 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Mark Cresitello-Dittmar
Date: 2000-10-23 15:20
Hello,
I'm fairly new to playing the clarinet.
The one I'm using is a Conn, but I don't
know which model. Anyway, my instructor kindly
describes it as "having issues" meaning that it
leaks and some keys stick despite my having
thoroughly clean it recently.
I am progressing quickly and at this point,
I think the clarinets issues are bigger than
my own. I would like to get a better one, but
don't really know what to look for or the
difference in brands. There is a Vito at
a local music shop for $199 that looks and
feels good, though I haven't played it.
What specifically should I be looking for
when buying an instrument? I can think of
obvious things like cork/pad condition and
key action.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Mark
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Author: bob gardner
Date: 2000-10-23 16:16
having a horn in bad repair is one of the things that will make a beginner quite. Because he/she believe it to be them rather then the clarinet. One of the first things to do when you buy a new horn (ever new from a store) is to have it adjusted by a repair person. This way you are starting from an even playing field.
As you spend more time on this board you will learn that the big four will be the horn to buy. Buffet, LaBlanc, Yamahaha, Selmer.
Another thing you will learn is that the most important part of the clarinet and how you play is not the clarinet but the reed. The second is the mouthpiece and on and on.
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Author: Bob Sparkman
Date: 2000-10-23 17:45
I'm a fan of the Vito - I think it's a real sleeper, worth far more in quality than the modest cost. Have played mine for 5 years and wouldn't trade it for a Buffet, Selmer or Leblanc, though most on this site would call me crazy. Anyway, it's inexpnsive enough to try, and if you don't like it, you can always trade "up". Good luck!!!
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2000-10-23 20:23
Having gotten quite familiar with "student" clars by frequent minor repair, I like the Vito also. The $199 is not out of line if its in good playing shape [maybe only needing minor repair and/or adjustment], I have sold some for $150. While the older ones are OK, the newer [as distinguished by having small coil springs to actuate the A key and the C# / G# and maybe others] .are very good re: feel and "in-tuneness" IMHO. Luck, practice, Don
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Author: Ken Rasmussen
Date: 2000-10-24 01:18
A good first step would be to get your horn repaired so it can be a standard for comparison. It may work so well after repair that you may not need a horn. The repair needn't necessarily be terribly expensive. No need to pay for an overhaul if the problem is just a couple of bad pads or bent keys. It would be good to get a first rate mouthpiece. Weiner Music will send several for you to try and return. Other outlets may have similar policies. Be familiar with the return procedure. An inconsequential mark means you own it! Once the mouthpiece is selected you need a proper stiffness reed for that mouthpiece. You'll have to try several stiffnesses to find out what works. Then when you've got a good mouthpiece and reed, and your horn working properly, you can try any horn in direct comparison to yours, and see what plays better. Better horns play more evenly, are easier to play in tune, have a more appealing sound, have more dynamic range--it isn't hard to tell when you're enjoying an instrument. Be aware that room acoustics color the experience. It is good to take your horn along so you can assess the room characteristics. If your horn suddenly sounds fantastic you are in a good room. If it plays really bad you're in a bad room (or outdoors?).
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Author: jerry
Date: 2000-10-24 01:54
On the advice of other(s) on this forum, I purchased a Vito.............paid $250 for it and it's in excellent condition. Best I've ever owned but I just started 6 weeks ago! Most people buy out of emmotion (that's why there is so much money in *advertising*) so get what you can afford for now, keep it in good running condition and it should deliver. Now if if I could just get this timing thing down.........TURN UP THAT METRONOME, I can't hear it over the sound of my horn.
Good Luck.
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Author: Mark Cresitello-Dittmar
Date: 2000-10-24 13:52
Wow...
Thanks for all the input. I really appreciate it.
Everyone has good things to say about the Vito
brand, so I'm thinking that I might pick that
one up and use it while I send my current horn
out for a tune-up. My daughter is just now starting the clarinet in school, so it couldn't
hurt to have a second instrument anyway.
Mark
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