 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: m1964
Date: 2024-01-14 23:42
I wonder how many clarinets musicians have?
In your response, please, indicate if you are a pro or an amateur player, and if the clarinet is your primary instrument.
I am an amateur player, playing with a local band and with an amateur symphony orchestra.
I currently have a nice pair of Buffets, and also a Bb R13 from mid-70es and a Chinese plastic C clarinet (never used it since I got it as a gift from someone).
I am restoring another R13 from mid-60es right now. I know that I do not need it but I'd like to keep it if it turns out a good player. Am I crazy?
Thank you for your inputs.
Post Edited (2024-01-17 23:45)
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Author: Tom H
Date: 2024-01-15 02:32
10. Pro player. One Buffet R13 that I use for rehearsals/concerts. One Selmer student model for practicing on. In serious need of repair -- Buffets A, Eb & C.,3 other Bbs. "Lamp" worthy-- 2 --one is blue.
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
Post Edited (2024-01-15 02:34)
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Author: Musikat
Date: 2024-01-15 06:14
Avid amateur. I have 5. One student Yamaha that my son played in school; two vintage 1970s R13s, one Bb and one A (which I use for orchestra); an Uebel Superior that is now my main Bb; and a Yamaha pro Eb.
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Author: Julian ibiza
Date: 2024-01-15 11:10
The best way to collect clarinets without this triggering any suspicions regarding your mental health, is to moving in next door to someone who is into acoustic guitars.
Julian Griffiths
Tel. 34 696 798 853
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Author: Michael E. Shultz
Date: 2024-01-15 15:24
Amateur. My primary instrument was alto saxophone. I have 3 clarinets, a Buffet Greenline Festival, a Selmer Series 9, and a Leblanc alto clarinet.
"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read."
Groucho Marx
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Author: donald
Date: 2024-01-15 16:53
My wife has more than 60, I've got about 20 of various sorts, I'll list my Bb clarinets...
Yamaha YCL82, an awesome clarinet from the 1980s (basically an R13 Prestige with better intonation).
R13 Bb from 1963 (amazing tone, intonation a bit wild in places)
Festival from 2004 (nice tone, amazing intonation)
But the interesting thing about our household is the bass clarinets....
- Buffet pro bass (double register mechanism etc) from 1935 (amazing tone, difficult intonation- but could still be set up better to help the tuning, and isn't MUCH worse than your average modern bass, just not as good as the BEST modern bass)
- Oskar Oehler bass clarinet from around 1905 (he only made a few of these so this is a rare beast), original neck plays at A=440, "cut neck" at A=445.
Both these basses have amazing tone and less amazing intonation. When I switch to my friends modern Buffet, with very good intonation, I immediately notice that it's like the "tone nob" has been turned down. Half the sound, half the "ring".
As an illustration. When we still lived at our old flat I came home one day while my wife was playing the Oehler bass. From my car park down the end of the driveway AND AROUND A CORNER I could hear the Oehler bass as clear as day. As I walked the 60 feet to our apartment and went up the stairs I suddenly realised that she was only playing at P or MP dynamic, but the sound was projecting like crazy (out an open window, down the driveway, around a corner)
Somehow people have become convinced that "the German sound" is dull and tubby, but that's far from the truth. The good German clarinets ring like a bell, sure there's a strong core- but also the sound is rich in overtones.
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Author: John Peacock
Date: 2024-01-15 17:05
This subject has come up before. I previously commented that no-one is likely to come close to Nick Shackleton. I had the privilege of knowing him when I was a student at Cambridge, and some of us were lucky enough to be invited to his house and given members of his collection for an evening of chamber music. He eventually ended up with over 800 clarinets, images of which can be found here:
https://collections.ed.ac.uk/mimed
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Author: lydian
Date: 2024-01-15 18:54
I have two clarinets - soprano and bass. Main instrument is sax. Advanced amateur who plays paid gigs in several bands.
I'm not a collector or hoarder. I just see instruments as tools of the trade. One of each type is all I need to perform. I don't really understand why people NEED more than one of any type in order to make music. But I do understand collecting and hoarding, which is psychological or for historical preservation and not related to making music.
Post Edited (2024-01-15 19:20)
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Author: Djudy
Date: 2024-01-15 19:35
Active amateur (also guitarist which may explain the following) :
Too too many to house and play regularily but not enough for my 'curiosity' !
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Author: Ebclarinet1
Date: 2024-01-15 19:37
9!
Buffet Tosca Eb clarinet, Buffet Tosca Bb clarinet, Buffet R13 pair A & Bb, Selmer basset horn, Buffet Prestige alto clarinet, Buffet Prestige bass clarinet with Icon neck joint and bell, Selmer Paris contra-alto clarinet, Ridenour contrabass, and LeBlanc straight contrabass.
