 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: zebn
Date: 2012-01-05 03:44
Hello all, I'm new to the bboard but a long time reader.
I'm a recent high school graduate and currently working on a transfer to a state university where I plan to major in clarinet performance. Although normally very modest, I like to think that I'm an above-average musician for my experience. (No private lessons or expensive instruments- was awarded the John Phillip Sousa award at a fairly large music program, countless honor band participations, etc.)
I apologize for the hackneyed topic, but my question is regarding a clarinet upgrade for college. I am currently using an E-11 that plays remarkably well, but will sell it soon to put towards a new horn.
Having a limited budget, these are the 3 options I have laid out for myself.
1. Tom Ridenour Lyrique 576BC- I've heard some good and bad about this instrument. I am mostly unsure at how it generally stacks up against a standard R-13 (not the other, top of the line Buffets)
2. Used R-13- I'm limited to a few music stores where I could actually play test one. I'm mostly left to ebay, amazon or craigslist. Needless to say, I'm very hesitant with online shopping for an instrument I plan on using for the next 5-8 years.
3. Finance options on a brand new R-13 through wwbw or the likes- something manageable, but unlikely.
I'm very much leaning towards ordering a Lyrique and taking advantage of his return policy. To those who have played them, would you suggest it for a beginning performance major on a very limited budget?
Thanks for any and all input, this has been somewhat of a plague on my mind for a while now.
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Author: oca
Date: 2012-01-05 04:07
What kind of clarinet performance? College-performance could mean marching band, which would be more suitable for a hard rubber clarinet.
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Author: zebn
Date: 2012-01-05 04:10
That I'm not exactly sure yet. I plan on joining a military fleet band shortly after college, if music seems unrealistic, I'll get a second degree in computer science (what I originally started school for)
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Author: zebn
Date: 2012-01-05 04:11
And I plan on performing with the marching band, as well as the other large and small ensembles.
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Author: oca
Date: 2012-01-05 04:43
Depending on where you live, the weather could dramatically effect your clarinet. The synthetic clarinets like the Ridenour are much more consistent than wood. If you decide with the R-13 you can try the R-13 Greenline, which is made of carbon enforced Grenadilla wood.
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Author: DrewSorensenMusic
Date: 2012-01-05 04:46
I'd suggest thinking of your destination. Then we might be able to point you in a direction. At this point, you still have time, but if music isn't your undying passion, I'd say try another field. I say this with you in mind, because you're not going to make a lot of money as a clarinetist, no matter how proficient you are.
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Author: clarinete09
Date: 2012-01-05 04:53
DrewSorensenMusic wrote:
> I'd suggest thinking of your destination. Then we might be
> able to point you in a direction. At this point, you still
> have time, but if music isn't your undying passion, I'd say try
> another field. I say this with you in mind, because you're not
> going to make a lot of money as a clarinetist, no matter how
> proficient you are.
How come it doesn't matter how proficient is he?
So under that impression no matter how great is let's say Ricardo Morales he is not making lots of money? I think great players do pretty well and have decent lives.
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Author: zebn
Date: 2012-01-05 04:59
Don't get me wrong, music is my love. It has been since the day I picked up the clarinet. I'm not set on a performance major right now. I've been talking to my high school director about being a music teacher. But music is definitely what I want to do with my life right now.
As far as the climate goes, I live in Maryland. We have cold winters and hot summers.
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Author: DrewSorensenMusic
Date: 2012-01-05 05:06
OK, I'm sure Ricardo Morales does pretty good, but he's elite.
Bill Gates is elite in his field, Donald Trump is elite in his field. Who of the three makes the least amount of money?
And speaking of elite, are you a gambling man? That you must have the right technique, skill set, look, background, and be in the right place at the right time to be elite?
Now, say you're not elite, say you're in the top 5%, How much do you make then? Top 10%?
A computer programmer career is much more safe than a music performance career, I'll bet you all the money in the world.
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Author: zebn
Date: 2012-01-05 05:12
I appreciate the advice, but I'd like to redirect this to the clarinets. Ignoring what will happen after college, what would be your choice?
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Author: clarinete09
Date: 2012-01-05 05:18
Used R13! Or maybe you can upgrade you current E11 with a good mouthpiece/barrel combo. .
