 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Flesh God
Date: 2019-01-29 18:09
So, some years ago I heard the brahms piano and clarinet sonatas, and now several years later I have decided to go on a path so I will be able to play them.
So now im stuck wondering what clarinet I should buy... I have a budget on around 400$, so I were looking recently (today) on some used clarinets, and I did find one that I can go look at. Tho the thought of buying a totally new unused clarinet feels more safe, but maybe I get better quality if I buy a older one.
Leblanc Noblet Paris, serial number; A97149
So I looked the serial number up (http://www.woodwind.org/clarinet/Equipment/HowOld/Leblanc.html) And it´s from 1980, so I got scared for that considering it´s so old, tho I do not know if
it´s a bad thing it is.
Here is the advert on the clarinet in question, https://mobil.blocket.se/annons/stockholm/klarinett_noblet_paris___bra_skolklarinett/82333327 it all stands in Swedish, tho the picture might be to help.
Im greatful for all the help I get :D
Post Edited (2019-01-29 18:10)
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Author: Ken Lagace
Date: 2019-01-29 18:20
This might help to learn how to look and what to look for.
http://www.clarinetpages.net/clarinet-shopping-advice
I also have many old clarinets lying around and could put together a nice playing clarinet and mouthpiece at a fair price. Email if interested.
Post Edited (2019-01-29 18:28)
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2019-01-29 18:25
As far as clarinets go, 1980 is practically brand new...
But seriously, you shouldn't worry too much about age. My main instrument is from 1955 and my bass is from 1954.
Noblets are good clarinets all around. Just make sure there are no cracks and is in good condition.
Also don't forget about the mouthpiece. A good mouthpiece is more important than a good clarinet. Don't just settle for the stock mouthpiece!
-Jdbassplayer
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Author: Flesh God
Date: 2019-01-29 18:34
Ken Lagace
Sounds interesting, tho I really don´t know anything about clarinets, i´ve just started since yesterday to learn about them, the only thing I really know is that I want, either a Bb-Clarinet or a A-Clarinet, since im really intrested in classical music. Tho Bb-Clarinets seems to be way cheaper overall.
But yes, I am intrested in what you have, tho I live in Sweden so im afraid of what the shipping would be.
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Author: Flesh God
Date: 2019-01-29 18:35
jdbassplayer
Mouthpiece, so if I buy a used clarinet, I will more likely have the need to buy a new mouthpiece?
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2019-01-29 18:42
Flesh God wrote:
> jdbassplayer
>
> Mouthpiece, so if I buy a used clarinet, I will more likely
> have the need to buy a new mouthpiece?
It would be a good idea. If you can, go to a music store where you can try different mouthpiece.
But if you are an absolute beginner I would recommend starting with a Fobes Debut, Behn Overture or Hite Premier. These are all great beginner mouthpieces and can be purchased inexpensively over the internet.
-Jdbassplayer
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Author: Flesh God
Date: 2019-01-29 18:54
jdbassplayer
Since I know I want to continue to play, why not buy a more expensive one at the beginning? Or is there more of a difference than JUST the quality of it?
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2019-01-29 19:05
Flesh God wrote:
> jdbassplayer
>
> Since I know I want to continue to play, why not buy a more
> expensive one at the beginning? Or is there more of a
> difference than JUST the quality of it?
Good question. It will take a few years for your embrocure and tone to fully develop. Sure you could spend more on a professional mouthpiece, but just be aware that there are many different types of mouthpieces with different facings. Whatever mouthpiece you buy now may not work for you a few years from now. I find it better to learn how to play with a basic setup first before you start trying to upgrade to expensive equipment.
Besides, the mouthpieces I mentioned are all good quality and are more than good enough for any beginner or intermediate player.
-Jdbassplayer
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Author: Flesh God
Date: 2019-01-29 20:02
jdbassplayer
I had no idea of this information, thank you! I will look into more detail about the ones you listed.
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Author: NBeaty
Date: 2019-01-29 20:08
"Since I know I want to continue to play, why not buy a more expensive one at the beginning? Or is there more of a difference than JUST the quality of it?"
I agree with Jdbass, if you're a true beginner it's not worth going out and spending hundreds of dollars on a mouthpiece. However, there are affordable mouthpieces that will carry you through many years of service.
