 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: neo
Date: 2013-07-28 13:39
hello,
I would like to start clarinet(Bb) and I need to start on the right foot, so I thought who better to ask than the clarinet players.
I am almost 11 years old, taller for my age, the question is whether I could start with a standard size clarinet or I should get the smaller size, for children.
2nd question is if you can advise me where to find a decent clarinet on a budget (I would like to spend no more than a couple hundred dollars for it). I won't mind an used one as long as it is good and it will last me a few good years without having to upgrade to another one. How do I recognize a clarinet on the market that will be good for me? If anybody is nice to enough to give me his opinion on some instruments that I might see online please let me know.
I already play violin, piano and bit of recorder, so I'm not new to music. Can you please recommend a good book/manual/method to follow? Good websites and any other kind of resources you might know.
I'm going to locate a local teacher to help me get going, but for now I have to rely on advice that I hope you'll be kind to share with me.
Many thanks in advance guys!
Neo.
Post Edited (2013-07-28 13:48)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2013-07-28 14:30
You should start out on a Bb clarinet which is the standard instrument in bands and the majority of clarinet music (with piano accompaniment) is written for, especially the music in the exam syllabus.
Are there any specialist music shops in Romania? Failing that, you should be able to order a good quality clarinet from any reputable woodwind specialists elsewhere in Europe.
Definitely seek advice from the best teacher as they will be able to advise you which system to learn on - as you're in Romania, chances are you'll have both Boehm (French) and German systems there, so choose the system which is most popular and familliar with fellow players and teachers alike.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2013-07-28 15:15
neo -
Try a Bb clarinet first. Since you already play recorder, you will be able to tell whether your hands are big enough to cover the holes and reach the keys. However, you really need to go to a teacher, who can look at your hands and see whether they're big enough.
There are plenty of used plastic student clarinets available for under $200. Any one from the "big four" makers (Selmer, Buffet, Leblanc, Yamaha) will be fine. They're all built to withstand student use (and abuse) and can be refurbished with fresh pads for not too high a price. Get a new mouthpiece, though, such as the Fobes Debut.
Any teacher will be able to recommend a good method book. The Rubank books are used everywhere, and the complete Klose method is available on-line, or, preferably, in a physical copy you can keep on your music stand. The Langenus and Lazarus method books are also tried and true. I learned from Lazarus.
Welcome to the wonderful world of the clarinet.
Ken Shaw
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Author: clarinetguy ★2017
Date: 2013-07-28 16:09
I agree with the others--get a standard B-flat clarinet.
Ken's advice is good. I think Vito student clarinets (from Leblanc) are wonderful instruments, and in the United States there are plenty of nice used ones for less than $200 (although I don't know if it's easy to obtain them in Romania). I also like Fobes Debut mouthpieces, although if you can't easily get one, Vito mouthpieces in good condition are fairly good.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2013-07-28 20:02
I also prefer the Vito as a bottom tier instrument. The entry level Yamahas should be good too but I have no experience with them. Some of the entry level Selmers and Buffets are less than worthless in my opinion and should be avoided at all costs.
...................Paul Aviles
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Author: FDF
Date: 2013-07-28 21:32
1. Standard B flat clarinet.
2. Used Ridenour.
3. Klose.
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Author: curlyev
Date: 2013-07-28 23:22
Get a standard, just as the others have said. If you are 11, your hands should be fine, most kids start Band around 10 or 11 and use standard clarinets. A student Vito was my very first clarinet, and I loved it and still have it, so I agree on that as well!
Clarinet: Wooden Bundy 1950s
Mthpc: WW Co. B6 refaced by Kurtzweil
Lig: Various Rovners
Barrel/Bell: Backun
Reeds: Legere 3.75
OKC Symphonic Band (just started this summer)
*playing 22 years (with a 5 year hiatus) and counting*
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Author: neo
Date: 2013-07-30 09:05
wow, you guys are amazing, thanks a lot for your input, I feel much more comfortable with the road ahead of me.
I didn't realize my current location is included with my message, but that's cool. I'm only here visiting, otherwise I'm a bit of a globe trotter around the edges of North America and Europe.
By the way, I became inspired with the clarinet upon listening to the beautiful clarinet music they have here in Transylvania. Pulled up a clip from youtube but it doesn't do justice to the music I hear "on the field"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Byv5cCsPGBI
many thanks again and best wishes.
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