 The Clarinet BBoard
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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!
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Author: dorjepismo ★2017
Date: 2016-06-22 20:21
I'm not the person for brands, but know about returning after 20+ years. Sure, "going pro" is unrealistic, but your standards will probably be the same as before, or close. If sucking wasn't an option for you before you quit, it probably wouldn't be enjoyable for you now, so you might find yourself spending a lot more time with it than you expected. If you buy used, which is probably the thing to do, don't go too low of a model, and save some money to have a good repairperson go over it, and to get a decent mouthpiece. Regardless of whether anyone pays you to play, you can probably get at least as good as you were before if you want, and you might want.
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Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2016-06-22 21:04
I'd second the idea of buying a used instrument, well regulated by a competent repair person. I've had high school students who bought used Selmer 10Gs and Buffet R-13s for a third or less the price they would have paid for contemporary equivalents (R-13 is still made, of course). For the same money, they would only have gotten a fairly low level step up instrument in a new clarinet.
Mouthpieces are a puzzle, too. Probably the best bang-for-the-buck if you don't really know what you want would be a Vandoren (the variety of facings might be a little daunting) or a D'Addario (also available in a variety of tip openings, but I don't think different curve measurements).
My own recommendation for a starting facing in a Vandoren or a D'Addario would be one of the facings at the closer-tipped end of their offerings. I know someone will rave about a B40 or B45, and you may eventually prefer that, but IMO the Vandoren M13-M13 Lyre-M15-5RV end of the spectrum are easier to control at the beginning and not so expensive that a change later will be prohibitive. When I tried D'Addario mouthpieces for myself, I preferred the X0 or X5, which are, again, closer-tipped and, I think, more easily controlled. YMMV after you're back in some kind of shape, but by then you may decide go in an entirely different direction depending on the kind of playing you're doing.
Depending on the facing you choose, you may as well keep things simple and start with plain Ricos, anywhere between #2 and #3. Did you really mean you have Rico #6 leftovers? I didn't know they made anything harder than a #4 (the highest Rico strength I see on Weiner Music's website), and most players by the time they think they need anything harder than a #3-1/2 have moved on to other brands. If I'm not misreading and the 6 wasn't a typo, I can well imagine that nothing came out when you tried a #6 reed after all those years of not playing.
Karl
Karl
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Author: Burt
Date: 2016-06-22 21:11
There are many R-13s and pre-R13s on the market. Sometimes you can find a used Ridenour 576. Any of these should be less than $1000.
Burt
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2016-06-22 22:27
Sometimes finding clarinets can be the easy part. A good affordable mouthpiece could be the sticker! If I may suggest, I would aim toward a Clark W Fobes "Debut" mouthpiece. They have an easy 1mm facing on a moderate lay, and all reports are saying that it is a marvelous mouthpiece. Considered a Student Line, but, extreme quality and easy-to-play! All for the $30 range! Combine that with a less expensive Rovner Ligature set-up for around $20, and probably Rico is okay to start - 2 or 2-1/2. You'll soon migrate to different reeds, as you progress.
For horns - $500 should get you a good Leblanc, that will probably need a repad or at least regulation and some pads - figure $100 to $250. Or in the same price area a Selmer Series 10, but one of those for $500 would probably be one that needs an overhaul, probably in the $300 to $400 range.
Great to hear you're coming back to Clarinet! Keep us posted on both - You and your son's progress!
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
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Author: jthole
Date: 2016-06-22 23:23
When I returned to clarinet playing, I bought a used Buffet pro clarinet that was overhauled by a well known repairer. I am very happy with this instrument, but in hindsight I should have looked at other brands than Buffet Crampon as well, especially Yamaha. On the other hand, I am glad that I bought used; I could not have afforded a new Buffet pro clarinet.
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