 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: GBK
Date: 2011-03-24 22:41
Having had the good fortune and privilege to play and own many fine clarinet barrels in my lifetime (Chadash, Moennig, Morgan, Backun, Segal, etc...) I wanted to try the newest Backun offering - the MoBa barrel to see what all the fuss was about.
I called Morrie personally on the phone and after speaking with him for about an hour, he generously sent me 10 of his MoBa barrels in both grenadilla and cocobolo to try on approval.
The barrels arrived overnight and (going in as a skeptic) they ARE the real deal. All were great in their own way, but for me, two truly stood out. I paid full price (no discounts) but would like to again tell everyone about how Morrie is a one of a kind great guy for the clarinet community.
Any time that we find a craftsman who is truly dedicated to moving the art of clarinet construction, accessories and acoustics further ahead, he should be embraced by the entire clarinet community.
Again, to Morrie - thanks for your tremendous personal service.
...GBK
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Author: concertmaster3
Date: 2011-03-24 22:47
I'll 2nd the good service at Backun. I've had some studio barrels on trial for a few weeks now, that were sent overnight, and what a tremendous difference they made to my clarinets (especially the throat tones!). I ended up choosing, in a very close battle, a Fatboy over the MoBa. The band director, who is the clarinet professor at WSSU, chose a MoBa and I think that a friend of mine is choosing a MoBa as well. One of the students here loved the Fatboy as well, but is just short on funds to get one (he instead fell in love with one of my older mouthpieces!).
The customer service has been beyond exceptional, and am looking forward to working with them again, whether it be for me or students.
Ron Ford
Woodwind Specialist
Performer/Teacher/Arranger
http://www.RonFordMusic.com
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Author: Ed
Date: 2011-03-24 23:20
Quote:
they ARE the real deal. All were great in their own way, but for me, one truly stood out.
So, what made these stand out above any others you have used?
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Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2011-03-24 23:34
GBK: How about telling us what it was that you liked about the barrels and what they improve over your previous one.
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Author: Franklin Liao
Date: 2011-03-25 00:50
I will chime in on the great service that Morrie offers. Personally, Backun barrel have been great for me since to be able to get live support on choosing a good one alone warrants getting Morrie's barrel. With me, it's mostly just the mechanical things such as fitting that I'd like to have addressed live. His acute mastery in this instrument defeats any local tech in greater Vancouver at that too...
acoustically speaking though I am not qualified to comment, even if I do feel certain about which barrel should go with which horn.
Post Edited (2011-03-25 00:52)
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Author: GBK
Date: 2011-03-25 02:21
Describing the sound of a barrel in words is difficult, but after a back to back comparison with all my other barrels (including Backun Traditional and ringless one) the MoBa had a bigger perceived volume and a fatter core to the sound. I think they play a bit darker than the other models he sells, possibly because of the thicker mass of wood which makes up the barrel.
I decided to go with the cocobolo MoBa barrels, which to me played very warmly but at the same time the sound seemed to have lots of color and carried well.
As always, much depends on what sound qualities you are looking for and how the barrel matches the rest of your set up.
And yes... there were significant differences in all the barrels, even when made with the same wood.
...GBK
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Author: davetrow
Date: 2011-03-25 02:48
I too am a MOBA enthusiast. I tried all of his barrels out up in Vancouver back in 2008 and came away with a studio grenadilla MOBA (and a studio MOBA bell, as well).
Last week in a fit of generosity I loaned both of them to a fellow player in the symphonic wind ensemble I play in. A week of misery ensued; the clarinet (R13) just didn't feel or sound right anymore.
Happily, I have them back and am now enjoying playing again.
Unhappily, the other player didn't discern much of a difference. De gustibus and all that.
