 The Clarinet BBoard
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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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Author: William Hughes ★2017
Date: 2011-08-25 17:02
S & F -
It's almost exactly 10 years since I took up the clarinet again (after a 35 year hiatus). Since then I've played in three great bands and a clarinet choir and the joy never diminishes. Welcome (back) to the fold.
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Author: butterflymusic
Date: 2011-08-25 17:06
Seed&Feed - enjoy your re-entry into the world of clarinet geekery! I am 4 years into my re-entry after a 20-year hiatus and have enjoyed every minute.
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Author: spage
Date: 2011-08-25 19:16
Welcome! I too had a hiatus a while back, although not so long. And I'm still grinning from ear to ear about your used Yamaha 450N. Long may it give you joy, especially in the band (love its name).
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2011-08-25 23:33
Woot! All hail to the Prodigal Son!
There's quite a bunch of re-enlightened, rueful returners and late bloomers in here.
Band is good. They keep you motivated. Practicing scales in the quiet chamber is one thing, but feeling the rehearsal room tremble and reverberate...
May the squeaks be with you, Rindy.
--
Ben
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Author: Buster Brown
Date: 2011-08-26 11:45
I'll add my me too. Back for 8 years after a 40 year layoff. Now playing clarinet in community band, alto sax in a local community college big band and local big band, clarinet in polka band, flute (learned it over the past year) plus all the single reeds in the pit for local shows plus a couple of combos.
The biggest question I have is why did I give up playing for all those years? It's something I love. I'd give up golf (which I enjoy) before I'd give up clarinet again. It's a good thing for our listeners/audiences that I'm a much better musician than I am a golfer.
Welback.
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Author: 2cekce ★2017
Date: 2011-08-26 13:30
Welcome back to clarinet world. seed and feed is a good band, been a member since 2005
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Author: CarlT
Date: 2011-08-26 14:00
I'm not "back" since I never played the clarinet before 2008, nor was I even in a HS band, but due to perseverance, I have been playing in a community band for a year now and just love it. I can't imagine not ever having taken it up (I'm 73 now), for it's added so much to my life that was missing before.
It's such a challenge...not for the faint-of-heart, nor for one looking for instant gratification.
I must add that I doubt seriously if I'd be playing today had it not been for this very supportive and educational forum we are so lucky to have. I do have once-a-month lessons now, but without the BBoard, I would not be nearly as far along.
CarlT
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Author: LJBraaten
Date: 2011-08-27 19:22
Welcome back! I understand your exultation, I have a similar story. I played clarinet (and sax) regularly, grade school through first year of college, 1969-70. Played it again for several months in a church orchestra, 1987. I recently retired and finally got the leaky thing overhauled last November, and I was horrified at my loss of ability. I've been practicing faithfully since, and having the time of my life. I am even picking up skills I lacked before: working on reeds (not necessary in the 60s and 70s), experimenting with mouthpieces (I like the M13 Lyre better than my old HS*, although they are very close), and trying some new ligatures (can't believe I played for years on that bent up thing), and learning some alternate fingerings. I'm dreaming of one day getting a better clarinet, but mine's not too shabby with the right reed. I am looking forward to joining the first rehearsal session for this season of a local community concert band. Next on my list: a decent alto sax (my wife doesn't know yet).
Laurie
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