 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Reedy
Date: 2006-07-03 02:55
Hi, I've just started playing clarinet a few weeks ago (I play several other instruments), and it's been fun so far. I got a Vito III in great shape pretty cheap ($50), and it works OK. But I'm wondering if there's something I can do to make it easier to play, sound better, or be more versatile.
Is there a mouthpiece that might be easier to play than the Vito II that came with it? I tried a used Leblanc HS* for a little while, and it sounded a bit better, and reached the 2nd register easier, but the first was trickier. I'm interested in eventually playing with a lot of the swoops and barks you hear in klezmer music and the like. I presume that would mean a thinner reed with a more open mouthpiece? Would that be more difficult to play in the beginning? If so, I should probably just wait until I'm reasonably proficient.
Also, maybe a different ligature would either give a better sound, or be easier to play or adjust?
Finally, what would happen if I took a wooden barrel and bell from an older wooden clarinet with destroyed keywork, and stuck them on my plastic Vito? Besides looking funky. I thought it might be worth an expriment, what do you think might happen, or what should I look out for?
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Author: xxColorMeJoshxx
Date: 2006-07-03 03:19
Mouthpiece: If you don't mind spending 60 bucks, go for a Vandoren mouthpiece (M13, M15, B45, are pretty standard mouthpieces).
Ligature: Personally my favorite, and pretty standard, is the Bonade Lig (You can get one for 15 Bucks and they're fabulous). If you don't like that you could try going for a cheap fabric Rovner ligature (a little more expensive).
As far as the pieces go there is no harm in trying them if they fit the Vito.
Good Luck
Josh
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Author: pewd
Date: 2006-07-03 03:37
If the barrel length and bore size is compatable, it 'might' work with the vito. Being made of wood won't have a major impact, and I know that statement will prompt some disagreement, but my ears tell me Vitos, and some other plastic instruments play just fine.
Vitos in good repair play fine; they're quite good actually. There should be no need to switch the barrel and bell.
If its not easy to sound notes on , then you should have it checked out by a good tech, there are probalby leaky pads, missing key cork, etc. You'd be better off having it repadded; save yourself some aggrevation. Have all the pads and cork replaced, then it should be a fine instrument. This is most likely the biggest impact area - used instruments should be immediately checked out by a good tech - if there are more than 2 or 3 bad pads, have it fully repadded.
Mouthpiece - Fobes 'debut' - $26, and a Vandoren #3 reed ; this is an excellent combination for a beginner.
I disagree with Josh - M13' and M15's work better for students who have been playing for a few years. I don't think they're good choices for beginners, as they are closed tip / long facing mouthpieces, which require harder reeds. I'd start out on a more open facing.
Ligature - Rovner 'dark' or Luyben (about $8). Avoid metal ligatures - too easily bent out of alignment; Bonades are particularily prone to being misaligned, search button above - numerous threads on this subject. Rovner's are indestructible - you can drop them, step on them, etc. and not damage them ; as such they are a great choice for beginners or pros alike.
A Selmer HS*'s is not a good choice for beginners, they can be difficult to control, they take a firm, well established embouchure.
Personally, I can't stand the Vito mouthpieces, although I know a few folks who use them.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: Bruno
Date: 2006-07-03 13:41
Paul's comments are exactly right. I'd just like to add that the original poster seems to have already gotten the "equipment" bug. He's on his way to frustration, joy, more frustration, spending hard-earned money on mouthpieces, barrels, ligatures, reeds, and ending up with a shoe box full of it all.
There's a great anecdote about a jazz trumpeter, Doc Cheatham, who achieved much fame and played to the end of his long life of nearly a hundred years. I had the privilege of meeting him at Sweet Basil's one Sunday afternoon.
Anyway, someone asked him what kind of mouthpiece he played - trumpeters are notorious MP buyers as well - Doc said, "I don't know. It came with the horn."
True story. I asked him about it and he admitted it. In fact we walked back to the stand and he showed me his trumpet.
To add my $0.02 to the ligature discussion, I think Bonade ligatures are stuffy. I like the Van Doren simple metal ones and the cheaper Rovners. Luybens are wonderful too but require a good embouchure to get the best out of them.
b/
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Author: Bassie
Date: 2006-07-03 19:38
A new mouthpiece after a few weeks? Stick with it for a few months. Then you'll notice the differences properly. In the meantime, try a load of different reeds - it's a relatively inexpensive vice, and they have at least as much effect on the sound as any other part of the instrument.
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Author: Reedy
Date: 2006-07-06 07:15
> Vitos in good repair play fine; they're quite good actually.
> There should be no need to switch the barrel and bell.
No, it would just be a lark with some free parts; I was curious. The Vito plays and works fine, I had it looked over. The pads and cork are in good shape.
> Mouthpiece - Fobes 'debut' - $26, and a Vandoren #3 reed ;
> this is an excellent combination for a beginner.
Thanks, I'll see if I can try one at a shop...or at only $26, it might just be worth a gamble. Why not a #2 reed?
> I'd just like to add that the original poster seems to have
> already gotten the "equipment" bug.
We'll see! Actually, it amuses me a bit to play on a cheap instrument. I'm mainly just wondering if the initial struggles could be eased a bit by more "beginner-friendly" gear. I don't mind spending a little to make it more fun to help keep me motivated and practicing.
> Personally, I can't stand the Vito mouthpieces
Thanks for the feedback, another reason to maybe try the "Debut."
> A new mouthpiece after a few weeks? Stick with it for
> a few months. Then you'll notice the differences properly.
Well, the reason I ask advice is because I can't notice the differences easily yet. So I don't know if I'm struggling needlessly. I've heard people say the ligatures that come with student clarinets are junk and should just be thrown away, for example, and was curious how true that was. I've struggled with some painful "beginner" instruments before, and don't want to make that mistake again!
> In the meantime, try a load of different reeds
Good idea, thanks.
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