Dave Trowbridge
Boulder Creek, CA
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Author: MartyMagnini
Date: 2011-03-25 04:18
I will also chime in to say what a pleasure it is to work with Morrie. I am a "nobody", but I get top notch service. After dealing with Morrie over the phone several years ago and getting one of his traditional barrels, I later met him at the Midwest Clinic. I run into him once a year or so and he always remembers me, and I get the "star" treatment. I now own a mouthpiece and bell as well, and have several MOBA barrels for Bb and a few Eb barrels coming any day now for trial. I am salivating over the new Backun clarinet - if you ever get a chance to play one, you'll understand why. His products may not be the answer for everyone, but he's a genuinely nice guy. I have dealt with other "big name" craftsmen and repairmen over the last 35 years or so - many of them have treated me as though they're doing me a favor by allowing me the honor of being their customer. Morrie is the opposite - he appreciates clarinet players and customers, and has been eager to talk with and help my students, let them try instruments, barrels, etc. If you're in the market, give his stuff a try!
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Author: DaveF
Date: 2011-03-25 05:29
I too have MoBa barrels for my set of Selmer Signatures, as well as a Backun traditional cocobolo bell. I can echo others experiences, as well as dealing with Morrie as an amateur player. I'm lucky living about 2 and 1/2 hrs from Vancouver (in Seattle), and last summer I spent a day with Morrie. (This included lunch, on Morrie). I got his full attention, all day, as he and his team worked over my instruments.......virtually an overhaul job on the spot. This was precise artistry. In particular his pneumatic digital device checking for leaks, and repeated tweaking to get down to his standard tolerance lead to the greatest improvement of all in my instruemnts. He matched up some MoBa barrels that I will say make a difference, but to a limited degree. I sense a greater projection, fullness of sound, and eveness. But by far, Morrie the master technician works magic with your clarinet in his hands. I returned a month later for a little tweaking, free of charge. True, the 1st day cost plenty, but well worth it.
Morrie may appear to one heck of a self promoter to many, but it's really backed up in many ways.
Dave F.
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2011-03-25 08:44
Count me in as a MoBa believer. The nice folks at Backun Musical Services sent me a lot of six to audition--3 in grenadilla and 3 in cocobolo--and there was one grenadilla barrel that was and is simply stunning on my '50s Noblet Normandy. There is a certain ring and powerfulness to the sound that's hard to describe but exciting to experience. Intonation and evenness of response improved, too.
The customer service at Backun is among the very best I have ever experienced. All my e-mails were answered promptly, and my telephone inquiries were handled with courtesy and enthusiasm.
It's a bit of a shame I play outdoors and in chilly rehearsal halls nowadays; my beloved (and uncracked) MoBa/Noblet duo hardly ever leaves the house anymore. I'm playing my Ridenour Lyrique exclusively when out and about these days--and loving every minute of it. I feel so fortunate to have two absolutely delightful clarinet setups.
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Author: MartyMagnini
Date: 2011-04-01 02:48
Well, my MoBa barrels arrived two days ago, and they did not disappoint. They are an improvement over my traditional Backun barrel from about 5 years ago, which was the best barrel I had ever played. For you barrel skeptics out there - it does make a difference. With these barrels, I detect more power, especially on the lower notes - F and E, and a smoother transition through the throat register, as well as improved smoothness when going from low notes to high notes (like the low F to the high B in the expo of the 1st movement of the Mozart. I even tries them blind, with a friend switching barrels on me, not knowing which barrel I was playing on. I picked the same MoBa barrel 6 times n a row as my favorite. It also seems a bit darker in tone, but maybe that is just my perception. I can't wait to audition the Eb barrels he sent me!
The only odd thing I noticed was that all of the barrels were quite a bit loose on my Yamaha custom - I had to put some tape on the upper joint to get them to fit. I assume having my upper joint re-corked will do the trick. With the tape in place, they performed well with the tuner, so I'm not worried, just a bit surprised.
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Author: charla
Date: 2011-04-01 03:01
I just bought a Backun "fatboy" barrel and love it. Altogether I received ten barrels in three different sizes to try. I came back to the same one over and over, so it's now living with me and the rest are on their way back to Canada.
I have to agree with the other comments about the superb service from this company. They've made a fan of me!
