 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Bb
Date: 2002-01-05 01:11
Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Here's the story: Five years ago when I left Brazil, we left a lot of credit card bills, so my aunt paid them all. But now she's here with us(U.S.) and says, "Since your dad is never gonna pay me back, I'll just tell him to buy you a new clarinet, a PROFESSIONAL clarinet." (He owes her a couple of thosand $!.) so my aunt talked with my parents and they agreed, now all we have to do is talk with my teacher and buy one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Any ideas which one to buy???/( I was interested on the Buffet R13 vintage, The woodwind brasswind magazine sells it for $1995)
Thanks, and wish me luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Author: Joseph O'Kelly
Date: 2002-01-05 01:38
I've been looking into the Vintage r13 as well. I think that the older Buffet clarinets were among the best. There is something about its tone color that cannot compare with the modern versions. If the vintage is as good as the model its based after it should be a great horn. Is it made with the same wood as the Festival? If so this is premium wood.
A suggestion that I have is perhaps try to find a store that had the clarinet a few years. The cracking of a clarinet happens within the first few years. An "aged" clarinet will be less prone to cracking. All of the clarinets I bought new cracked on me with the exeption of my A.
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Author: Bob Arney
Date: 2002-01-05 04:00
Bb, after all this discussion about "playing in the cold", etc; if I had the money, and the need for a new clarinet, I would seriously investigate the "Greenline" R13's's Check the comments on these threads, or ask Brenda---she just bought one.
Bob A
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Author: MsRoboto
Date: 2002-01-05 04:04
Okay I hate to rain on your parade but it doesn't sound to me like your Dad can afford to buy a professional clarinet. If he could he probably would have paid your aunt back instead.
A professional clarinet though nice in not a necessity and your Dad should not be forced to buy one if finances do not allow him to provide it.
Sorry that's my read on this....
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Author: ~ jerry
Date: 2002-01-05 13:24
I don't know your age but if you are still in school I second Bob's suggestion above.
I bought my new Buffet Greenline from The Clarinet Center (a Sneezy Sponser) this past summer. It was checked out and repaded by Peter Sprigs before it was shipped, and the price that I paid is the same as you noted for the Vintage. Shipping was $15.
It plays very nicely. "That's the way it is supposed to sound." Was Dr. Cox's comment -- my former music teacher, who owned his "baby" (a Buffet R13) for more than 30 years. I sure do miss him.
~ jerry (a 63 year old beginner)
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2002-01-05 14:57
If I were a young player aspiring toward playing through my high school and into my college years and were looking for a new pro clarinet--without a doubt, knowing what I know now after 40 years of playing experience--I'd buy a greenline R-13. I paid $1,795.00 for mine from International Musical Suppliers (800-762-1116). Give them a call.
Reason for the greenline is simple--you don't need to worry about playing outside at football games or parades. You don't have to worry about cracking and having to replace joints, etc. Yet, it sounds like a great, seasoned R-13. Have someone like Lisa Argiris at IMS play-test several for you and send a couple out on approval.
There has been some talk in the past about the Greenlines not sounding as good as the real wood, and I'm sure that's a problem sometimes--but not always. Mine really has a nice "ring" to the sound and flexibility. I love it. Now, if you want to spend more money--there are other choices. Or, you could get a Greenline Buffet Festival--but I'd recommend the R-13 for the standard orchestral sound.
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Author: FT
Date: 2002-01-05 19:08
I'm 14 years old. I want to buy a pro clarinet now because I'm not gonna have the $ in college. I'll write and tell you if or if I didn't get my clarinet.
(But wish me Luck)
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Author: Pam
Date: 2002-01-06 00:49
A little off-topic. Have any of you young people thought about getting a part-time after school JOB to at least help pay for these instruments that you desire? Now there's a real sign of maturity!
Best wishes, in any case...
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Author: FT
Date: 2002-01-06 02:35
I was gonna work this summer to buy this clarinet, but my aunt is just too nice!
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Author: jenna
Date: 2002-01-06 03:28
I work to pay for college. In the meantime.. my old artley suits me well enough when I need a soprano. I only splurge on clarinets/instruments and when it's a good deal.. a selmer bundy alto about a year ago for a $100 and a flugelhorn in december for $130.. other than that..
money earned = jenna's college fund
edjamukashun ain't comin cheap. I feel for all of you parents and students playing the same game I am.
