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Getting back into the instrument

Author: Promit
Date: 2011-09-12 06:26

I played clarinet all through school, 10+ years. I gave up playing when I got to college, and it's been about seven years since. Recently I've decided I'd like to get back into the instrument and I've spent some time acquainting myself with what equipment I had and what needs to change. I wasn't overly concerned with the details back then...

I apparently have a Selmer CL210 intermediate clarinet with a C85 105 mouthpiece and a handful of Vandoren strength 4 reeds. I guess this is apparently pretty good, but it's exceedingly difficult for me to play now. The embochure is no longer there and I don't have the lung capacity anymore either. It's just inefficient and painful. I've already ordered a box of strength 3 reeds which I'm hoping will be easier to work with, and I'm looking to change my mouthpiece as well.

As far as the mouthpiece goes, what's a decent inexpensive choice? Not really performing anymore, so the pinnacle of quality is not necessary. It does need to be very easy to play. I noticed the Hite Premiere and Clark W Fobes Debut pieces which seemed like decent inexpensive choices but I'm not sure. I've also considered buying something like a Vandoren 2RV or M13, or a Selmer C85 120 used (the big auction site has some cheap slightly used options). I'm not really sure which route would be better, or even what basis to select. I do plan on hitting a music store tomorrow, but in the digital age I've become wary of brick and mortar's ability to provide.

There's also the question of how to ease back into things. I don't want to overdo it. I'm not in an orchestral setting anymore, and I really doubt I'll perform any time soon. I'm not sure what would be a good way to get all the old skills and muscles functioning again, and have some decent fun at it. Running scales just doesn't quite do it.

To summarize:
1) Re-beginner mouthpieces?
2) Tips on restarting?
Thanks!

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