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Author: Paul Miller
Date: 2011-04-01 07:53
I visited the Backun factory last fall and it is a hugely impressive operation. Morrie personally took me on a tour of the facility and I was just blown away by the sophistication of the place. It's no wonder that his business is so successful.
He also took a look at my Eb clarinet, which had some very serious problems with it including cracked toneholes and a badly warped bore. I sent it up to him for an overhaul, and it was returned to me with some barrels and bells on approval. The bore had been corrected, the voicing was damn near perfect, the tone holes repaired. With the tulipwood barrel and bell, it not only sounds and plays better, it plays IN TUNE - even in the very high register, without elaborate alternate fingerings to make 'em work. It feels like I'm playing on my Bb.
It's not really a place to go if you just need to get a pad or two replaced, but if you need some serious work done on a horn, you can't go wrong with Morrie and company.
Post Edited (2011-04-01 07:56)
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Author: golfnclarinet
Date: 2011-04-01 18:11
I have two MOBA barrels for my 1969 R13. One is his 1st version and the other one is current model(fatboy style), all cocobolo.
I prefer older model which gives more warmth than fatter one.
I also have his cocobolo bell and am loving it.
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Author: A Brady
Date: 2011-04-12 05:43
I am currently trialing a selection of Backun barrels in a series of concerts with the Garden State Philharmonic.
In tonight's rehearsal (all Beethoven program), I switched between Moba barrels and Buffet barrels on my RC Prestige B flat and my (Chadash rebored) 1974 R-13 A. I am planning on purchasing these barrels as a result of these comparisons; they are in Cocobolo and enable a marvelous connection/legato, while still projecting extremely well.
I will certainly continue to play on my various other barrels (I have quite a collection, Chadash, Moennig, Les Nicholas, etc, and the Prestige barrel that came with my RC is particularly wonderful, with better "ring") depending on the repertoire, venue, context, etc, but these Moba barrels are a great addition to my equipment, and I look forward to many years of excellent playing on them.
Backun has been very helpful in this trial (thanks, Olivia!), and they make it very easy to sample their offerings.
Definitely recommended.
AB
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Author: A Brady
Date: 2011-04-12 15:30
Hi, David,
No, I haven't; the contractor is a good friend/colleague of mine and there are many new players in the orchestra, mostly NYC freelancers, very good orchestra.
Alan
AB
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Author: Bb R13 greenline
Date: 2011-04-12 23:53
u said he sent you 10? did you have to pay for these? i asked if I they could send me 3 and they said i would have to put forth the money for all the barrels and then get it back once i was done
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Author: Bobby McClellan
Date: 2011-04-13 00:22
When i ordered some for my Eb they sent me 10 barrels, and charged my credit card only for the 2 i kept after returning the other 8 during the trial period.
Bobby
Bobby M. McClellan
Flowood, MS
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Author: BobD
Date: 2012-03-20 21:03
I'm wondering if those who are using these barrels have continued to use the same mouthpiece they had been using with their prior barrels.
Bob Draznik
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2012-03-22 02:40
Good point, Bob. I have a MoBa barrel and after the barrel broke in, there was a change in its response. I ended up changing my whole mouthpiece/reed/ligature setup.
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Author: Bill Patry
Date: 2012-04-19 01:42
I love Morrie dearly. My daughter and I just spent 6 hours with him at his shop this Monday (4/16). He fixed a nasty crack in my bass, repaired her LeBlanc Legacies, touched up some mouthpieces, worked with her to pick out a set of the new MoBa clarinets, gave her an extended tour, and made a matching barrel and bell of very rare wood, and another barrel with rare wood. She is 10 and a half, and I am not a professional player, yet he treated us as if we were top professionals. He is the amazingly kind, generous, and is doing the astonishing work.
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Author: ClaireAnnette
Date: 2015-02-17 00:50
I just saw this, did I read correctly, I am sorry, MOBA clarinets for a 10 year old???!!
