 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Ben Shaffer
Date: 2015-05-23 18:39
Quick question....
I am an Adult Learner.
I currently have a Leblanc Normandy and use Mitchel Laurie reeds and have a Vito MP with a Hite Premier one on the way to me.
To be honest I don't see myself playing anything in the Future more complicated than the Pieces in the Rubank Supplement Book.
My question is should I move up to a" better" Clarinet or just stay the course with the Normandy?
I do like how the Normandy sounds and plays and just want to make sure its not going to be holding me back.
Would a better Instrument in fact be that much better in sound quality and ease of playing?
So is the Normandy a Horn that will be a good Instrument for all of my future easy playing?
Ben Shaffer
Greensboro,NC
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Mirko996
Date: 2015-05-23 19:23
Hi Dear:
Leblanc isn't orrible instrument in my opinion but in some chase for take better a instrument is change the mounthpiece: I'm using pomarico for a lot of time and difference with vandoren that the sound is better, mistake are reducted but the principaly problem is one: Clarinet.
The clarinet in the complex because you could Have a good clarinet and your is nice buy without decent mounthpiece and adapted reeds you cannot play clarinet, mounthpiece there're lot of mounthpiece but there's not one perfect: there're lot of mounthpiece: eban, plastic, glass (aren't easy to find but i have one mounthpiece made of glass) and the commonly used is cristal and i know the reason but i cannot explain here. The reeds are more than mounthpiece and are realized for a two player: Classical and Jazzist. if you are jazzist you will use open mounthpiece and soft reeds (1 - 1 1/2 - 2 ) Brand rico, lavoz, selmer, plasticover [...]. If you are classical you usually use close mounthpiece and strong reeds (2 - 2 1/2 etc..) brand like vandoren, pomarico (gonzales), Rico Royal, Mitchel [...]
I think that if you change mounthpiece the sound will be better in my opinion and if you try different reeds: if you fell good with that use it.
The clarinet isn't orrible how i say before but if you fell that isn't the clarinet you wish you can buy clarinet with high brand for example Patricola (i have patricola and isn't bad) or buffet & crampon or Backun (More expensive...)
Post Edited (2015-05-24 02:33)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: GLHopkins
Date: 2015-05-23 21:15
There is nothing wrong with a Normandy clarinet. Make sure it's in top playing condition, and since you'll be playing on a better mouthpiece (IMO) I'd focus on playing and having a good time.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: nellsonic
Date: 2015-05-24 00:38
I agree that a Normandy is probably a very good choice for you, if it's in top playing condition. A good tech or teacher could quickly assess that for you. This is an instrument that can produce a very nice tone. That's not to say that you wouldn't potentially get more enjoyment out of a more professional clarinet, but unless money is no issue, your best value is likely the instrument you have. It won't be holding you back at all at this point, and if you did advance to the point where it was holding you back, you'd be in a much better position at that time to evaluate which clarinet would be the most appropriate next step up for you.
Anders
Post Edited (2015-05-24 03:30)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Neil
Date: 2015-05-24 05:58
If you want a better instrument and can reasonably afford it, I say go for it. There's no point in going to your grave wishing you'd done it. Do your homework and determine what you really want and what's going to be best for you.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ursa
Date: 2015-05-27 23:12
Ben, you did not mention whether your Normandy is a wooden or plastic clarinet.
If wooden, invest the time now to learn all about properly maintaining a fine wooden clarinet. Keeping the keywork clean and oiled, keeping the pivot screws and rods in good adjustment, and especially being able to oil the bore without messing up the pads are valuable skills you can develop now. Your Normandy will play better, and if you do get a different wooden clarinet someday, you'll have the peace of mind of knowing that you will give it the very best of care and minimize the potential for cracks.
The wooden Normandys are actually quite well made, with a medium-large bore that works well for many playing situations and very durable keywork that is resistant to wear and bending. Even if you get a professional clarinet someday, you will probably want to keep your Normandy around as a spare instrument for those times when your pro clarinet is in the shop or otherwise out of service. So, take care of your Normandy keeping in mind that it could be your faithful companion through many decades of clarinet playing.
If you have a plastic Normandy, these instruments are perfectly OK to get started on but these were made way back in the 1950s and 60s and there are better choices available. The plastic used to make the bodies can become brittle over time and the centre tenon can snap off easily if you drop or knock over your clarinet. I would suggest replacing a plastic Normandy with something more modern once you're certain you're going to stick with clarinet playing.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
