 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: mykidplays
Date: 2009-04-04 00:06
My kids instructor tells me that the horn doesn't matter much, its all about the music. My quesion is; am I holding an advancing student back by not buying a better clarinet then her yamaha 250? I know good tools help me at work, is it the same with clarinets?
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-04-04 00:12
If she is finding limitations with her current clarinet, then it is probably time to upgrade to a wooden one - either new or used.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2009-04-04 00:33
Is the instructor a clarinetist giving private lessons? If so, they'll probably have a decent feel of when equipment needs upgrading. If not, there are a lot more variables to consider...
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: jsc
Date: 2009-04-04 00:52
I don't want to say that you have to buy a professional clarinet but there are things to consider:
1. How old is she? If she's in high school or on her way, depending on the program she's getting into, she may need to upgrade. If she's in high school and considering playing in college (majoring or not in music), you will most definitely want to upgrade. If she's in elementary school, you can wait a little longer and see if she'll stick with it.
2. How much are you ok with spending? You may not have to spend a whole lot. There are some good instruments for less than $2000. If she's going to college but not majoring, you can still spend less than $2000. Of course, you do get what you pay for. Fortunately, you can find great deals.
3. Get something for her now and let her get her own top of the line horn, later on. Again, depends on what her/your plan is for her musical experience.
For myself, I went through 3 other horns to my 4th (Buffet Festival and recently purchased A clarinet, also a Festival) from the age of 10 to now in my 30's. Before I got my Festival, I bought my own Buffet E11. In 1992 it was $460. Now they go for $1500. It got me through college, even as a music major. Friends and teachers were impressed with the sound it offered. I just lucked out. Now as a high school music teacher (one that still plays his instrument), I understand better the importance of a quality instrument. With a little luck and research, you can find that not so expensive, non-professional instrument that could be what your daughter needs.
From experience, these are my recommendations:
Buffet E11 (intermediate)
Buffet R13 (professional)
Buffet also has their Limite, which is a step up from the E11.
Yamaha step horns can be considered but are a little on the stuffy side for me.
The new Leblanc Bliss is now one of my "to be considered for students". Nice open feel and it looks very cool.
Leblanc horns with Backun barrels have a great sound.
Again, this is just my opinion but every now and then I try instruments out at my local shop to see what to recommend to high school studentsl that really should get something better than the $200 cheapy their parents got without any foreknowledge. (If this is a run-on sentence, my apologies. Music teacher, not English). Good luck and I hope some of my ramblings helped.
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Author: jsc
Date: 2009-04-04 00:54
What Alex said, too. Forgot to add that part.
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Author: mykidplays
Date: 2009-04-04 01:28
Wow..... alot of good answers. I am glad I posted, I needed some other informed opions.
Thanks to All
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2009-04-04 02:08
Hard work is most important, but equipment can help or hold back a player. Her plastic Yamaha is fine for marching band, but if he/she's taking auditions such as Regional Band, etc. a better clarinet is needed.
I would however avoid the E-11 as that's more of a starting out wooden instrument than an advanced one. E-12 or better would be what I'd suggest. If you can find a good used R-13 even better. There are several brands out there, and having someone personally guide you who knows the player would be best.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
Post Edited (2009-04-04 03:09)
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Author: Jacob S
Date: 2009-04-04 03:52
If you decide to upgrade to a wood clarinet, make sure she tries a few out before making a final decision. Just because a clarinet is popular/is a good brand/costs a lot of money doesn't mean it's necessarily right for everyone. I am not a clarinet expert, but I'm in high school playing on an E11. I got it on sale for $750 because whoever arranged to buy one from the local music store flaked out. At the time I'm sure I only wanted it because it was shiny and made of wood rather than plastic (I remember being almost unable to play with so much resistance, but I was afraid my parents would be upset so I practiced in private...), but now I think the deal was great. I haven't played a Ridenour clarinet, but I've tried a wide variety of Buffet and Yamaha clarinets. My teacher agrees that I sound better on my E11 than on either of her R13's, and the only other clarinet I've preferred is a Buffet Tosca (and that is a $5,000 upgrade).
This wasn't meant to be very long, but I wanted to throw out my clarinet-playing experiences. You may also want to consider a change in mouthpieces, or if intonation seems to hold your daughter back, then a new barrel. Her instructor may be able to "diagnose" any equipment that isn't playing up to par, but they may as well not be able to...
DISCLAIMER: I love my Buffet E11.
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2009-04-04 04:50
It is hard to tell if that horn is holding your daughter back.
Simply sticking an excellent instrument in her hands may not resolve the issue because that instrument may need some help in adapting to her --a mouthpiece, some familiarization time.
A good teacher will be able to discern any problems caused by her tools.
Bob Phillips
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Author: dlloyd
Date: 2009-04-04 07:05
My beginner's clarinet held me back to the extent I gave up. It was fine up to a certain point, for the first few years of playing, but it's next to useless for an advancing player.
I only wish I'd realised at the time that it wasn't my technique that was terrible, it was the instrument.
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Author: Sarah Elbaz
Date: 2009-04-04 17:04
Instruments are not just tools, and the horn matters very much. Think about the first pair of shoes that you bought her and you'll understand how important it is. If you can't buy her a good instrument, make sure that she has a very good mouthpiece.
Sarah
Post Edited (2009-04-04 17:12)
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Author: Lelia Loban ★2017
Date: 2009-04-05 11:57
>>If you can find a good used R-13 even better. >>
Yes. Excellent, used R-13s are out there. I bought mine in unrestored condition because I'm an experienced amateur and can identify condition issues, but a safer way for a less-experienced buyer to find a good, affordable used clarinet is to go to the best repair shop in your area. Ask the instructor, if you're not sure where to go.
Often, repair people make informal arrangements with pickers (aka cockroaches) who shop the local flea markets, auctions and yard sales. The repair person will re-pad and recondition these instruments and sell them out of the repair shop. Buying from the repair shop means you pay more up front than you would at the auction or flea market, but then you don't have to worry about how much an overhaul might set you back -- and you can be sure the used clarinet you buy from the repair shop doesn't have something catastrophic wrong with it that might make a purchase "in the wild" turn out to be a waste of money. If the instructor can come with you to the shop to try out various possibilities, even better.
Lelia
http://www.scoreexchange.com/profiles/Lelia_Loban
To hear the audio, click on the "Scorch Plug-In" box above the score.
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