I am sorry,maybe jealous because as an adult have to arrange finances to buy equipment, but even if I had a child prodigy 10 year old child, I would not purchase such for a 10 year old!! I started at 9,maybe late? But as an adult looking back, there is no way I had experience, exepertise, training, physical ability, articulation ability, voicing ability, ear, etc at 10 to appreciate the additions that are really designed for those with professional training. Not to mention, where is child performing? School band? Taking an instrument of that cost into a middle school environment where OTHER kids might have access to it and possibly damage it. Is the school ensemble that exceptional that a low vent F key would be noticed among the less skilled in the section. But I cannot believe my eyes in someone buying a MOBA, or shall I say, having the financial ability to buy a MOBA for a 10 year old child! Cost a thousand dollars for each year child had been alive!!! Each to their own, and if you can do that, fine; but I am just astounded, personally. Maybe because my parents could only afford a Boosey and Hawkes and only got a buffet at age 16. And that was after years of lessons and me proving myself serious, and I had to purchase with money I earned. Until I reached about age 14 or 15 a clarinet of the MOBA level would have been no advantage. And any ensembles I played in were not to that level either. The other kids could not tune that well. So, well good luck!
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Author: yaseungkim
Date: 2015-02-17 07:11
Bill Patry didn't say how long her 10 yo was playing clarinet. If she started at 5 or 6, she could be quite good. Especially if she was given two lessons a week.
And Bill doesn't have to be a professional clarinettist, he could've been giving her extra help.... good job Bill, you make me feel happy your able to do it for your daughter.
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2015-02-17 08:03
DavidBlumberg wrote:
> Bill - I would have her play with a neckstrap due to the weight
> of it.
>
> Wonderful instrument!!!
>
That 10 year old is closer to 13 now. Old thread.
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Author: yaseungkim
Date: 2015-02-17 08:34
That's it, this thread convinces me to get my 12 yo a Moba, only decision to make is between cocobolo and grenadilla (will have to ask Ricardo Morales and have him tell us which one he likes after meeting him in person after my son makes the PYO).
I am so glad GBK started this thread.
I will visit up north of the border this summer with my 12 years young apprentice, "Oh-B-One", and have him pick out the one he like.
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Author: ClaireAnnette
Date: 2015-05-30 22:02
I am not opposed to students having the best for the student. However, the MAIN quality of the MOBA is the low F tuning vent. And for the pro levels the tuning in general. I can say this from authority being trained as a dentist. A child at 10 (not 13) does not have the dental or skeletal or muscular development that is present with some maturity. No matter how talented or skilled, one cannot change human development and anatomy. My point was that for this level of physical development, I personally, feel this was a bit much. I had to wait until being an adult and earn money myself, even though I could have used much sooner. Also, I got my first R13 A at age 13 and I had to raise my own $450 at the time as my parents could not afford. At age 10, I had boosey and Hawkes. That did until age 16 when I saved and bought Buffet Bb at age 16. I competed with those with better, and still did well. At age 10,the only ensembles were those at school-and trust me, a low F vent would have not helped that group to play in better in tune. So, what is demand or NEED for that degree of tuning. Parents may provide whatever they choose for the child, but is it the CHILD that is asking for this, or the parent living vicariously wanting that for their child? Would a 10 year old even KNOW physics to know 440 vs. 442?? I suppose, I was not provided a car at 16 either. And when I got one, age 24, used, again my own money. I did not go out and crash it and appreciated it. Did not get a new car until age 35! When that other car was about gone! And a very responsible 10 year old could care for clarinet, but how about the classmates? I know it was all I could do not to get my Boosey and Hawkes damaged by OTHERS!!! My point, what is the advantage from kid's view, NOT parents, for getting a clarinet designed for advanced player performing with ensembles that do demand intonation? Oh, it is nice this child could be provided the best. I am sure they have best of all that can be provided. But, like I say, from realistic point of view, I still believe this a bit of an over purchase for a 10 year old, I would not say same for a serious 13 year old. Working with lots of children, I still think there is benefit in having a child work towards goals. Maybe, "If you stick with it and work hard, I will get you this other model later. But now, I want you to prove to ME how dedicated YOU are to this endeavor". Also, I do