D'Addario Reserve X0 and the Vandoren M13 Lyre are both about $100 and are/have been used by professionals in major universities and ensembles.
After a few years of playing, you may want something different.
MOST IMPORTANTLY: Find a competent teacher that you can study with so you don't end up spinning your wheels and learning bad habits. You can scour the internet forever and find great information, but there's no replacement for having someone one on one who can lead you in the right direction.
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Author: ClarinetRobt
Date: 2019-01-29 20:09
I'll second the quality of all of the mouthpieces (though I'll admit the Hite is my least favorite) JDBassPlayer has mentioned. Bang for Buck it's hard to go wrong with any of them. You'll hard pressed to find a better quality mouthpiece for $35!
~Robt L Schwebel
Mthpc: Behn Vintage
Lig: Ishimori, Behn Delrin
Reed: Legere French Cut 3.75/4, Behn Brio 4
Horns: Uebel Superior (Bb,A), Ridenour Lyrique, Buffet R13 (Eb)
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Author: Dan Shusta
Date: 2019-01-30 02:39
I wholeheartedly agree with Nathan about finding a competent teacher.
Looking back over 50 years ago at the techniques that my first teacher taught me, I can honestly say that not only did he not know what he was doing, but, he instilled within me "bad habits" which, unfortunately, later in life, led to my development of embouchure dystonia.
Whenever I read "find a good or competent teacher", I become rather saddened in that there is where it usually ends. I don't believe I've ever read what constitutes a "good" or "competent" teacher.
How is a true beginner actually going to do this? What are they supposed to be looking for?
To me, if the individual doesn't have at least a Masters in Clarinet Performance, I would most definitely look elsewhere. However, that's just my opinion.
Nathan, may I impose upon you to define what constitutes a "competent" teacher to you?
I'm also interested in what others have to say about what really constitutes a "good" or "competent" teacher. Actually I would rather prefer "excellent" or "highly competent" instructor.
So, Nathan and everybody else, how should "Flesh God" go about finding an appropriate teacher or instructor or whatever words you would use to define this person?
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Author: Bennett ★2017
Date: 2019-01-30 03:08
If there's a music store where you live (or close by) that sells clarinets, ask them for the name of a teacher. Or consult the music department in a nearby college.
A teacher can help you select a clarinet - perhaps rent one for a while to get your feet wet. It's going to be a long long time before you'll be able to play Brahms, (unless you already have a solid musical background on another instrument - then it will only take a long time.)
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2019-01-30 03:18
With regard to buying a Bb clarinet or an A clarinet. Your first instrument should be a Bb. Most of the music you will play will be written for the Bb and if you play with a band, be it concert or jazz, you will be playing a Bb. The A clarinet is mostly used for orchestral music, and even there most music is written for the Bb instrument.
Tony F.
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Author: NBeaty
Date: 2019-01-30 20:08
I think there are two questions being asked by Dan.
1) What makes a teacher competent
- experience teaching beginners
- emphasis on proper fundamentals of embouchure and air support (not a bite-and-blow B40 with #5 reeds).
-has at least a bachelor's in education and/or performance
-has a good reputation from current and former students as well as other teachers in the area
-charges a rate consistent with the area
2) How does a beginner find a competent teacher.
-contact the local university/college professor, if there is one
-if not, contact local middle/high schools to see who they recommend (best to contact several just in case)
-if neither of those work, post here on the bboard with your location and see if anyone knows a nearby teacher
-online lessons. While not ideal, since nothing can replace being in the same room 1 on 1, online lessons can still give you good information and get you started in the right direction. Ideally, it would be someone who has beginner experience.
There's plenty more to add to both questions, just my thoughts at the moment.
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Author: Tom H
Date: 2019-01-31 09:48
I won't add much to the already good ideas above.
I recently bought a new Selmer student model for $150 Canadian. Student models have really come down in price.
I would suggest a good mouthpiece whether you buy the clarinet new or used. I use the Vandoren 5RV.
Try out several clarinets and mouthpieces before you buy.
Top pro clarinets (Buffet R13) have soared in price to $4-6,000 U.S.
The Most Advanced Clarinet Book--
tomheimer.ampbk.com/ Sheet Music Plus item A0.1001315, Musicnotes product no. MB0000649.
Boreal Ballad for unaccompanied clarinet-Sheet Music Plus item A0.1001314.
Musicnotes product no. MNO287475
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