 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: CuppaChai
Date: 2006-12-26 16:53
Okay I have the music bug again after my dad found and gave me my old Buffet. I "retired" after high school and haven't played since. While the Buffet is getting hydrated again with orang peels, I have a cheap plastic one (my marching band/beginner one) to tinker around on, as well as four mouth pieces and two ligatures. If I go down to the music store today, what number/brand reed would you recommend. I'm *very* out of shape, I'm sure. Also, any good refresher course books aimed at adults? Something that progresses slowly and is fun. Thanks!
Also need a refresher course on how to break in and keep reeds. I have a nice velvet lined wooden case with glass surface and some *very* old reeds still in it.
Post Edited (2006-12-26 17:25)
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Author: sherihand
Date: 2006-12-26 17:54
I'm in your similar situation as I've returned playing after 20 years. I had no idea so much time has gone by!!
I'm certainly no expert, but I have been having some fair success with the Vandoren B45 mouthpiece with Vandoren 2.5 reeds. I know this is not what professionals use, but it sure helps ween the chops back in. I have a Buffet mouthpiece that has a better sound and use the same kind of reed with it. Our town is so small and that's pretty much the only available reeds other than Rico. I don't think Rico reeds are very good .
I have my eye on the H. Klose: Celebrated method for the clarinet book. It is about $28. It looks like a great book for an adult "re-beginner" as there is plenty to grow into and it is widely available at the music stores. I've also had anything by Carl Baermann recommended to me. I plan on buying the Benny Goodman method book though I don't know much about it--it just sounds like fun. On sheetmusic.com you can see samples and read the list of contents.
Hopefully someone more experienced will answer you, but sometimes it's easy for a person to forget what it's like to "get back into shape." Hopefully you and I will soon forget all this as well and be on our way to successful playing!
p.s. I would definetly throw out the old reeds.
Sheri
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Author: CuppaChai
Date: 2006-12-26 18:43
That's funny, I have a Vandoren B45 mouthpiece that I just tried with the plastic clarinet. Good news: the Rico #2 reeds still work! The Vandoren 3.5's did not work at all. Very warped.
The bad news-- only the upper half of the clarinet works due to some very old pads. Oh well. I am going to take it to the music shop today and see if I can just get those replaced rather than a complete overhaul. (and buy some new reeds and swab-- the old swap was naaaasty!!) Waiting impatiently to play the Buffet again.
I studied the H. Klose book all through high school. I am kicking myself for tossing it a few years ago. Maybe I'll have to try it again, or browse for something different.
Good luck to you! Let's check in with each other and see what happens. I have my goal set on maybe playing in the church orchestra (just a hodgepodge of people of all ages) as soon as I get in shape again.
Post Edited (2006-12-26 18:44)
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2006-12-26 19:59
Because of its relatively open tip, the B45 is a rather resistant mouthpiece. Vandoren shows the traditional 3 1/2 reed as the upper limit of its recommended reed strengths. Alot of good clarinet players, with chops in good shape, wouldn't go above a 3 so I'm not surprised the reeds didn't work for you (warped or not).
Given the length of your layoff, I might recommend "Melodious and Progressive Studies" Vols. I and II (Southern Music, edited by David Hite) as a reasonable starting point for your reentry.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: sherihand
Date: 2006-12-26 22:31
I just received this link from another post and am finding it very helpful for books and such:
http://www.vcisinc.com/
Maybe you'll find some good stuff there, too.
Sheri
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Author: FDF
Date: 2006-12-26 22:48
Buy Vandoren reg. #2 reeds and a Klose book.
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Author: D
Date: 2006-12-27 10:30
something i do frequently is check out local charity shops. you wouldn't believe how many people get rid of sheet music! often this is the standard texts because there are so many printed that they are not worth a lot and therefore it is not worth flogging them at auction. therefore lots of the things you are after may well turn up there.
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Author: CuppaChai
Date: 2006-12-27 19:31
Thanks again for the tips! I went ahead and played it last night for 5 mins and again this morning for 5 minutes and she sounds as sweet as she ever did!
I bought Gustave Langenus because that's what I started on before I did the Klose way back when. I will look for a used Klose in a few mos. Also bought an easy book of solos with a piano CD for fun.
I am very surprised that I can still read the music and remember what to do. I guess it's like riding a bike. I'm really happy to be playing again and am kicking myself for not picking her up sooner.
Edited for spelling
Post Edited (2006-12-27 19:31)
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Author: Cindyr
Date: 2006-12-29 01:38
I started playing again about a year ago. I have an old Pedler American Clarinet that I played in high school and college. I took it to get it overhauled, but was advised that it had mold and wasn't worth repairing, unfortunately. I had a Bundy overhauled, it plays nicely, but doesn't, in my opinion, have as nice a tone as the Pedler.
I joined a community band in October. This has been an experience for me, as I found I was among many very good musicians. I decided to stick with it, and practice as much as I can. I've picked up so many good tips from this board, like breathing techniques, reeds, and now good music books to practice with.
I'm also learning the keyboard and am enjoying it. I've found that I can at times find bargain music at book and church sales, but these are mostly for piano and organ. I play these with my clarinet in addition to the keyboard, ok as long as I'm not playing with anyone else. I still have my Rubank Elementary Book, but find it tedious to practice with solely. I will look for the Klose book. Please keep the suggestions on good music books and sources of music coming. The music store I go to is stocked with the "Band Method" books, not the best for someone like me practicing alone.
Also, I'd appreciate information on a mouthpiece that might improve the tone quality on the Bundy, and a good quality portable music stand.
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2006-12-29 09:45
If you're looking for a bargain-priced mouthpiece that does very well with the Bundy (I tested it!), consider the hard-rubber Mitchell Lurie Premium over at 1stopclarinet.com. I bought it along with other items, but as I was still hooked to the Hite Première, it just sat on the shelf till this summer. Once you're used to it, it's easy to blow and has a nice tone.
Per the music stand, go for K&M, they're sturdy and not extremely expensive.
(No affiliation with either company...)
--
Ben
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