not know if a great clarinet will make one a better player? Maybe can get farther faster? Might even show up errors more? On mine, I found I could accomplish what I had been trained and practiced to do on my others because it did what it is supposed to do. BUT, I had to be trained and know how to do these first. A 10 year old, no matter when they started or how talented, would not have physical developmental maturity to completely be able to voice for example. Also, they do not even have all their key permanent teeth, probably even tooth gaps. Anyway, I hope those comments as to physical maturity make sense? And the comments about group situations available to a 10 year old, not even in middle school, as far as tuning demands. I will bet the kid's contemporaries are not even on R13 and perhaps on an E11 if the band director is lucky. So, what other instruments is the kid tuning too? So what is wrong with a Protege or R13 to STILL be an advantage, give child chance to develop? OTHER than parent had means to buy more and the end result being the poor kid like myself, who MIGHT have more drive and interest, to be very frustrated because I could not afford such? Is the kid with the MOBA going to sound better all things being equal? Yes. So poor kid like me might just give up all hope. This is to satisfy the adult need to have greatest material assets IMO. Unless some unbiased instructor actually recommended this as best for child. Maybe child could be that talented. But, just remembering circumstances as a 10 year old player, I think child at this age could do just as well and become a fine clarinetist with a R13 or Protege. Or similar level. Unless this child is currently auditioning for a professional job in which case intonation is important. We try to push children to be next big thing. When they reach age 35 and above, well the early head start just does not seem to matter. And, all that said, let child do many things at age 10, learn where their skills and interest lies. THEIRS, not the parents. But, in this case, I suppose child will always be provided best equipment no matter what. Then, they just have no concept of how the majority of us humans must sacrifice and make financial choices throughout life. Must be nice. But ALL of my opinions are just that, my own, based on my experience in my life. This is this family's/child's life, and if that is how they see it best, be my guest. (Note that the little singer Jackie said in an interview at about age 14 that she could not read music. If one is providing the best, shouldn't that also include the best preparation for life or a career? Including the hard learning part? Perfect example. Sure, talent, making career in music at young age, great! But will this person be prepared to function as a 35 year old? Can she enter a college prepared?) Now, having said this, I will now "reveal" I was myself "advanced" student and started college early-EVEN not having top equipment or money. And I had to work study and pay off loans. When it all comes out in the wash, as an adult, it did not put me further ahead in the long run. GUESS WHAT? Those that had family money to set them up in life still "got ahead" as far as moving faster on financial track. So, I guess, if a family can always do this, good for them. Hope those of you out in the world like myself, if not great means but plenty of talent and skills, without provided advantages, can feel proud that they made it on their own! i would hate to be the kid sitting next to her in school band playing on best plastic clarinet my family could rent, thinking I was not as talented because my instrument could not show my ability to the best...
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2015-05-30 22:15
No, but why purposely hold back someone if money is not the underlying factor?
Go for the best you can. Don't hold yourself back.
................Paul Aviles
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Author: ClaireAnnette
Date: 2015-05-30 23:00
Is the R13 going to hold someone back? Or Protege or Backun?
Be careful in answers! LOL
Only playing a MOBA will not hold them back?
I was not suggesting child use any instrument that will hold them back.
But I guess some would give a child a Rolls Royce to learn to drive a car as a Lexus might hold them back...
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Author: maxopf
Date: 2015-05-31 01:20
@DavidBlumberg: I had a chance to try your student Jay's MoBa at a clarinet competition we both participated in. It was a pretty awesome instrument, I have to say - very solidly built, easy to play in tune and produce a nice tone on. Would definitely purchase one for myself if I had the money.
I still won the competition on a 70-year-old "pre-R13", so I wouldn't say not having a MoBa held me back so much as to be a detriment to my playing (although it certainly wouldn't have hurt to play one, lol - I'm totally jealous of that instrument)
Post Edited (2015-05-31 02:46)
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Author: Johan H Nilsson
Date: 2015-05-31 01:54
ClaireAnette, if you break your lengthy post into paragraphs I will give you a MoBa for free.
