 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Tim
Date: 2001-02-15 16:57
First of all, I have been reading your comments for a few months and really appreciate the friendly and knowledgeable community of people who participate here. I am in need of some direct advise or suggestions, so I would appreciate any you have to offer.
First: My Story
Two and a half months ago I began playing the clarinet again after having not played since 7th grade (approx 1978). I started with a borrowed clarinet and eventually purchased my own a month and a half ago. I purchased a Yamaha 20 and am using it with its original mouth piece based, in part, on the advice I read here. I chose Rico Royal reeds based on being a beginner and not knowing any better and because I was rebeginning, the music store suggested a 2.5 strength. I progressed quickly and have joined the church orchestra. I found though that I was consistently below pitch. A band instructor and fellow clarinetist in the orchestra recommended moving to Vandoren and probably a 3 or 3.5 reed strength. I purchased a few of each and a tuner as well and found that the "3" brought the upper and lower notes in pitch, but not the middle notes. The 3.5's brought all of the notes into pitch, but has been quite a transition and it is difficult now to get the notes out. I figured I just had a transition to get used to, but I bought a Vandoren V-12 (reed strength 3) on my last trip to the music store to try and discovered that it kept pitch, was free flowing and provided good control.
My Question:
Do I stick with the Vandoren V-12 (strength 3) because I found something that is working for me, my mouthpiece and intrument or am I short-changing my development? In other words, will I end up better off if I stick with the regular Vandoren's of strength 3 and try to overcome the difficulties or will I be just as well off with the V-12's which are a little more expensive?
Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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Author: Anji
Date: 2001-02-15 17:43
First of all, congratulations on picking up the horn. It takes a great deal of conviction to start something new, let alone pick up where you left off.
I really like the V12, although I am not too happy with the quality control evident in the box.
# 3 should be plenty to work with as you start up again.
Drop me a note off line and I'll connect you with my supplier to get under $17/box.
May I also recommend the Rico Grand Concert series, which can be very good and are less expensive.
********
Here's the nuts and bolts,
Your mouthpiece is probably a standard piece of plastic that is shortchanging your efforts. The Vandoren M13 Lyre/5Rv Lyre are probably better matches to the reed you have chosen. (I play the M13 Profile 88, which is more closed than those two.)
If you have a good woodwind dealer, take your horn over and audition several.
The folks at Muncy winds and International musical suppliers have trials available, restocking fees and time limitations apply.
Check out the Legere reed, in #3 1/4 and #3 1/2 strength. It is synthetic, but it is very good. It may cut out some of the development problems associated with real cane. Given the cost of natural reeds, they are a relative bargain.
No one mouthpiece is the best, everyone's oral cavity differs. You're looking for the best possible match. I strongly recommend buying used, to beat the high cost of retail.
Lastly, have you taken on a teacher? This is the fastest means to real progress.
Best of luck to you and welcome!
anji
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Author: jessica
Date: 2001-02-15 18:08
well i have just started well 3 days ago with the clarinet. i have no previous experience about any pert of music, and i'm teaching my self to play. i only learned how to put it together yesterday. i got a reed from my music teacher adn he said it was a 3 but that i should get a 2.5. i'm getting alot of squeeking and it is hard to egt low and high notes. is this because i'm jus starting or should i get a softer reed?
-jessica
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Author: Christoffer
Date: 2001-02-15 21:02
Jessica,
When you have questions to ask, it might be a better idea to start a new topic rather than posting them as a reply. But anyway ... welcome in this business. Being a relative beginner myself, I remember very well how it was to have played for just three days: partly very promising, partly infinitely frustrating.
I guess that the #2.5 reeds are OK, but it also depends on the brand; Vandorens are slightly harder than e.g. Rico of the same number. A Vandoren #2.5 might be a bit hard - at least it was for me. I started on Rico Grand Concert #2.
High and low notes are inevitably hard to get in the beginning, and squeaks will occur (that still happens for me from time to time). Don't blame the reeds - these problems have more to do with the embouchure, breathing technique and air support. Be patient and keep on practicing - Rome wasn't build in one day.
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Author: Dee
Date: 2001-02-15 21:51
If you have a set up that works for you, stay with it. There is no need to change. You don't want to be "fighting" your setup. That would be really detrimental to your development.
As far as mouthpieces go, the general consensus on the board is that although most stock mouthpieces on beginner horns are poor, the Yamaha stock mouthpiece is fine until you are experienced enough to pick one for yourself.
As far as playing flat, it is actually normal for a beginner (or anyone who has not played for a long time) to be flat for many months after taking up the instrument. It takes time to develop embouchure and breath support.
Since you had previously ceased playing in the 7th grade, I would strongly suggest lessons with a private teacher. This will insure that you get back on track, help you eliminate any bad habits that you may have had, optimize your rate of progress, and will be a resource for equipment questions.
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2001-02-17 21:30
I find yamaha plastic clarinets play fairly flat owing to the length of the barrell which is probably about 68mm. You may want to try a shorter barrell in the short term. Definitely ditch the Yamaha mouthpiece ASAP.
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2001-02-18 00:56
If the mouthpiece in question is a Yamaha 4C then I'd say <b>keep it!</b> The 4C is a pretty good player.
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Author: Corey
Date: 2001-02-18 03:14
i say for 1 get a new mthpce!! secondly i don't like the sound i get with vandoren reeds either!! i've been playing for 4 years and i've found reeds that excellent! they are called Mitchel Lurie premiem by rico the are excellent french filed reeds that give me a great bright beautiful sound that i like in clarinet sound
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