I have played them all except the LeBlanc in public in either advanced amateur or professional groups. Mostly I play Eb or bass.
Eefer guy
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Author: kilo
Date: 2024-01-16 01:28
Quote:
The best way to collect clarinets without this triggering any suspicions regarding your mental health, is to moving in next door to someone who is into acoustic guitars.
One of the serious amateur clarinetists I regularly play with has used the same LeBlanc soprano since he first started playing in the early '70s. It's his only clarinet. During the height of covid he started taking guitar lessons. He now owns six.
I'm another serious amateur. I own a Greenline R13, a Yamaha 62 tenor, a Selmer Model 30 bass, and a Royal Global Max bass. Bass is my primary instrument.
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Author: davidjsc
Date: 2024-01-16 21:49
Amateur. Used to play in a couple community orchestras/bands but now all I do is bang out polkas and ethnic stuff at home to amuse myself and annoy my wife.
6 clarinets - 2 B-flat soprano, 2 C soprano, 1 alto, and 1 bass. One of the sopranos is an Albert, which I can play (very similar system to an oboe).
I was originally an oboist 20-26 years ago but the clarinet is now my primary instrument, with the alto the one I learnt on and one I am most proficent with.
DSC
~~ Alto Clarinet; Bass Clarinet; B-flat and C Boehm Clarinets; Albert C Clarinet; Oboe ~~
Post Edited (2024-01-16 21:53)
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Author: Reese Oller
Date: 2024-01-16 22:01
I have five, four sopranos and one bass: a plastic no-name clarinet, a yamaha 255, a Selmer Signet Soloist, and a cheap A clarinet made by a brand called "yinfente" My bass clarinet is an R13 Prestige. I'm about to be going into college for music, so I guess that would make me an advanced amateur? Clarinet is my main instrument, but I dabble in bassoon, flute, and saxophone.
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2024-01-17 05:48
m1964,
Why are you asking this question? Is it wise for individuals to talk about things of value that they own?
I like to keep the ownership of "things" to myself.
HRL
Post Edited (2024-01-17 06:23)
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Author: davyd
Date: 2024-01-17 22:52
"I don't really understand why people NEED more than one of any type in order to make music."
I've known professionals who have multiple instruments of varying quality or composition to be used in different situations. One example that comes to mind: a professional contrabass player who had four instruments. IIRC, one was for symphony work (he was in the local professional orchestra), one was for jazz/bluegrass/etc., one was smaller (for baroque repertoire) and one was for playing outdoors. Something like that. (He must have had a lot of storage space.)
I recall reading about the principal horn player of a professional opera orchestra who had 15 instruments, each better suited for particular operatic repertoire.
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Author: lydian
Date: 2024-01-17 23:52
davyd wrote:
> "I don't really understand why people NEED more than one of any
> type in order to make music."
>
> I've known professionals who have multiple instruments of
> varying quality or composition to be used in different
> situations. One example that comes to mind: a professional
> contrabass player who had four instruments. IIRC, one was for
> symphony work (he was in the local professional orchestra), one
> was for jazz/bluegrass/etc., one was smaller (for baroque
> repertoire) and one was for playing outdoors. Something like
> that. (He must have had a lot of storage space.)
>
> I recall reading about the principal horn player of a
> professional opera orchestra who had 15 instruments, each
> better suited for particular operatic repertoire.
Yeah, I know the type. We sit beside each other in the same bands playing the same music. I adapt on the same gear, and they bring a U-haul full of instruments and end up sounding the same as me.
In most of those cases, I'd just switch mouthpieces and change up my technique at bit. But that's just me. I can understand different instruments for period pieces, i.e., sackbut instead of trombone, but not different genres (classical/jazz). Seems like a competent musician could adapt on the same horn with a different mouthpiece and different technique. I play everything from classical to trad jazz to early swing to modern jazz to rock, pop, r&b, soul, fusion, smooth jazz, ethinic music, all on the same horn. I'm sure opera guy is amazing, but I doubt the audience could ever distinguish among his 15 horns. A little overkill to justify his collection. A contra-bassoonist who felt the same would quickly go bankrupt. So those players learn to adapt. That's why I don't understand the NEED. I don't think it's real.
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Author: m1964
Date: 2024-01-18 00:04
Hank Lehrer wrote:
"m1964,
Why are you asking this question? Is it wise for individuals to talk about things of value that they own? I like to keep the ownership of "things" to myself."
Hank,
No one needs to read or reply to the posts they do not like or care about.
But, since you asked, I posted out of curiosity.
I currently have 5 clarinets (one I am overhauling). I was questioning my sanity because I thought 5 was too many, given the fact that I am not a professional.
I feel better now after reading all the replies- thanks to everyone who participated.
Evidently, this topic has came up before and the response to that thread was overwhelming.