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Author: Tracey
Date: 2002-01-06 04:06
Pam,
Often we high school students don't have enough time to have an afterschool job. I was just discussing this with my dad yesterday! He had an afterschool job from tenth grade. Because so many colleges are extremely competitive right now, and merit scholarships are often difficult to get, school and other activities often take up much time. I don't have the most demanding schedule, but there is no time for a job. School from 7:30 am -- 3:00 pm, obviously, but swimming practice takes up my time from 3:15 -- 6:00, or if not, I have pit orchestra, string trio rehersals, lessons that generally take up that entire time if I'm not at practice. Then by the time I get home at around 6:30 and eating dinner, showering, etc. go to maybe 7 to 7:30, then I hit the books till, which take me till 9:30 to 11:00, depending on the amount that I have. Anyway, I always stop at 11:30 sharp because I need to get some sleep! I have to wake up at 5:15 am to get to morning practice at 5:45. I'm still trying to fit practicing clarinet/viola/piano into that schedule...
Okay, maybe that was a bit long, and probably more than you needed to read, but I think you get my drift. A lot of people at my school work to the early hours in the morning, or they get up at maybe 4 am to finish up their work. I'm glad I don't have to work that hard this year as a sophomore, but of course I'm worried about my 3 AP classes my junior year and possibly 5-6 AP classes in my senior year. Is a good college really this important??
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Author: Laur
Date: 2002-01-06 05:19
Pam.. I don't know anything about you - your age, or your role in life, whether it's a mother, student etc... I understand your comment about " Get a Job" learn responibility, earn money etc.. however do you understand how hard it is being a student ? Can I ask you.. between school, studying, AP classes, reports, tests, regents.. an LI orchetra, all county, orchestra, wind ensemble, concerts, rehersals a prestigious jazz band, middle school pit, high school pit, lessons in voice, saxophone and clarinet... student council, national honor society, service honor society, peer tutoring, college applications, college auditions, as well as varsity sports.. then throw in family things, maybe an occassional meal.. some quality time with family and friends.. showering, possibly going to bed at a reasonable hour... Tell me where I can fit a job into that and still be able to get up the next morning and do everything over again....
laurie
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2002-01-06 06:08
Laur wrote:
>
> Tell me where I can fit a
> job into that and still be able to get up the next morning and
> do everything over again....
You can't. Perhaps many of you are stretching things waaaaay too far. You don't need 5 or 6 AP courses to graduate. I have one of my kids, a senior, who's very active in band, played in the last 3 Detroit Montreax/Jazz festivals, not only does AP courses but is attending U of Mich (including a 35 min. drive to/from Ann Arbor sometimes twice a day), is in 2 jazz bands, will be going to Europe next summer in a different jazz band, etc. He gave up the solo & ensemble stuff along w/ piano lessons and all the other competitive things so he could tutor for 2 or 3 hours 3 days a week and can be an accompanist for other kids for S & E and other competitions, and does other things to make a few bucks. You just have to make some tradeoffs to earn the money.
PS - His organic chemistry classes at U of M (3xx level courses) were <b>murder</b>! I don't think I took any courses harder than those at any age!
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Author: Joseph O'Kelly
Date: 2002-01-06 06:11
How about a summer job? I managed to buy my new r-13 A clarinet and oboe and others that way. I now work one or two days a week to pay for car insurance, gas, dates, ect.. My parents bought me my Bb clarinet, pay for lessons and occasionally some reeds and music, I pay for everything else. If my clarinet needs repairs (right now it needs a $100 pinning) I have to put in extra hours. I'm saving my change to buy a Greg Smith mp and I certanly would like to get myself a plastic clarinet for extreme climate conditions (gave my plastic clarinet away a few years ago to a girl I liked because I didn't think I needed it anymore.)
I know hs is hard, I'm a highschooler, but I managed to put together a decent repitoir of instruments by myself. When I play my A clarinet I appreciate it much more because I earned it rather than a kid in my band a few years back who stuck cigarettes in his clarinet (an r-13)
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Author: ~ jerry
Date: 2002-01-06 12:07
When my son was a senior in HS he had to write a term paper in order to graduate. I had to stay on him about getting it done so that he WOULD graduate (needed to kick him out of the nest).
On one occasion when I was onto him about it he said, "You don't know how hard it is going to school and working part time (he sacked groceries after school). There is no time to write the paper."
