The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Newer Topic | Older Topic

14 Key 4 Ring Clarinet

Author: adit6490
Date: 2014-05-07 10:14

Hello,

I've always wanted to learn how to play the Sax and thought I would start by learning to play the Clarinet as I've heard the transition is a little easier [I'm from South India and I've been playing South Indian "Carnatic" Percussion for 7 years and I have no prior experience with woodwinds].

I very recently bought a 14 key 4 rings Clarinet [Still haven't tried it] as they seem to be the most popular & cheap clarinets in India but just read that they are really bad (mostly because they are outdated and also only good enough to hang on walls) and are not the ideal ones to start with (or play at all). I understand that the current "standard" clarinets are made of 17 keys and 6/7 rings and I wanted to know if:

1. Do I need to buy a 17 key clarinet and what are the differences between the 17 key and the 14 key clarinets?
2. If I can play the 14 key clarinet, which system of fingering do I use? The Albert system? And if yes, where can I find video tutorials or charts from which I can learn?

Also, do let me know if you have any other suggestions for a beginner.

[Thanks in advance and apologies for any grammatical & musical (syntax) errors and hope I did not offend anybody by buying a 14 key clarinet

]

Reply To Message

Re: 14 Key 4 Ring Clarinet

Author: Wes
Date: 2014-05-07 11:18

Most important is to get an instrument that works, regardless of key system, and is not too hard to play. Can you find a local clarinet instructor or school teacher to help you by helping you find an instrument? Perhaps a player in a local band could help you?

In India, you may find some very old high pitch instruments(HP) from the British Army days which are probably not good for you because of the pitch level(A453). The modern pitch(LP) instruments at A440 would be better, I believe.

I started as a teen ager on a simple system clarinet I bought for $7 and played it at a Minnesota school banquet six months later in a five piece "German Band".

When I worked in Ahmedabad, India in the 1970s, the Ritz Hotel there had a band of a drummer, a clarinet player, and a baritone saxophone player. The clarinet player used a simple system instrument and knew every western popular tune without need of music. They did not play Hindustani or Carnatic music. Good luck!

Reply To Message

Re: 14 Key 4 Ring Clarinet

Author: adit6490
Date: 2014-05-07 11:53

Hi Wes,

Thanks for the reply and advice. I'm simultaneously looking for clarinet instructors/experts who can take a look at my clarinet and tell me if it works or not.

In case it does, could you tell me where I can get notes or learn the basics for that particular type (i.e. if it differs from the 17 key - Which I presume it does)?

I'm planning to learn western music first and then try and see if I can make a transition to Carnatic with the instrument as the Sax sounds amazing for some of those songs.

Really appreciate your time and patience!

Cheers,

Aditya

Reply To Message

Re: 14 Key 4 Ring Clarinet

Author: cigleris
Date: 2014-05-07 13:11

Hi Aditya,

I principal clarinet with the Symphony Orchestra of India in Mumbai. You'll find Mumbai is the place where you will be able to get a "proper" clarinet and not those military type instruments that you currently have. I wonder when the Indian military will "upgrade"? They are very much a throwback from Imperial times.

I see your ISP is based in Chennai which is quite a distance from Mumbai. (we performed there in 2011) but I'm happy to help in trying to get you an instrument from somewhere like Furtardos in Mumbai. I will am back in Mumbai in September for the SOI season.

Please feel free to contact me offline.

Best wishes

Peter Cigleris

Reply To Message

Re: 14 Key 4 Ring Clarinet

Author: adit6490
Date: 2014-05-07 13:17

Hi Peter,

Thanks for the reply. really appreciate your help! Will contact you soon. Good luck!

Cheers,

Aditya

Reply To Message

Avail. Forums | Threaded View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

The Clarinet Pages

For Sale
Put your ads for items you'd like to sell here. Free! Please, no more than two at a time - ads removed after two weeks.