Now, fifteen years later, I think this can be "an update" to the thread from 2008- the cost of living has changed since, so some musicians may have different priorities now...
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Author: lydian
Date: 2024-01-18 01:38
Bottom line, if you like to collect or tinker or whatever, get as many as you can afford. Heck, if Rhapsody in Blue or Holst's Mars or Hava Nagila only works for you on certain horns, buy whatever gear you're most comfortable with. If you're a pro who thinks a different horn on every piece is worth the expense, go for it. Just be aware that it's usually possible to play many genres with practice and minimal gear changes.
Full disclosure, even though I have only 2 clarinets, I have 6 saxes, all of which are different and get used on different gigs (soprano, alto, tenor, etc.). But if I ever end up with more than one of each type, I sell it. I have neither the space nor the budget to collect instruments.
But I don't begrudge anyone who wants their own museum. I know people who have hundreds of instruments they don't even know how to play. They just enjoy the beauty and history of those objects.
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Author: Connor1700
Date: 2024-01-18 06:53
Personally, I don't give a hoot how many clarinets, bassoons, trumpets, flutes, or oboes any of my fellow musicians have. I've never given it a thought.
How many reeds to you have? How many mouthpieces do you have? How many ligatures do you have? How many pair of underwear do you have? Who cares?
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Author: Dan Shusta
Date: 2024-01-18 08:08
Connor1700,
It's OK to not give a hoot how many clarinets, ligatures, and mouthpieces other players may have.
Really...it's OK.
It's also OK to be curious about all of them and to wonder why.
Either way, it's OK. (IMHO)
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Author: Julian ibiza
Date: 2024-01-18 10:30
There's nothing worse than showing up for an audition with only five clarinets, only to find your rivals playing seven at the same time..... Best go prepared .
Julian Griffiths
Tel. 34 696 798 853
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Author: kilo
Date: 2024-01-18 20:19
I think it's nice to know what's out there for instruments and what people are playing. Especially if you are thinking of buying a used clarinet or have an uncommon make or model and want to direct a specific question to someone who owns one.
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Author: gwie
Date: 2024-01-19 06:08
I used to have a massive clarinet collection!
Since I don't perform much these days, and only teach, I've let everything go, so now I only have my Bb/A set of Yamaha CSVR clarinets set up by Lohff & Pfeiffer.
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Author: m1964
Date: 2024-01-19 11:11
gwie wrote:
> I used to have a massive clarinet collection!
>
> Since I don't perform much these days, and only teach, I've let
> everything go, so now I only have my Bb/A set of Yamaha CSVR
> clarinets set up by Lohff & Pfeiffer.
Hi gwie,
Were you ever in a situation when you pick up your clarinet and it does not respond? It's leaking and you have a rehearsal or, worse, a performance later in the day. What would you do?
I believe having a good back-up instrument would take the stress off, even if I could change or re-seat the leaking pad. That's why, IMO, a pro player may want to have back-up instruments.
But, being an amateur, I started questioning my sanity since I now own three Bb clarinets.
My reason for having a second Bb is that we rehearse in a place that is cold during the winter and I do not want to bring my "nice" Bb there. I certainly do not need two back-up clarinets. So, one will need to go.
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Author: ACCA
Date: 2024-01-19 19:55
Selmer 10G Bb
JTL A clarinet (vintage)
Amati Eb clarinet
F Buisson C clarinet
Selmer series 9Bass clarinet to low Eb
Amateur (well I don't play professionally, just give a few lessons ...)
and don't play any of the above as much as I'd like to.
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Author: Ebclarinet1
Date: 2024-01-19 21:15
I do keep a backup oboe as they seem to be more fragile/ temperamental than other horns I play. My backup is well broken in and is one I use in a cold church or an outdoor event. Even in the latter, I only play under a tent. Not worth losing a good instrument for a few $$ in a gig!
Right now I have an extra Bb as I have a real nice matched pair of A & Bb R13's and a new Tosca Bb. I love the latter and hope to get a good Tosca A to match and then sell off at least the A if not the whole matched set.
All my other clarinets are singles and frankly are those I get asked to play most as the "other" clarinets have fewer players, especially GOOD players.
Eefer guy
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Author: zizala
Date: 2024-01-20 17:04
Hello all...
I have 3 old CG Conns.
1946 Conn 444n Soprano
1941 Conn 484n low Eb Bass
1953 Conn 482n low E Bass
I'm not endorsing old Conns by any means, just what I've ended up with at this time. So far I don't feel these 3 are holding me back just yet since returning to clarinet after a long layoff.
The 484n low Eb bass was my first clarinet and how I got started with clarinet long ago as a saxophonist's double. I'm sticking with clarinets and flute this time around.
The 482n low E bass I recently purchased as a backup, but am finding this short bass is a blast to play. (really...forward and audacious).
