 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: jaydee2167
Date: 2008-02-11 06:16
I am new to this - please bear with me. I posted this, but can't find it.
I bought a clarinet at a flea market for $30!! It has an HS* mpc, R13 (I think) upper section, no-brand lower section, Bundy bell, and a box of Rico 1 1/2 reeds.
I am 74, and never really learned an instrument.. I am having a great time with my squeaks and squawks....It is my new hobby-- next to ham radio!!
Too bad the two sections are so wobbly-- I wrapped tape around the stick-outy thingy... it helps. ( yeah, I know it is the tenon!!)
A bandplus book helps a lot, too.
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2008-02-11 13:30
Welcome to the Licorice Stick!
You may be better served with a student instrument from your nearest music store, if you continue. With all the pads, and places for the music to leak out - having a horn in proper repair is vital for the beginner.
The mouthpiece and reed are the biggest hurdle for the beginner to clear.
I like the synthetic Legere reed from Canada. Mated to a decent beginner's mouthpiece (designed to allow flexible playing without struggle) you'll be belting out Stardust in no time.
(The Fobes Debut and Hite Premier are inexpensive and available online.)
PS - If the upper and lower sections of a clarinet are unmatched, playing on pitch may be impossible. Matching serial numbers on the upper and lower sections indicate that they left the factory together.
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Author: Bill
Date: 2008-02-11 14:40
'S how I started. $65 at a flea market. "Emil Jardin." It was crap! At 33, the clarinet suddenly became my whole life.
The sight of a venerable, old wooden clarinet is thrilling. In my case the equipment became the reason for learning and working.
Bill Fogle
Ellsworth, Maine
(formerly Washington, DC)
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Author: BobD
Date: 2008-02-11 14:50
Hi John and happy squawking.....some of us do it with better equipment. Since you know what a tenon is you can probably cope with putting new cork on it to control the looseness. Google on "clarinet tenon cork" to find pre-cut pieces. Or...just keep taping it. Plumbers' teflon tape is sometimes used....with or without other tape. I'm 78 so email me if you want to.
Bob Draznik
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Author: susieray
Date: 2008-02-11 17:42
John,
If it has the Buffet logo on the top, and no markings on the bottom it could be a Buffet E11 in which case you got a great bargain...even with a Bundy bell on it!
Sue
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2008-02-11 18:35
Sue says it well, your "Sow's ear" might be a "silk purse", I've has similar surprises with "junkers" . The presence of a Selmer HS* mp is, to me, a vote of confidence, not my choice, but a pro quality mp. Are any markings on the Lower Joint [#'s] the same or similar, indicating matching joints perhaps? As to joint corking and pads, you would be well advised to take it to a repairer/tech for both opinions and work. Prob. for you [and me] the Bundy bell would make little diff. PM thots, Luck, Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: jaydee2167
Date: 2008-02-12 05:06
The whole thing is Resonite. Absolutely no markings on lower section; upper sez Yvette Crampon (difficult to read). It seems the tenon is a bit shorter than the lower section opening-- mebbe that is why it wobbles?? Barrel has no markings.
Anyway, I am having a good time with it, and if I can find some parts and pieces, I might make a better beast than this.. Fixed income is a tough way to live......
Thanks for all the replies.... $30 for this much fun????
Who knew??
John Detore
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Author: mallardbay603
Date: 2008-02-13 19:29
Keep the mind working great! Got mine on e-bay and it works -- spent a few $ on reeds and hours on practice - its better. It's hard to find any help on technique. This BB has been the most help and a music store owner
Have a lot of fun.
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Author: jaydee2167
Date: 2008-02-13 23:30
Many thanks to all for the help and encouragement..
I think I will just tootle along as it is and enjoy what I can from it...
My main problem at my age, ( 75 in April), is that I forget the fingering from one day to the next!!! I need that chart always nearby.
To me being flat means lying down!!!
Again, thanks all.
John
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2008-02-14 16:27
You'll persevere OK J D, I'm 13 beyond you , and often must "engage Brain before blowing horn". Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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