 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Bill
Date: 2000-09-15 12:47
I've been playing my plastic Yamaha CL-20 for less than a week, so it's probably too early to provide a significant report. Here's where I'm at, for what it's worth.
I am very pleased with the CL-20, and the 4C mouthpiece that came with it. I also got a Hite Premier mouthpiece, that I will be returning, since I did not notice that it made any difference.
Reed makers and strengths do seem to make a noticable difference. I started with the Rico #2 reed that came with the CL-20, and it is okay. I also tried the Mitchel Lurie #2 1/2, and it is okay. I tried a Hemke 2 1/2 and it doesn't play well, but I only have one reed to try. Last night I tried a Van Doren 2 1/2, and it was very noticably the best - easiest to play and best sounding. I will be experimenting with different strength Vandoren reeds.
My practical self tells me to stick with the 4C mouthpiece until I get more experience. My experimenter self want to try more mouthpieces. Also, if all continues to go well, I'll likely get a better clarinet (R-13) at the end of a 3 month rental period, or just stick with the CL-20 which appears to be just fine - right now. If I go the better clarinet route, it would be nice to have a mouthpiece to use when trying different clarinets. I'm thinking about getting the Vandoren B45, 5RV Lyre, and M14 moutpieces, mail order, for trial. This is based on some of the positive reviews I've read searching the Phorum.
Comments are appreciated.
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Author: Paul Lester
Date: 2000-09-15 13:25
Hi Bill;
I suggest you take your time regarding different MPs. It takes a lot longer than 3 months to develop any kind of embouchure. Sorry Bill, but it's just a slow process.
During the next year, make as few changes in your setup as possible. You are using a reasonable setup for a beginner. Enjoy the clarinet experience. It can be a lot of fun.
It does take time though.
Welcome the the clarinet and cheers,
Paul
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Author: Bob Gardner
Date: 2000-09-15 14:19
It sounds like you have come a long way in a couple of weeks. Go slow with changes at this point--I know for I have been there.
Are you teaching yourself or do you have outside help? It does make a differance. Get help asap prior to picking up bad habits that are hard to break.
Start paying a lot of attention to counting. This my main problem and I have to deal with it every day.
Enjoy--I have been at this less then a year.
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Author: Nate Zeien
Date: 2000-09-15 15:54
Bill, I have to agree with Paul on this one. Just take your time. If you've got a good setup for now, why change it? Anyway, you can "outgrow" a mouthpiece. If you get one that plays easily now, before your embouchure has developed, you may find too easy blowing in the future. Just wait for now, you've got a good setup. When you do try mouthpieces, try several brands. Don't stick with just Vandorens. I can't tell you what mouthpiece or brand is the best, it is a matter of personal preference. Also, do not rush into buying an R-13. Try a couple other pro models out too. Here again, you have to wait a while. If you are going to spend the money on an R-13, you should try a few of them out, and pick the one that best suits you. You may not like this, but I would recommend waiting a few years before making major equipment changes. If you don't have the experince to pick out the individual differences in R-13s, well... An R-13 is a lifetime investment, it's worth the wait. Also, it is a good idea just to get a lesson or two now and then. As stated above there are bad habits that should be avoided. Also, a lesson teacher should be able to tell you when you're ready for a better instrument, and maybe even help you in the choosing process. Good luck, and be patient :-) -- Nate Zeien
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Author: Bill
Date: 2000-09-15 21:20
Thanks for the uniformly good advice. I'll work with what I have for a while, which fortunately I'm very pleased with. Also, I'll seek out a teacher to get me going in the right direction.
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Author: jerry
Date: 2000-09-16 00:24
I've had my horn for a week (and a day) and I've had one 30 min. lesson on it............that has already made a big diference. Definately, if you have no music/CL background, get a teacher. I'm afraid (after three weeks with just a mouth peice) that I could not make a judgement on a reed, a MP, or a horn. Although I'm getting a teeny bit better with the embouchure, I am still unable to *hold* the same embouchure (do I have to keep spelling that out every time?) continuously *and* I am still trying to breath properly, and hold the CL at the correct angle and keep from leaking air and at the same time, trying to *read* music that I don't know how to read yet............I'm up to reading about semitones now but do not thouroughly understand them -- and *counting*, forget it, I have a metronome and still don't know what to do to learn to count.
BUT, that's all comming -- looking forward to Monday night's lesson..........Good Luck to you.
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