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Author: ClaireAnnette
Date: 2015-05-31 02:34
I do, which is exactly why I would not recommend immediately for 10 year old:-)
LOL
It took many years for someone to find and apply these differences AND make it available to clarinetists.
I am sure most have looked up the differences. I just know my age 10 band mates just, well...did not have that great a collective ear. So I gave intonation as an example. But it does not matter, get whatever for your kids; they will ultimately grow up to be humans! Sigh...despite all of our best efforts!!! I did not mean to criticize ones child rearing, I just think it is a bit much...and the differences are to benefit the more advanced player. But if folks want to teach their kids to drive in a Rolls Royce, who am I to question that? I would provide a more practical car that would hold up among the assault of their less fortunate peers! Ten year old does not live on an island, and middle school-that can be a battleground for the girls at least!
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2015-05-31 02:38
Max - for the sound that I go for, it made a big difference in ease of getting that sound. Jay is still developing 
And of course for a 10 yr old, anything better than a plastic Buffet is almost overkill.
Plastic Yamahas I have been seeing come from Indonesia, I am less than impressed with.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: maxopf
Date: 2015-05-31 02:45
@DavidBlumberg: By the way I didn't mean for that to sound like a criticism of Jay. He's really an awesome clarinetist and I'm sure he could've won as well - the judges said it was an extremely close competition and it mostly came down to really small details, and that the results might have been totally different if the competition were repeated.
I also didn't mean to suggest that the MoBa can't make a difference, it certainly can (hence my jealousy of his instrument haha)
Post Edited (2015-05-31 02:46)
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Author: ClaireAnnette
Date: 2015-05-31 02:51
Here you go, the whole list is my witness, do you need my address where to send it?
Comment in paragraphs for a MOBA clarinet:
I am not opposed to students having the best for the student.
However, the MAIN quality of the MOBA is the low F tuning vent. And for the pro levels the tuning in general.
I can say this from authority being trained as a dentist. A child at 10 (not 13) does not have the dental or skeletal or muscular development that is present with some maturity. No matter how talented or skilled, one cannot change human development and anatomy.
My point was that for this level of physical development, I personally, feel this was a bit much. I had to wait until being an adult and earn money myself, even though I could have used much sooner.
Also, I got my first R13 A at age 13 and I had to raise my own $450 at the time as my parents could not afford. At age 10, I had boosey and Hawkes. That did until age 16 when I saved and bought Buffet Bb at age 16.
I competed with those with better, and still did well. At age 10,the only ensembles were those at school-and trust me, a low F vent would have not helped that group to play in better in tune.
So, what is demand or NEED for that degree of tuning. Parents may provide whatever they choose for the child, but is it the CHILD that is asking for this, or the parent living vicariously wanting that for their child? Would a 10 year old even KNOW physics to know 440 vs. 442??
I suppose, I was not provided a car at 16 either. And when I got one, age 24, used, again my own money. I did not go out and crash it and appreciated it. Did not get a new car until age 35! When that other car was about gone!
And a very responsible 10 year old could care for clarinet, but how about the classmates? I know it was all I could do not to get my Boosey and Hawkes damaged by OTHERS!!!
My point, what is the advantage from kid's view, NOT parents, for getting a clarinet designed for advanced player performing with ensembles that do demand intonation?
Oh, it is nice this child could be provided the best. I am sure they have best of all that can be provided. But, like I say, from realistic point of view, I still believe this a bit of an over purchase for a 10 year old, I would not say same for a serious 13 year old.
Working with lots of children, I still think there is benefit in having a child work towards goals. Maybe, "If you stick with it and work hard, I will get you this other model later. But now, I want you to prove to ME how dedicated YOU are to this endeavor".
Also, I do not know if a great clarinet will make one a better player? Maybe can get farther faster? Might even show up errors more?
On mine, I found I could accomplish what I had been trained and practiced to do on my others because it did what it is supposed to do. BUT, I had to be trained and know how to do these first.
