 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Squeaky McGee
Date: 2008-02-12 21:45
Just to introduce myself. I am a former brass player; I played Euphonium from 6th until 10th grade with a smattering of valve (gasp!) trombone from 9-11th grade. I grew up always wanting to be a sax player at that age though. Well, I have been having a musical itch lately and dug out my grandpa's old Conn 444n Clarinet. It had been sitting around for about 15 years now unused, but mostly protected from the elements.
I am wondering how one determines whether a clarinet needs an overhaul or if I can just get by with pad replacements? What should I be looking for? I have a camera and would be glad to post a youtube video showing its condition if people could suggest what exactly I should be showing.
In general, the joints are all tight when put together, maybe too tight. I figure some cork grease would help those- or do they need replacing? Beyond that, I am not sure. I don't know what the clarinet should be like so I can't really comment on the rest of its condition. There is one loose pad (at least, what I think you are all talking about when you say pad), so I imagine that those need to be replaced at the very least. The rest of it does seem a little gunky around the metal parts (I have no idea what you call the parts of the instrument btw).
My second issue, is how do I learn to play? Having played an instrument before, I know how to read music and the basics as far as the general theory. But, how does one learn to play the instrument itself? Is there any good web sites or youtube links that I should be looking for? I know to avoid those expert videos on there, but beyond that I am at a loss.
Thanks for any responses!
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2008-02-12 21:55
Get yourself some lessons!!! If you're local to a university, they should be able to refer you to a teacher.
As for the repairs, a reputable tech will be able to tell whether or not you need an overhaul (of course, knowing which techs are reputable is another issue).
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: BobD
Date: 2008-02-12 22:51
A first step would be to get someone who plays clarinet to take a look at your horn for an itital evaluation. You are indeed fortunate to have such an instrument.
Bob Draznik
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Author: Squeaky McGee
Date: 2008-02-12 23:00
You know, I do feel fortunate to have any instrument. My grandpa played clarinet and pretty much every sax out there for a big band. Nothing major, just for the local Elks club band. But, I really want to keep this part of our family going even if all I can do is play a few scales. 
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Author: Molloy
Date: 2008-02-13 14:58
I just got a Conn 444N and I love it. I think you have a really fun clarinet!
It is *really* important that you get a good mouthpiece and good reeds, and that your horn be in good working order. If it's gunky around the metal parts and a pad is loose, get an overhaul. Have them put cork pads on the top joint.
If you want to make fast progress you probably need to find a teacher. If you're not trying to achieve any particular goals anytime soon and you enjoy improvisation, the clarinet is a great instrument to teach yourself to play. You can get fingering charts from the internet, that's really all you need.
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Author: D
Date: 2008-02-13 18:25
Try and find a community orchestra or band of some sort that is happy to have extra clarinets. As you read music you'll be able to join in much faster than a total novice. It is a great way of picking up good playing tips from the other players. If you go to a repair shop I'd ask around good players and see where they go. It's not necessarily going to be the same place that the school band students take their instruments......some places I've lived there is a huge difference in the standard of work you'll get.
Post Edited (2008-02-14 18:50)
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Author: Squeaky McGee
Date: 2008-02-13 21:18
Thanks for the tips everyone. I am a law student and thought I should use the resources near me. I emailed the woodwind professor at the university and she suggested a local repair person, so I am going to bring it in to get an estimate of what needs to be done of cost.
I do have a few quick questions if you don't mind. First, what should I be looking for in a mouth piece? What are the differences that a novice ought to consider? Second, the 444n is often referred to as a "big bore". WHat exactly is meant by this?
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Author: Molloy
Date: 2008-02-13 21:44
"First, what should I be looking for in a mouth piece? What are the differences that a novice ought to consider?"
My first decent mouthpiece (a Pomarico crystal piece) made a much bigger difference in how much I enjoyed playing, and how good I sounded, than other single factor. Before that I was using some $15 piece of plastic I bought thinking it would be stupid to spend more than the minimum on a mouthpiece. Different people will have very different recommendations here, but I think all will agree that the mouthpiece is very important.
There are two dimensions that are measured of the opening between the mouthpiece and the reed -- its width at the tip and its length along the side. Words to describe the tip opening would be close, medium or open; words to describe the facing length would be short, medium or long. Loosely speaking, a close tip is 'classical' and an open tip is 'jazz'. You probably don't need to worry too much about the exact specifics of these measurements, that'll be more interesting to you after you play for a while. The key is to get a well-made mouthpiece. Vandoren and Selmer Paris are big names that'll be available at most any music store -- I don't use either of those brands of mouthpiece and don't necessarily recommend them, but they're going to be decent enough and they are widely available.
"Second, the 444n is often referred to as a "big bore". What exactly is meant by this?"
The diameter of the bore (the interior tube of the instrument) is relatively large compared to most clarinets. That makes for a flexible, 'jazzy' sound.
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Author: NorbertTheParrot
Date: 2008-02-14 12:20
I don't know about the Conn, but some large bore instruments, like the Boosey & Hawkes 10-10, are reputed to play better in tune with a large bore mouthpiece. This isn't just a matter of being uniformly sharp or flat, but whether the instrument plays in tune with itself.
It is possible to buy such a mouthpiece, but probably not from your local store. It is also possible to have an ordinary mouthpiece bored out.
As you are a beginner, I suggest you either get an experienced player to help you select a mouthpiece, or else buy a cheap(ish) mouthpiece for now and expect you may need to replace it (or maybe modify it) if and when it causes you intonation difficulties.
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2008-02-14 13:00
The larger bore instruments were built for a clear, over riding sound.
In a circus band, or big band, this contributed to the melody line without the need of amplification.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clarion_%28instrument%29
The "Big Bore" instruments can be shrill, for mere mortals.
The Evette, and other student models are built to have an even sound, from the beginning.
It should be noted that instrument design has advanced since the 444 was introduced - and some of the current offerings are superior players.
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