 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Tabitha
Date: 2014-08-24 03:48
I'm not necessarily new to this forum, but this is my first post, so I'm sorry if I do something wrong.
A little background information
I am going into my second year of college (and second semester of music education), and since I have started taking private lessons and progressing, I have become unsatisfied with my current instrument, a Schreiber W (I think. It is for sure whichever Schreiber was made exactly like the E11). I'm pretty happy with my current mouthpiece/reed setup, Vandoren M15 with V12 3.5s, though I am thinking of eventually moving up to a 4. My private teacher has told me that if I am unsatisfied that he would not stop me from getting a new clarinet, but that he hasn't recommended it yet because I'm not a performance major. I was playing around on a few friends' clarinets and noticed that 4 of the 5 made me sound better. They were all professional models, so I was thinking of trying to find a professional model that suited me well. I was thinking of starting with trying R-13s which made up 3 of the 4 clarinets that I was playing around on, but I'm also open to other suggestions.
My question is, would you suggest that I move to a professional instrument (or just get a new one) or because I'm an Ed major, would it even be worth it?
Also any information or suggestions for anything would be greatly appreciated.
Post Edited (2014-08-24 05:17)
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2014-08-24 04:07
This is an area that causes me some consternation. My feeling is that the ONLY constraint on using the best possible equipment (even as a rank beginner) would be one of your ability to afford the equipment. A well made, well tuned, well adjusted instrument can ONLY make playing and learning easier. Besides the argument of talking someone into something they cannot afford, there is no rational reason to use a LESS satisfactory instrument PERIOD.
................Paul Aviles
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Author: gsurosey
Date: 2014-08-24 04:14
Do your friends use the barrels that came with their clarinets, or did they get some others? Have you tried some different barrels on your current clarinet? If you're satisfied with your mouthpiece and your clarinet is well-maintained, a new barrel may do the trick.
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Rachel
Clarinet Stash:
Bb/A: Buffet R13
Eb: Bundy
Bass: Royal Global Max
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Author: James S
Date: 2014-08-24 04:21
If you want me to run you through Buffet's whole pro line gimme a call or shoot me an email
James Sullivan
Owner, James' Clarinet Shop
Www.jamesclarinetshop.com
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Author: as9934
Date: 2014-08-24 04:34
The barrel is a great option if you want to save money and like your current clarinet. Check out Backun, Clark Fobes, Allan Seagal and Muncy out. If you are sure about a new instrument you should check out ta Buffet r13 , a Selmer Presence, and a Backun Protege . All are great horns for about $2k-3.5k new and possibly cheaper used or online.Try before you buy!!! You can also look into older models of other good professional instruments online on sites like eBay and craiglist.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Wind Ensemble
Buffet E11 clarinet , Vandoren Masters CL6 13 series mouthpiece w/ Pewter M/O Ligature, Vandoren V12 3.5
Yamaha 200ad clarinet, Vandoren B45 mouthpiece, Rovner ligature
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Author: TomS
Date: 2014-08-24 04:36
I'd only change clarinets, at this point, if it makes an immediate and significant improvement in your playing, that is verified by your teacher's ears.
Before buying a new instrument, have a really good service tech check your current clarinet. Often, some good repair/adjustments and maybe a new barrel will freshen up your sound and you will feel like you have a new clarinet.
Unless your instrument is really holding you back, your money is better spent on more/better lessons.
If you feel compelled to upgrade, try the Ridenour instruments. They cost 1/3 to 1/2 the price of a new R13 and play very well. IMHO, you may find them better in tune, smoother note to note and register to register blowing resistance and with a warmer and more uniform sound. They are also made of hard rubber, which is more stable and immune from cracking.
As far a Buffets, give the Festival a play. More expensive but somewhat better than the R13, I think ... a really nice horn.
Selmer has a new clarinet (I haven't played it) that competes, price wise, with the R13. Getting good reviews and comments ...
Before deciding, be sure that each trial instrument is well adjusted by a good technician. Sometimes, really great clarinets get overlooked, when all they need is a little TLC ...
Best of luck.
Tom
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