A 10 year old, no matter when they started or how talented, would not have physical developmental maturity to completely be able to voice for example.
Also, they do not even have all their key permanent teeth, probably even tooth gaps.
Anyway, I hope those comments as to physical maturity make sense? And the comments about group situations available to a 10 year old, not even in middle school, as far as tuning demands.
I will bet the kid's contemporaries are not even on R13 and perhaps on an E11 if the band director is lucky. So, what other instruments is the kid tuning too? So what is wrong with a Protege or R13 to STILL be an advantage, give child chance to develop?
OTHER than parent had means to buy more and the end result being the poor kid like myself, who MIGHT have more drive and interest, to be very frustrated because I could not afford such?
Is the kid with the MOBA going to sound better all things being equal? Yes. So poor kid like me might just give up all hope. This is to satisfy the adult need to have greatest material assets IMO.
Unless some unbiased instructor actually recommended this as best for child. Maybe child could be that talented.
But, just remembering circumstances as a 10 year old player, I think child at this age could do just as well and become a fine clarinetist with a R13 or Protege. Or similar level. Unless this child is currently auditioning for a professional job in which case intonation is important.
We try to push children to be next big thing. When they reach age 35 and above, well the early head start just does not seem to matter. And, all that said, let child do many things at age 10, learn where their skills and interest lies. THEIRS, not the parents.
But, in this case, I suppose child will always be provided best equipment no matter what. Then, they just have no concept of how the majority of us humans must sacrifice and make financial choices throughout life. Must be nice.
But ALL of my opinions are just that, my own, based on my experience in my life. This is this family's/child's life, and if that is how they see it best, be my guest. (Note that the little singer Jackie said in an interview at about age 14 that she could not read music. If one is providing the best, shouldn't that also include the best preparation for life or a career? Including the hard learning part? Perfect example. Sure, talent, making career in music at young age, great! But will this person be prepared to function as a 35 year old? Can she enter a college prepared?)
Now, having said this, I will now "reveal" I was myself "advanced" student and started college early-EVEN not having top equipment or money. And I had to work study and pay off loans. When it all comes out in the wash, as an adult, it did not put me further ahead in the long run.
GUESS WHAT? Those that had family money to set them up in life still "got ahead" as far as moving faster on financial track. So, I guess, if a family can always do this, good for them. Hope those of you out in the world like myself, if not great means but plenty of talent and skills, without provided advantages, can feel proud that they made it on their own!
I would hate to be the kid sitting next to her in school band playing on best plastic clarinet my family could rent, thinking I was not as talented because my instrument could not show my ability to the best...
FINAL NOTE: it is difficult to see this box on my screen so difficult to tell resulted formating! But I will be looking for that clarinet!!
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2015-05-31 04:22
Main quality of the MoBa compared to the Backun is the low F, but both are different from the other lines.
Including Backun lower lines. It's not just key work and fanciness.
Bore completely different.
It's always the player not the instrument of course, but quality can make life a lot easier.
R-13 of course is quality too!
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: maxopf
Date: 2015-05-31 04:25
The one I tried definitely did have a different sort of resistance than a Buffet. Do you know what about the bore is different?
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Author: Chad
Date: 2015-05-31 05:07
Owning the best clarinet money can buy at age 10? Sounds great, if I'm honest.
Potentially never having the thrill, joy and excitement of a new and better instrument for the next 70-80 years of playing? I dunno.
I like getting new and better things if I'm honest. Even at the 'ripe' old age of 40.
If nothing else this has got me all nostalgic. Think I'll break out the old B12 my mom got me for my 14th birthday. Damn, that was an amazing present.
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Author: WhitePlainsDave
Date: 2015-05-31 05:46
2 Questions
For those that had the opportunity to try several MoBa barrels on loan before making purchase, did you find that across time and reeds that you regularly picked the same few barrels of the lot as your favorites (even blindly)?
