happy to upgrade from a J C Penney.
So this is a long intro but it tells you where I'm at and how my clarinet romance has been rekindled.
While waiting for my clarinet to arrive I engrossed myself in the messages on this board and discovered I have a lot to learn. Can't wait though.
Nice to meet you all.
Alicia
"I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my
chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great
and noble."
- Helen Keller, Author and Inspiration
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Author: clarinetwife
Date: 2004-02-28 13:31
Welcome! It would be great if people who are buying a clarinet for a beginner could read your story! Maybe a few will find it here. Here's my best wishes for many years of enjoyment rediscovering the clarinet.
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2004-02-28 13:48
Hmmm...
I'm not sure I would want to unwrap a Shoddy Purple Hooter after 8PM.
Come Monday, it's "Come on Blue Stripe"!
********
The infamous Clarinet Shaped objects are excellent downspout substitutes.
They also make lovely hood ornaments for AMC Pacers.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2004-02-28 20:23
Thank you for sharing with us your account of a loving gesture from your Mom to you, Alicia (uh... don't mind me, I think it's just a little smoke got in my eyes). I hope you keep the Harmony clarinet as a reminder that when we stop making music, for whatever reason, others miss the talent we once shared with them.
Aside from that... it's always a pleasure to greet a fellow player. I'm sure that with four to five years experience, trooper that you are and a decent instrument, you'll be tootin' right along with the best of 'em in no time at all.
Thank you for sharing and applause to your Mom for getting you back to playing again.
- r![[cool]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/cool.gif) n b -
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