So recently I wanted to try to get the soprano together as bass had always been my main thing.
Sticking with the Conn theme....was fortunate (lucky) to find a 444n for cheap and in good shape on Ebay. My repairman was pleased for the both of us.
I've never yet tried another.....it's working for me. The better I play it the better it gets.
Oh sure, I want to try a Low Eb Selmer model 65 Privilege bass sometime, just so I know what that's like. But it would probably ruin the "Conn experience" for me and finances are a little edgy these days.
Sorry for the ramble, not just the list.....but it seems right to tell the back story.
Di
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Author: super20dan
Date: 2024-01-21 04:35
few clarinets can = the old conn 444 or what i have 424 conn. just tremendous jazz and big band horns. combine these with a vandy 5jb or my brillhart tonalin that dave speg turned into a monster mpc.
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Author: concertmaster3
Date: 2024-01-21 09:12
Let's see...7 clarinets...
Pro oboist, semi pro clarinetist...Pro Multi woodwind
1 E-flat (Yamaha YCL 881)
1 C (Forte)
1 B-flat (Yamaha YCL CSV)
1 A (Yamaha YCL CSVA)
1 Alto (Noblet)
1 Basset Horn (Leblanc)
1 Bass (Yamaha YCL 621II)
There are a couple of B-flats that I have that were gifted to me, that I'm trying to find good homes for...I'm not counting those because I don't plan to hold onto them.
The rest of the instrument collection is a bit wild.....lol
Ron Ford
Woodwind Specialist
Performer/Teacher/Arranger
http://www.RonFordMusic.com
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Author: gwie
Date: 2024-01-21 10:38
> That's why, IMO, a pro player may want to have back-up instruments.
When I played a lot more, I always had multiple backup sets, including Yamaha CSG's as well as two older Yamaha models (a YCL-61 Bb and a YCL-65 A). However, over a span of several decades I never had to pull them out for a performance as I kept my primary instruments in great condition and learned to do all of the basic maintenance needed to prevent issues from coming up.
Teaching more regularly, I ended up loaning my backup sets out to students that needed them, and then finally just ended up selling them since I didn't want to keep track of them anymore.
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Author: Dan Shusta
Date: 2024-01-21 12:15
IMO, m1964 brought up an important point when he wrote to gwie: "Were you ever in a situation when you pick up your clarinet and it does not respond? It's leaking and you have a rehearsal or, worse, a performance later in the day. What would you do?
I believe having a good back-up instrument would take the stress off, even if I could change or re-seat the leaking pad. That's why, IMO, a pro player may want to have back-up instruments."
To which gwie responded: "When I played a lot more, I always had multiple backup sets, including Yamaha CSG's as well as two older Yamaha models (a YCL-61 Bb and a YCL-65 A). However, over a span of several decades I never had to pull them out for a performance as I kept my primary instruments in great condition and learned to do all of the basic maintenance needed to prevent issues from coming up."
I sense a fairly accurate analogy here. Some may not see it as such, however, the following does make analogous sense to me.
A pro player is like a driver making a cross country road trip. Even though he or she keeps his or her tires properly air pressurized, balanced and rotated at appropriate mileage intervals, it is literally impossible (IMO) to know ahead of time what future road condition could possibly cause one of the tires to go bad. Hence, the peace of mind at having a "spare tire" somewhere in the car.
I believe it's possible for a well maintained clarinet to accidently fall during a rehearsal or elsewhere and, depending upon how it falls, a key may get bent or a mouthpiece beak may get chipped. Having a spare clarinet and mouthpiece (even if they are never used) is kind of like that "spare tire" that never gets used. It's just that "peace of mind" knowing that if the unthinkable happens, a quick and effective solution is at hand.
As for reeds, I've read on this forum of players who always have at least 2 to 3 concert performance reeds readily available "just in case".
Now, some may say: "If I have a flat tire on my car, I'd just call AAA".
If your instrument goes bad for whatever reason or your mouthpiece gets chipped due to being dropped or one's instrument accidentally falling over... without spares...who are you going to call?
Do some symphonies and orchestras have repair techs available during rehearsals or live performances? If so, I've never heard of that before.
Post Edited (2024-01-21 20:54)
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Author: m1964
Date: 2024-01-21 20:46
Dan,
Thank you for replying to my post.
Gwie also brought up another important point, when he wrote: "I kept my primary instruments in great condition and learned to do all of the basic maintenance needed to prevent issues from coming up."
I have met many players who complained to me that their clarinet "does not respond", "I cannot go over the break", etc., and they never thought to check for leaks by themselves, let alone fix their instrument.
I can understand when a working individual, who is an amateur player, does not have time to fix their instrument but I do not understand why they need to struggle while playing. After all, playing an instrument should be an enjoyable and pleasant activity, not fighting with the instrument (IMO).
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