 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: m1903man
Date: 2007-12-08 07:28
Okay I know there are alot of negative things to say about the Simba brand. But there is one thing to say in their defense; I would never have picked up a clarinet if it had not been for the ridiculously low price of this instrument. That said, it does have its faults. The biggest, and maybe you all can tell me if its me, is that the thing is SO hard to reach the upper registers with. Also when I am playing in the lower registers and move my mouth AT ALL, no matter how microscopically, the thing freaks out. The only other thing I can report is that it does not go back to the lower registers when the RK is released. As I said, please somebody tell me if it is just me or if a new mouthpiece would help to fix the problem.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2007-12-08 07:45
Is that while you're playing an upper register note (eg. D - Sp. xxx|xxx) and slurring down a 12th to the lower register (to low G - xxx|xxx) only by releasing the speaker key and not tongueing the lower note?
This isn't easy to do on any clarinet, though it can be done (with practice), but it's not as easy to slur down to a lower register than it is to slur up - though when slurrign down across the registers, it will help to lightly tongue the lower note (if it's legato) to be sure it speaks.
I'd imagine the mouthpiece isn't much cop if it's the supplied one, and it's probably worth getting a better quality one which you can still use when you upgrade to a better clarinet.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: m1903man
Date: 2007-12-10 04:42
Any recommendations on Vandoren mouthpieces? I haven't the slightest idea which model or size to get. Someone recommended me to an N13. Is this a good model for a fairly new player? If there is a better mouthpiece (aside from the super expensive) I would greatly appreciate the advise. Also, would it be a good idea to replace the barrel while I am at it. The sound quality that the instrument puts out right now simply won't do.
Thanks
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2007-12-10 07:29
M13, M15 or 5RV Lyre are good places to start.
Changing the barrel won't improve this particular instrument's tone quality or playability (and will cost around the same if not more than the clarinet itself).
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2007-12-10 07:44
The M13 should probably do you fine. You could also look at the 5RVLyre. I would look at upgrading to a new instrument before upgrading the barrel.
Most of your problems are probably related to its being a Simba. Everything that becomes not a Simba will probably increase the quality and ease of play. Changing the mouthpiece should help quite a bit. When you're talking an instrument that likely has lots of keywork and adjustment issues, though, there's only so much mileage you can get out of changing bits and pieces of it.
I do find it odd that you'd be willing to shell out for a new barrel, as I imagine it would probably cost about as much as the clarinet did. I would only replace the barrel if I also intended to replace the rest of the instrument along with it. The mouthpiece is a different case, as it's a part more friendly to use when you upgrade to a new horn.
In essence, there's only so much you can do to improve an instrument like that. Given that the cost of maintenance is often higher than the cost of acquiring a superior instrument, lots of techs won't work on them (e.g. $250 to make it play comparably to something you could buy for $150). That should tell you something about whether to keep throwing money at it.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: m1903man
Date: 2007-12-10 12:17
The reason I am investing in a mouthpiece and perhaps a new barrel is that when I get a new instrument I want to get a really nice one. What ever money I can save while I am just starting, I will be able to invest in a good horn. As far as paying as much for a new barrel as a new instrument, I have found some brands that sell for less then $100. One of which, Gigliotti, sells for as little as $30. When talking about a Simba, there is now regressing in quality, so even a $50 barrel would be an improvement. As far as the mouthpiece, even if I get a new horn on down the line, I will be familiar and comfortable with what ever I get so there is no ill spending of money there.
Drew
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Author: skygardener
Date: 2007-12-10 12:59
Mouthpieces, barrels, etc. all work as 1 system called a clarinet. And a barrel would not improve any clarinet that is in poor condition.
My advice is to get any Vandoren (M15 is a good place to start) mouthpiece and get a new or used but good condition plastic Yamaha when you can. All in all, you will be happier in the end. Also, it sounds like you are new to clarinet, so stay away from 'great deals'- generally they end up costing more than you want to spend.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2007-12-10 13:28
"As far as paying as much for a new barrel as a new instrument, I have found some brands that sell for less then $100. One of which, Gigliotti, sells for as little as $30. When talking about a Simba, there is now regressing in quality, so even a $50 barrel would be an improvement."
But is a new barrel really going to make any difference? I don't think it will, and you'd be better off spending the money elsewhere rather than forking out for a barrel that will make hardly any difference to the instrument.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: m1903man
Date: 2007-12-10 15:15
Great, thanks to all. I do greatly appreciate the good advise. One fun thing I always ask that generates some major discussion and even more opinion: which brand? I have heard Buffet, Leblanc, and Yamaha. I would say that I am partial to the Buffet brand as well as the Leblanc on nostalgia. I have also heard that the Selmerm and Vandoren brand is good to invest in. BUT WHICH BRAND... I do want grenadilla though.
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2007-12-10 15:28
It depends on your preferences ad your budget. If you are wanting a new instrument and cost is a big factor, look at the Leblanc Cadenza. It's a rahter nice horn.
If it's mainly the wood that attracts you, look at the "step up" Intermediate grade instruments. Many are available in wood, and NOT at the price of a pro horn. You could get a good one of these new for US $1200 or less, if you shop carefully.
If I wanted the best horn for under a grand, I would get the Ridenour Lyrique. Pro features for a veryt reasonable price, and you don't ahve to worry about cracking, unlike wood. Hard rubber is a nerly infinitely renewable resource.
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
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Author: feadog79
Date: 2007-12-10 16:01
I'm a relative newcomer to these forums, and it seems like every comment I've made is about Ridenour's Lyrique clarinet, but I might as well add another one. If you're looking for a good instrument for a good price, the Lyrique is probably the best. Actually, there are many, including myself, that believe it to be the best instrument, period (just an opinion...many factors to consider!)
For what it's worth, I sold my Buffet R13 after getting a Lyrique Custom. Whether that means anything at all to you depends on your view of the R13 ;-)
At any rate, I agree that Ridenour's clarinets are more than worthy of your consideration if you're thinking of getting a new instrument, regardless of whether you have a lot or a little to spend. Check out his website when you get a chance.
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Author: clockwiser
Date: 2007-12-10 20:11
Another vote for the Ridenour clarinet, its fab! I own one and I like it nearly or as much as my R13! To me it has a darker tone than than the R13, with only tiny little less projection, (maybe only to me)
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