The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

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

Previous Message | Next Message

Suggestion for a "Returner"

Author: Adrian_B-flat
Date: 2016-06-22 19:45

Hi all-

Background: I played the clarinet "for real" from 4th grade to the end of college (from around 1978-1993) in community, concert, jazz, marching, and pep bands, pit orchestra, and "colonial ensemble". However, due to a mix of "life happening" and laziness and lack of inspiration, haven't played for years. I don't even remember what I did with the clarinet I played (I moved five times since the last time I played). During that time, I also played saxophone (tenor and bari) and trombone. Between then and now, I think a few years after not playing, I tried to play ANYTHING on my clarinet and I could barely get a note out with the Rico 6 reeds that were still in the case.

Today: My son will be starting fourth grade soon and chose to take up the clarinet. I intend to go the rental route with my son until we see if he wants to keep going with it before making a purchase. My son's school already provided suggestions for music stores and brands for the beginner from which they can buy a good quality instrument. My twin brother, who played/plays alto- and tenor-sax during the same time I played clarinet, re-took up playing the saxophone again last year and, currently, plays with his community band.

The "issue": All of this music playing is, at least, inspiring me to "return" to playing the clarinet- at least for my own enjoyment and to engage in an activity with my son- with an eye on, perhaps, seeking out my community (the nearby one anyway) band. But, first, not only do I need to see if I have any chops left after having not played for 23 years, I need to get a clarinet. Something I can re-learn on, "exercise" with, and enjoy playing in an "unserious" manner with one eye maybe looking at going farther with it. I have no aspirations to "go pro" as it were- just casual semi-serious playing...for fun.

The question: Never mind knowing almost nothing about clarinet brands/quality anymore- I don't even know what kind of reed to get - I'm pretty sure I'd have to come close to starting over to rebuild my embouchure. With that said, what type (student, intermediate, pro) and brand clarinet would you guys suggest that I could use to rebuild my skills bearing in mind the "maybe" that I might want to join a local band at some time? I'm reluctant to spend too much on it yet as it's been a while but I'd ball-park my budget at maybe $500. Is it better to go for a new/slightly-used student model or a used intermediate?

My brother said he found a guy on one of the players boards he frequents who is selling either a Yamaha 34 or a LeBlanc LL (differing prices...Yamaha easily below the budget and the LeBlanc a bit above budget) but I don't know if I benefit from those nor do I know how they compare to newer equipment. Thoughts?

Thanks for your time and suggestions!

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics