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Back in the band -- An Introduction

Author: Seed and Feed Clarinet
Date: 2011-08-25 15:52

Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Rindy, known on this board as Seed and Feed Clarinet. It had been 32 years since I last held a clarinet when I began looking for one to play last month. Atlanta is blessed with a large and robust community marching and street band -- The Seed and Feed Marching Abominables. And after seeing several of their performances in local parades and festivals I knew I had to join.

After doing a search on Craigslist, I was able to trade some legal work (I'm a corporate lawyer by day) for a very chewed up but playable Selmer Bundy student model. I started with some beginners books and over the course of a month got to where I was reading music again and could hit most notes. The B and C right above the break, however remained a squeak-fest. Only by holding my left eyebrow at exactly the right angle could I get those to sound. I assumed it was operator error and more practice was needed.

Then I started reading this board and lusting for a better instrument. I had it narrowed down to a Buffet B-12, a Yamaha YCL250 or a LeBlanc 7214pc. Everyday I would scan Craigslist for one of these in my price range. Then earlier this week I found an ad for a Yamaha 450N for a price within my budget (less than $200!). I did some research on the horn and really liked what I found. I also saw that 450N's were going for $350-$450 in other Craigslist ads (they retail new for $1000 or so). So I drove an hour to a Wendy's at a highway exit to meet my potential seller. I brought my Bundy and played the 450N with my own mouthpiece. In short, the heavens opened, the angels wept and I realized that my trouble crossing the break was not operator error. I couldn't stack up those $20's to pay her fast enough. That hour drive home with my hand on the plastic case seemed to take 3 or 4 days. I played that baby until midnight last night and still can't get over how beautifully it plays. I now realize that the Bundy probably has a leak (or 2) which was causing my trouble -- and I'll get it fixed so I can use it as a backup. But I am in love, in love with my used Yamaha 450N.

Thanks for your help and thanks for letting me join this awesome community.

Rindy
seedandfeed.org

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