 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2006-01-30 16:46
OK,
I failed to raise any comments on how one goes about selecting a clarinet in a recent thread; so I ask directly for advice.
HOW does one compare the clarinets from a sample to choose the "best" of the bunch? Do you take your usual mouthpiece and reeds? Do you swap barrels? Do you try alternate mouthpieces on each instrument to see if you can establish the magic combination?
HOW do you keep track.
I'm thinking that, maybe you have private access to 15 or 20 candidate instruments and that they are not all of the same make and model.
Please, hit me!
Bob Phillips
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2006-01-30 17:05
Take the best set up you've got into a room of as many clarinets as you can get your hands on and play yours first. Use a tuner to establish the main points. Find the instrument that is fun to play. That is, one that responds the way you want and has the sound (depth and timbre) you want.
Ultimately you'll know, or just wait 'til you do.
..............Paul Aviles
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2006-01-30 19:24
Here's how I approach selecting a new instrument.
1.) Get the dealer to gather his whole stock of whatever it is I'm wanting--if it's something that isn't normally sold in my area I have to order several sent to me.
2.) Find a place where I can be undisturbed (a practice room) and play with my usual mouthpiece and the stock barrel that comes with the instrument.
3.) Use a tuner and play scales, giving each instrument time to "warm up."
I play one at a time until I get to the point where I want to select between two or three.
4.) When I've narrowed my selection between 2 or 3, then I get out my personal tuning barrel (not necessary, but it helps me) and play with my mouthpiece/barrel set-up and the tuner.
5.) Once I find one or two that seem to be right, I'll ask to take them home on approval and play a couple of hours each on them. If I can only take one at a time and have to put it on my card, I always have assurance that I can return the instrument and swap with the next one until I have one I like.
If the dealer doesn't have what I want at the time I'll leave word with a salesman or someone to call me when a new shipment arrives. Sometimes it takes a couple of months to get a good one.
If I'm having some sent from an online store, I always have 3 at a time and follow the process above.
Post Edited (2006-01-30 19:25)
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2006-01-30 22:11
Nice key action is a good thing, too. But, it is always possible to improve that with the help of a tech. Ken is right about intonation.
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Author: Bassie
Date: 2006-01-31 08:17
Play your 'best' mouthpiece and reed.
Play your instrument and a couple of others.
You'll *know* when you've found the right one. If you're not sure, step away from the cash register...
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2006-01-31 14:33
Yes, don't buy unless you're certain you really like it and it's got great intonation and tonal quality.
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