 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Kim
Date: 2001-08-27 02:15
Hi again. Another problem.
1.) What reeds do better for the high notes. Right now I'm on 2 1/2 . I don't know if that's good enough for the high notes. Can you help me?
2.) Do you have trouble blowing out the high notes? I do, and my teacher has tried everything on me, and I still have trouble. Can you help me?
3.) What kind of clarinet is the best? Can you help me?
Please Write Back!!
Thanks Again!!
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Author: David Kinder
Date: 2001-08-27 05:22
Kim,
Each of your questions brings out a whole slew of threads on this BB on each subject. So first, I'd do a search here on sneezy, use some key words and learn a whole lotta stuff.
1) Usually the higher the number on your reeds, the better they are on the higher notes. It also can depend on which brand you're using. A Rico #2 1/2 is NOT the same as a Vandoren V.12 #2 1/2. The Vandoren will be at least a 1/2 step harder - even if the numbers are the same. Try out some Vandoren reeds. You can find some from Woodwind and Brasswind if they're hard to find in your local area.
2) As for blowing out the high notes, I do what most musicians do first - blame the instrument! Make sure it's in proper working order before blaming yourself. It saves your ego AND give you hope that you're better than what the instrument is letting you do. Also (for me) I've noticed that I need a lot more air support for those higher notes. I tighten my stomach muscles to give me better control of my air stream. (I hope I'm making sense.)
3) As for which clarinet is best, everyone on this board has their own preferences. If you're looking for a new clarinet - decide which is more important, cost or quality. If money is tight, you might want to check out pawn shops and get a fixer-upper pro level clarinet - such as a Buffet R-13. If you want the highest quality, well you can't go wrong with the "Big 4" - Buffet, Leblanc, Selmer & Yamaha. New Buffet R-13's are being sold for about $1500 - a great price. I personally play a Buffet Festival, with a Vandoren M13 mouthpiece, Rovner Eddie Daniels ligature, and Vandoren V.12 #4 1/2 reeds.
Good luck!
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Author: Benny
Date: 2001-08-27 14:14
1. Your reed strength all depends on your mouthpiece. (Open MP = thinner reed Closed MP = thicker reed) If you are having trouble with the high notes you should probably try a #3.
2. I don't have any trouble with the high notes. I can get all the way up to the 2nd C above the staff without any tone problems. Again, your problem is probably that your reed is too thin.
3. As for clarinets, my personal favorite is the R-13. But as David said, each player has their own preference. It is like searching for a car --- BMW, Porsche, and Ferrari are all good cars, just like Buffet, LeBlanc, and Selmer are all good horns, it's just a personal preference.
Benny
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Author: Dee
Date: 2001-08-27 15:25
If you've just begun clarinet as one of your other posts indicates, it's too early to play high notes. You need to develop the proper embouchure and breath support. Otherwise you end up pinching the reed and the notes either won't come out or will sound very shrill.
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