You see, he had forgotten that his father did not start to college till he had three children. My son was three and my oldest was six when I started. At one time each of them were in school, I was in school, their mother was in school, and their mother and I were both working. Granted, it took me eight years to graduate but it can be done -- it's all a matter of priorities and determination. We are each issued 24 hours every day. What we invest that time in is up to us.
My sad story. GL to all.
~ jerry
PS He did graduate and now holds a captains maritime license issued by the USCG. He drives a BIG boat in the Gulf of M.
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Author: MsRoboto
Date: 2002-01-06 12:52
FT -
You say your "aunt is too nice"... Your aunt is not too nice your aunt is a controlling women who is putting your father in a bad position. Possibly forcing him and your family into taking on more debt or perhaps getting into a position where he owes her money again. This sounds like somebody trying to butt in and run your family.
Ask your Dad these questions...
Can you afford to do this?
Is this going to put us into debt or more debt?
You said that you were going to get a summer job...DO IT!!!
Contribute to this instrument and you will appreciate it much more.
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Author: jenna
Date: 2002-01-06 17:34
I agree about the prioritizing.. I've taken all AP/honors level classes, I play with a few groups, I'm currently in A Mid-Summer Night's Dream, Musical starts in a week and a half, I'm seeing someone, I spend time with my friends and family, and I work. Sure.. there are times when you feel stretched thin, but it really isn't that bad.
Think about how "bad" it is right now - trying to balance school and work and leisure, paying for car insurance, gas, new toys.. It's only going to get more difficult when taxes, spouses, children, etc. enter the picture.
Save your change, that helps me with a lot. This Christmas I was able to take and spend over $150 that came out of my change can.. and that's only what has been saved since July. That $0.20 left over after buying lunch adds up.
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Author: Pam
Date: 2002-01-06 19:57
Ok, guys, I'm 41, working full time 9-5, rehearsals and/or lessons 4 nights a week, practicing 3 instruments myself, married, no children. And yes, I realize it isn't easy for high-schoolers these days who are really working hard like some of you. I really respect what you are going through. I agree with Mark that sometimes we all need to learn to set limits on how much we can realisticly do and still keep our sanity.
My husband is a few years older than me and he remembers when he was a kid that some kids worked and pitched in whatever they earned into a family pot to help pay bills, etc. not just for their own spending money. Most of today's young people get to keep what they earn and use it for their own expenses. Not a bad thing.
I think that paying for the things you want, or helping to cover some of the expense is a good thing. You learn to respect the value of something and what it took to obtain it.
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Author: David Pegel
Date: 2002-01-06 20:37
Mark:
I'm that type of student. I plan to graduate with at least 27 credits, whereas the average high schooler from our county graduates with maybe 22 or 23. I am involved in marching band, JROTC Exhibition (It's like the marching band's color guard, except rifles and more militaristic.), more than two AP classes, most likely, and I average 60 to 90 hours a week away from home during marching band season, and 45 to 60 during the "off-season". Not to mention I'm trying to become an established composer by the time I'm 20, so I might as well start now.
I don't think my parents know I exist until vacations. I'm surprised I can still regularly post. I'm think so far ahead.
You know what? I'm not even worried about a pro horn. I'll get a summer job to help pay for college if I can't get a full scholarship anywhere, and then when I'm about to BECOME a pro, I'll get a pro horn. Anything else will suit me just fine for now.
(I do plan on getting a summer job. I know when I'm gonna need a break, and that's not yet.)
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Author: Tracey
Date: 2002-01-06 20:46
Pam,
It's not that we don't want to work, or shirk the responsiblity of working altogether and paying for ourselves. It is just that the pressure to get into a good school is so high that without doing these activities (which, I'll admit are a handful, but I still do enjoy them) it would be difficult. With the schedule some of us have, it is not only unfeasible to work part-time right now, it is impossible. Also, I think that teenagers should enjoy time in high school, after all, we have many more years ahead of us to work. I like the idea of getting gigs to play in or private lessons though. String quartets are high in demand--I made $150 an hour playing for a luncheon and $100 playing for a wedding recently.
Mark,
Because you have a son in high school, I'm sure you know that AP courses, if attending a college that accepts them, are like money. Many people who graduate from high school and who also took AP exams are able to skip the first year of college. Already, my AP Latin I class exempts me from foreign language in college. Skipping a whole year of freshman courses is a great financial boon.
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2002-01-06 21:24
Tracey wrote:
>
and $100 playing for a wedding recently.
>
> Mark,
>
> Because you have a son in high school, I'm sure you know that
> AP courses, if attending a college that accepts them, are like
> money.
