 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Syaoran_2001
Date: 2008-06-08 22:38
Hey everyone,
I've been a saxophone player for about 12 years now although lately, I've fallen out of practice. I've recently taken an interest in the clarinet and I've decided to buy a cheap beginner model and start learning to play. Is the transition from sax to clarinet an easy one, or am I going to have to unlearn everything I learned on saxophone in order to get the most from clarinet? Also, any suggestions on what brand/model/type of clarinet I should get to start out on?
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2008-06-08 23:30
It would be a lot easier if it were the other way around, but work hard and you will probably do fine. Clarinet to sax is easy.
Suggest to rent first and try it that way.
Rent a Yamaha or buffet and you will have a quality plastic clarinet.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: Syaoran_2001
Date: 2008-06-09 17:23
Thanks for your advice Bartmann. I've tried flute before and I can't really get the hang of it. For one thing, it's really uncomfortable to play; I can't hold my arms out like that for extended periods of time. Also with the flute, I just can't seem to produce a sound because of the odd way of forcing air through the instrument. One reason why I want to start clarinet is because I'm more of a Jazz player than a symphonic player. I find that there just aren't that many uses for a flute in jazz bands, but there are some great jazz pieces that utilize clarinet. Sure, you can do some pretty cool things with the flute, for example Ian Anderson from Jethro Tull is an amazing flute player who can produce some really cool sounds from it. I figure, since I already have training on one single reed instrument, the transition to another single reed won't be as difficult since I already know about the fundamentals of reed playing.
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2008-06-09 17:57
Going from clarinet to sax is like walking downhill.
Going from sax to clarinet is like walking uphill.
Shorten the learning curve by taking lessons with a good clarinetist who is comfortable with making your new embouchure the most important thing you learn in the first weeks.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: Bartmann
Date: 2008-06-09 18:11
Sayaoran,
Well if you're into big band an jazz, then regardless of the challenges, there is no question you should learn the clarinet.
Good luck
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Author: Roger Aldridge
Date: 2008-06-10 00:10
Syoran,
My best advice is the shortest to write -- find a good clarinet teacher. Doing so will help to avoid many pitfalls and you'll make much faster progress than if you attempt to be self-taught on clarinet.
Please understand that I'm offering this advice as a doubler (clarinet, bass clarinet, flute, alto flute, and tenor saxophone).
Good luck!
Roger
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Author: leonardA
Date: 2008-06-10 19:04
I thiknk Bartmann summed it up very well. I started clarinet two years ago after playing sax and believe me, there is no comparison. The clarinet fingerings are very intricate and sometimes cause your fingers to go in a different direction than it feel that you should. However, I have persevered and am making progress. I would say you have to really want it in order to hang in there, because it doesn't come easy-at least for me. It won't hurt you to buy an inexpensive instrument and try it, but I agree with Bartmann and others that you should get a teacher.
Leonard
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Author: Syaoran_2001
Date: 2008-06-10 20:37
Thanks for all your advice. I'm getting an old clarinet from my girlfriend's sister which she hasn't used in ages, so I don't have to worry about purchasing one. As for lessons, my college offers clarinet lessons so I think I'll sign up for that in order to help me learn. I like the sound of jazz clarinet such as Artie Shaw and Benny Goodman, which is what inspired me to try learning the clarinet in the first place. Hopefully I'll prevail, it didn't take me long to pick up sax, hopefully it won't take me long to pick up clarinet.
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Author: Roger Aldridge
Date: 2008-06-10 20:43
Since the clarinet hasn't been used in a long time, it would be a good idea to take it to a repair tech in your area for a check over. You're not going to progress very fast if the clarinet has funky pads & corks and is out of adjustment.
Also, in recent years better quality student mouthpieces have come on the market. The Fobes Debute generally receives good reviews. Of course, see what your teacher suggests.
Good luck!
Roger
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