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2012-01-05 07:52
If you've already determined the college where you'll be studying clarinet, it would seem logical and prudent to discuss the selection of an instrument with your future instructors.
If your E11 plays remarkably well, please do yourself a big favor and KEEP it as a good backup instrument. Consider that sooner or later, you'll want or need a backup instrument: There's the very real risk of not being able to affordably find out that works for you as well as your E11 does now. You could end up paying more for a good backup instrument than what you sold your good E11 for.
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Author: DrewSorensenMusic
Date: 2012-01-05 12:30
Your profession has a good chance of choosing your instrument for you.
Examples:
I play theatre work. I chose a Buffet R-13 Greenline because the instrument gets really cold, and then I play it. I don't want it to crack. I think it has a decent tone.
If you're a orchestral player, and maybe Buster or some others know better, but I'm pretty sure the standard is R-13 all wood. Maybe he's around to affirm or deny, since he's performed in the field.
If you're going to teach, maybe just stick with the instrument you have. If you like how the instrument sounds, why change it? Just because a clarinet is labeled "professional" doesn't make it any better or worse.
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Author: Buster
Date: 2012-01-05 17:46
Yes, the standard R-13 has a wooden body. (Though the standard R-13 is much used, it is no longer "The Standard.")
*To the original poster, if your current instrument plays remarkably well, what are you looking to improve upon?
I am not implying that "improvements" cannot be found in differing instruments, but if you are unable to truly evaluate what needs improvement, you may not be able to effectively evaluate any new clarinet you may try. If that is the case, I would defer to your future teacher to assist you in the selection process.
re the Ridenour Lyrique: I have never played one to speak of its qualities; nor how it compares to an R-13.
-Jason
Post Edited (2012-01-05 17:49)
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Author: davyd
Date: 2012-01-05 17:58
If you're really serious about the clarinet, even as a secondary activity, you'll need an A clarinet before too long, and maybe an Eb and/or a bass as well. You need to allow for that in your long-term budgeting.
I would suggest getting the computer science degree. It's not a sure bet (nothing is a sure bet), but it's more likely to pan out than a music degree. Once you get a $100k/year software job (assuming that there are any that have not been offshored by the time you graduate), you can buy all the clarinets you want.
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Author: zebn
Date: 2012-01-05 18:27
Thanks for all of the input. But regarding my comment about the E-11, I'm saying that it plays well compared to other E-11s and intermediate horns. I've played a few R-13s (new and used) and the difference is noticeable, but not as substantial as I have expected.
I've done a lot of researching around, and my plan was to do this. Get a degree in music, then enlist in the military as a musician. I've talked to a few people who have done this, they tell me with the free time and tuition assistance, I can finish a second degree (computer science) during my 4-5 year commitment. I feel this way I get the fulfillment of music (my passion) with a second degree to fall back on. I'm not going to expect landing a music gig I can make a living from.
As of right now, I plan to order the Lyrique and give it a go. From what I've read, the consistency and quality of his clarinets can't be beat for the price.
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Author: zebn
Date: 2012-01-05 18:32
A large factor in picking the lyrique is the fact that it won't crack. Marching band is going to be a big part of my college playing. I don't see myself finding a greenline horn for less than 2 grand.
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Author: DrewSorensenMusic
Date: 2012-01-05 18:41
I don't know anything about the lyrique, but you sound like you're minds in the right spot, so I think it's the right horn for you. I would try it next to the E-11 before you purchase so you don't regret if it's not as good as your current horn. Good luck.
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Author: Claire Annette
Date: 2012-01-06 01:45
I agree with Ursa. A college instructor should be very capable of helping you select a clarinet that is a perfect fit for you...and he/she may know of a special deal on a new or well-refurbished horn.
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Author: Clarinetero
Date: 2012-01-07 08:17
Zebn,
If Music is your passion, then go for it!!!!!
To answer your question:
I agree with Davyd, if you are going to be a clarinet mayor you will need an A clarinet; even a Eb and Bass clarinets. I recommend you to wait until you meet your clarinet teacher. He/she can recommend you some brands and/or models, and he can help you in the process of the selection etc.
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