Actually - they're not. While it allows you to skip more or less a year of school, you'll just fill it in with other, more advanced courses
High school pressures today are no better or worse than when I went over 30 years back. We had AP and NY Regents courses back then, SATs, National Merit, bands, choruses, sports, and pressure to get into a good college - along with (for men) the pressure of the draft if we didn't get into college. You didn't get into college - you got shot at! How's <b>that</b> for pressure?
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Author: GBK
Date: 2002-01-06 21:33
Mark wrote:
"...the pressure of the draft if we didn't get into college. You didn't get into college - you got shot at! How's that for pressure?"
Unless you were fortunate enough (or had the right connections) to get into an Army Reserve Band (1971-1977) and play "weekend soldier" ..GBK
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Author: Hiroshi
Date: 2002-01-06 23:09
Since R13 vintage's bore is smaller than the standard Buffet bore 0.574", it may be a good idea to try a smaller bore mouthpiece such as Selmer C85-118,120 etc.
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Author: Ava McDowell
Date: 2002-01-07 01:12
Bb,
You know, top-of-the-line isn't everything. I play bassoon professionally, yet I only have a Schreiber S56. It sounds great and does everything I need it to do without spending $20,000 on a "pro" model. I put my money and my focus on reeds.
My clarinet is a Selmer Signet 100. Granted, it is an intermediate clarinet, but can't recommend any student getting a really expensive instrument unless they are entering college and majoring in clarinet performance. Beyond that, it's like buying a top fuel dragster to drive to work in!
Get something worthwhile, then concentrate on a good mouthpiece, ligature, reed and barrel combination. That is where the money should be spent.
Ava
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Author: Tracey
Date: 2002-01-07 01:49
Mark,
Actually -- they are. AP classes allow college students to skip years of college, which allows them to perhaps begin advanced degree studies once there. Obviously, spending three years at a university is far cheaper than spending 4 or 5 years there. High AP scores can reduce time spent at colleges drastically. There are many cases of students skipping one or even two years in college, if they've completed the prerequisites. My brother earned a degree in chemistry in two years and is now working on graduate studies.
As you can see, it was much easier on my parents and my brother for him to complete college so early. I hope to also earn AP credit to bypass at least some of my freshman year. Because one pays for college per credit, it is apparent that high scores on AP exams are like money if you are earning credits.
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2002-01-07 05:12
Tracey wrote:
>
> Mark,
>
> Actually -- they are. AP classes allow college students to
> skip years of college, which allows them to perhaps begin
> advanced degree studies once there.
I don't really disagree, but in all of the cases I'm familiar with (7 or 8) the students just took more courses. They could have graduated early but didn't. My middle son's ambition is to be a mathemetician - you <b>can't</b> take enough courses in that subject ;^)
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Author: james
Date: 2002-01-07 16:03
BACK ON THE SUBJECT. No one needs to talk about jobs or anything, if it isn't about you don't talk about it. It's kind of offensive for someone to just come in here on a different topic and just say, "how about getting a job" thats just high and mighty to say. Just mind your own business, thats my opinion
Back to clarinets. Theres all kinds of different clarinets and optional accessories you can get. I used to waste so much time worrying about what i was playing on. I have now found for me what works and now i can focus on what i love to do, music. Here is what i play on
Buffet R-13 Clarinet
Richard Hawkins "B" Mouthpiece
Chadash Barrel
Vandoran Optimum Ligature
Vandoran V12 Stength four reeds
Now that is complicated as it is. But it works great. Don't let the prestige, greenline, and festival models fool you. They aren't worth the extra stress in picking an instument and all the extra money. Some professionals use the them. alot used them and went back to R13. I went through alot trying to find a great set up and not to mention a hole lot of money. It doesn't mean that everything will be perfect becuase a great clarinetist will make a clarinet sound great, this well let you do it with the most comfort. Once a clarinetist finally realizes as a student they need fixing, amazing things happen. Problems with clarinets amazingly disapear.
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Author: jenna
Date: 2002-01-08 03:28
I agree with Mark.. while AP credits can allow you to bypass say... Expository writing I, Calc I, Physics I, a European History class, a US History class.. they won't necessarily allow you to finish school early. Often, then just cover electives, classes you'll have to take anyway, etc.
Besides, the darn tests cost $75 a pop, and you've got to hope for that 4-5 score, because most college won't accept anything less.
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