 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Jeff G.
Date: 2000-08-29 14:19
Hi,I have always wanted to learn the clarinet. I play a few other intruments, but no woodwinds. I found a used clarinet at a flea market for $45, it looks to be in great shape. After having it checked out it needs 2 pads replaced. It turns out it is a 30 year old Yamaha YCL23N with a composite, not plastic body. Does anyone know anything about these? Is it descent enough for me learn on? I guess if nothing else I can use it as a wall hanging.
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Author: Eoin McAuley
Date: 2000-08-29 14:31
Once you have got the pads replaced, it will certainly be good enough to learn on. If you find that you take to clarinet playing, you should invest in a new mouthpiece for this clarinet, as the one that is on it is almost definitely of poor quality. A good mouthpiece will set you back as much as you've already payed for the clarinet, but it will be money well spent. With a good mouthpiece and just about any clarinet, you can make a wonderful sound. If in a couple of years you find you need to get an expensive intermediate or pro level instrument, you can bring the mouthpiece with you.
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Author: Bob Gardner
Date: 2000-08-29 14:37
As long as it gets a clean bill of health, and you are happy with it--why don't?
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Author: Jeff G.
Date: 2000-08-29 16:16
I think I will enjoy learning. Its so different from the other instruments I play(piano, guitar, trumpet(not for a while). I am involved with group that sponsors a blues jam every month. I hope to be able to jam with it in a few years.
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Author: Willie
Date: 2000-08-30 03:38
I agree with Eoin about the mouth piece. Few clarinets, even expencive ones come with a decent MP. There are several offered by the sponcers here on sneezy. Also try more than one if you can swing it. Some play better than others with all the different combos involved (reed,lig, clarinet model, and your chops).
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Author: William
Date: 2000-08-30 14:48
New clarinetists are always welcome, (we, with our reed, mp, intonation and fingering misseries, love company) but, it is always good to remember the words Pete Fountain uttered upon being asked, what advice he could offer for a beginning clarinetist?--he replied, "Learn to play the trombone." Good luck, and again, welcome. :>)
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Author: Jeff G.
Date: 2000-08-30 15:42
He is probably one of the reasons I have started down this long road. When I was young my aunt used play his albums for me, of course I now listen to him on CD. Well, I guess if it was easy, everyone would play.
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Author: William
Date: 2000-08-30 21:56
I agree--Pete is one of the best, but he did make the above statement in an interview for The Clarinet magazine of the International Clarinet Association a few years ago. Of course, he wasn't serious, although he probably realizes (as the rest of us who have been band directors do) that the world of music needs more good trombone players, as well as keyboard, bass and rhythm. Good luck.
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Author: Bob Gardner
Date: 2000-08-31 14:16
Maybe Pete was suggesting that we become doubler??????
William wrote:
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New clarinetists are always welcome, (we, with our reed, mp, intonation and fingering misseries, love company) but, it is always good to remember the words Pete Fountain uttered upon being asked, what advice he could offer for a beginning clarinetist?--he replied, "Learn to play the trombone." Good luck, and again, welcome. :>)
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Author: Jeff G.
Date: 2000-08-31 19:21
Although I havn't played for a few years I still remember the fingerings,(also guitar and piano). I could get those chops back pretty quick. I find playing the trumpet by myself at home to be loud, and not real interesting. I always envied the woodwinds, I guess the grass is always greener on the other side. I am still quite active on the guitar. I like the idea of being able to play guitar and clarinet. Many friends also play guitar. It would be nice to toss in some woodwind sound at our jams(in a couple of years  )
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