Author: Anji
Date: 2001-04-11 12:07
Congrats on picking up the horn!
I'm knocking on the orchestra hall door, myself. My first year of preparation was good but, my 'unique' sense of timing is the limiting factor.
Along with the accoutrement of the horn, a good Metronome and tuner are really important.
Here's my standard newbie spiel;
1- It's all about the reed. This is THE gating element. If the reed doesn't perform,
nothing else will either. Check out the Legere synthetic reed, it really is good.
2- Get a medium-facing, medium-open mouthpiece, the best you can afford that
is readily available. As with any piece of musical equipment PLAY BEFORE
you purchase.
3- Lessons will make all the difference in the long haul. The first three weeks are
probably more important than any following period. If you already read music,
you're miles ahead of the pack.
4- Watch out for wrist strain, the thumbrest on these things should be reset to
keep your index finger and thumb directly opposed. A neckstrap, or modern
Super-Gizmo aftermarket thumbrest will both do the job. (I use a Gizmo.)
5- Retail prices for new horns are high. For that kind of money, it should have
4 doors and a steering wheel. As a cheapskate, I shop second-hand. The
Selmer Centered Tone, 9s and 10s have fantastic mechanics, good sound and
depressed prices. Cheap Buffets/Evettes (like my Master Model) are in more
demand, which drives prices up. Again, PLAY prior to purchase.
Congrats on picking up the Licorice Stick, it's a rewarding instrument.
Now where did I hide my GOOD reed?
anji
|
|
The Clarinet BBoard
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