Is there something to be said, without mind you ever denying a child an instrument that will allow their potential to be realized, to withholding giving that child the best of everything, even if parents can afford it, for the purposes of simply raising kids to be responsible adults? Perhaps that's an off clarinet topic. I don't claim to know the answer, and I can certainly envision kids who were indulged in their passions, that still became very responsible adults.
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Author: ClaV
Date: 2015-05-31 10:54
WhitePlainsDave wrote:
> For those that had the opportunity to try several MoBa barrels on loan
> before making purchase, did you find that across time and reeds
> that you regularly picked the same few barrels of the lot as your favorites
> (even blindly)?
The barrel preference would be largely determined by a mouthpiece-reed combination (and a clarinetist, definitely). Practically, I feel it is easier to choose/adjust reeds for your preferred mouthpiece-barrel-(and clarinet) combination.
If you get barrels on a loan, humidity equilibration would be a huge factor not to miss (and it can easily take at least few days).
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Author: ClaireAnnette
Date: 2015-05-31 11:38
I would say there is good bit of resistance as compared to my own Buffets that I was accustomed.
Mine more resistent at first, got better. It is very even resistance across all ranges however. My Buffet was not enough resistance, and that was presenting issues for me. I NEEDED more. Then, I did change mouthpieces for a better feel and sound and adjusted reeds to it. This brought them to my perception of a desired tone or sound. But this also is one reason they can sound different in different hands.
These are brand new, so needs play in time. I am to understand it becomes more ideal in about a year or so. They need breaking in. So if that is main issue in not liking that at a quick try of the clarinet, do not let that deter you. They seem to sort of adjust meet the player in the middle in time.
But, to me, I like that this resistance is that way because it is SAME feeling in all ranges. Which to me means better feeling throat tone transitions and altissimo is same "effort" as any other note and very predictable. I just do not feel diffences going from and among ranges of clarinets. Indirectly it "feels" as if player does not work as hard. So, in summary, yes resistance feels different, but this is advantage. Also, wood does not seem to be as changeable with changes in humidity. Consistent feel regardless. Keys definitely more secure and stable, no loss in motion. Like hitting typewriter keys of you can relate to that? Ok, like playing piano keys. The playability makes it very reliable and consistent.
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Author: ClaireAnnette
Date: 2015-05-31 11:48
Yes, I believe he mentioned to me his daughter has a basset. And not the hound! LOL so I guess that is what one gets after a MOBA...at age 13...
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Author: Johan H Nilsson
Date: 2015-05-31 12:02
Thanks, ClaireAnnette. My brain can finally read your post. I have sent the MoBa clarinet on e-mail.
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Author: Johan H Nilsson
Date: 2015-05-31 12:45
For a 10 year old I see these things as most important on a clarinet (not considering mouthpiece and reed, which might be more important):
1. Pads that seal well and a well-adjusted mechanism.
2. Acceptable tuning (if you get used to playing out-of-tune in young years I cannot see how you will play in-tune later).
3. Low difference in resistance over the register break (can vary between clarinets even when the pads seal well).
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Author: ClaireAnnette
Date: 2015-05-31 14:16
Have not received it, but I believe it was that you would "GIVE me a MOBA" to mean a REAL ONE!!! 😁 Do you need the web page address from wich you may acquire to give me? (You did not say a picture of one...if that was the idea!)
Isn't that what he said folks?
😂😂😂😂😂😂😱😱😱😮😮😮😮😏😉😉😉
> Thanks, ClaireAnnette. My brain can finally read your post. I
> have sent the MoBa clarinet on e-mail.
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Author: Johan H Nilsson
Date: 2015-05-31 22:32
ClaireAnnette, accept that you have just been scammed. It happens regularly on the internet.
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Author: Jbosacki
Date: 2015-06-03 08:06
I actually just bought a 66 Grenadilla Moba and it came in the mail today. I've been using a Traditional Barrel (grenadilla) that I picked from a large lot about 7 years and my Traditional bell (Grenadilla) for about 6 months
While I've only had it a day and only played it for about an hour already it's showing me just how much a barrel can change. I'm very excited to see if it's something that will replace my traditional barrel.
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