 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: emmett1235
Date: 2016-01-27 18:32
I'm a sophomore music education major working toward my degree and I'm constantly being told that I need to buy a higher level instrument. But my current monetary situation won't allow it. I also spend 80% of my performances on bass clarinet. My main question is this: Is my clarinet and mouth piece configuration suitable for a player of my level?
Clarinet: Accent CL512P (German) -- Modeled after the Buffet B12 -- Wood, Silver keys
Mouth Piece: Gigliotti Maestro A440 (or 442, I am not certain of which).
I typically play on Vandoren Blue Label 3's.
Northern and Southern Indiana
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2016-01-27 19:01
As an educator you will find that you don't have to play so much at all. The idea is knowing what your students need to know so that you can correct errors and lead them in the right direction.
As you say, if you spend more time on other instruments (such as bass clarinet) then there is no need to be picky about your soprano Bb.
Although I would say that I have never run into an instrument quite as bad as the Buffet B12 (at least one above $30). The problem with the B12 is that the intonation is all over the map. You play one note, and it's at one pitch center, then move to the next note only to find it much sharper, move to the next note only to find it is somewhere in between or even flat to the first. HORRIBLE
But if you only need to know fundamentals and teach fundamentals, I see no conflict.
...............Paul Aviles
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2016-01-27 19:42
While a professional clarinet is nice to have, it's not worth putting yourself in debt for.
While I don't like the buffet student line clarinets, I can say form experience that the Accent clarinets are actually pretty decent instruments. The wood Accent is actually based off of the Buffet E11. Your current setup, while not perfect, is definitely workable and as long as you put in the effort you should do well and even prosper. And if people keep telling you to upgrade to a better clarinet just put a piece of black tape over the logo and say it's an R13
-Jdbassplayer
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Author: SarahC
Date: 2016-01-28 02:07
Haha. As a teacher I am always pondering this.
My students rarely buy professional level instruments. They are then trying to do grade 8 on inferior instruments. My personal thought is that a "student violin" won't cut it at all for grade 8. They are basically uncarved, and so the wood doesn't vibrate the same.
But when it comes to flute, a student level instrument doesn't "help" u, but it doesn't hinder u as such either. You have to work harder to get an amazing tone... and u can get it amazing enough for grade 8... it is just more effort.
I assume that clarinet is similar. With my little knowledge, my armstrong (with a good mouthpiece) does everything it needs to. The tone isn't devine, but it isn't horrid either.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-01-28 04:41
There are always plenty of good used intermediate and pro level clarinets for sale, but they can vary massively in condition and cost. Sometimes you can find a relatively unused one for a good price and other times you can find a well worn one for far more than it's worth.
One thing to expect whenever buying a used clarinet is either having it serviced to get it into playable condition or more expensively, fully overhauled if it hasn't been already done and done well prior to sale and done by a reputable repairer. Some listings may say 'recently serviced' or 'completely overhauled', but take that with a massive pinch of salt as more often than not, most players and sellers can be a bit clueless.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: emmett1235
Date: 2016-01-28 18:12
JDBassPlayer was correct. I was mistaken when saying B12. My Accent is a model of the E11, which is a better horn in my opinion. So you all think my set up is good enough for now? I've always preferred bass to soprano and wanted to take my primary studies on bass. But my institution wouldn't allow it. I just don't have the money to buy my own bass. Though I may get to declared bass as my primary after my sophomore barrier jury next semester. I may get to play on a 3 year old Buffet Pro bass then!
Northern and Southern Indiana
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-01-28 23:56
Are there any grant trusts or scholarship type things that could donate the funds to go towards the purchase or even buy a bass or Bb/A set of clarinets outright for you while you're in full time higher/further education?
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: emmett1235
Date: 2016-01-29 04:52
I haven't thought to try that. I feel like that could be a viable option! I'll have to ask about that and see if it's possible.
Northern and Southern Indiana
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2016-01-30 23:28
Hey Silversorcerer,
Do you need to use any particular type of mouthpiece (in terms of pitch) to use the old Conn?
................Paul Aviles
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2016-02-01 14:10
Joshua: What, specifically, do your instructors find to be lacking in your Accent? It's possible that there are practical solutions other than replacing the instrument, and this forum is a great place to discuss your options.
And know this: It's not as if they're going to throw you out of school for refusing to buy a different clarinet.
Make the best of your current equipment situation--that's what you're learning to teach as a Music Ed major, isn't it? I sure hope so, or you'll have to figure THAT out ON THE JOB!
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