 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Hank
Date: 2002-09-06 22:47
Hi Everyone,
I was struck by the thought above when I "confessed" to my wife that we had a new member of the family coming to live with us. I explained that I had just purchased a 1950s Leblanc Classic III clarinet; I think she is used to this and took it well. However, I wonder, do I have too many clarinets?
Here are the other members of the family:
1. Selmer Series 9 - the king (plays well in tune, has a big sound, and just seems to feel right).
2. Leblanc Dynamic 2 - pushing hard to take over the top position.
3. Buffet/ES Master Model #1 - this clarinet and I have been through a lot together and it would be #1 if the just above the staff intonation was better.
4. Master Model #2 - A terrific spare clarinet that I picked up for $15.
5. A Bundy Mazzeo - I had to have one of these for historical purposes.
All in all, I have not spend much money on all these fine instruments but do I have too many? Has the equipment lust become too strong?
Your thoughts would be appreciated (and maybe so I have some defensive ammunition with the wife, how many clarinets do you have).
Hank
PS I'm sure someone will say, trade them all on an R13 (I have considered this already but when they look up at me from their cases ......)
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Author: jbutler
Date: 2002-09-06 22:52
How often do you play on each of them? I would sell some off if I didn't play a particular clarinet more than three or four times a week.
jbutler
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Author: Fred
Date: 2002-09-06 23:13
I would lose the Master Model #2 and the Mazzeo. I would then evaluate the Classic III and decide which one of the remaining clarinets you feel is redundant. In other words, I'd keep three of the six you mentioned.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2002-09-06 23:17
Only you can answer that question, Hank. In your place (impossible, I know:), I'd probably donate one or two to a deserving student who might not otherwise have a chance to participate in a school music activity. Does anyone really *need* more than a good one and maybe an (emergency) backup? The vast majority of us, I'm willing to wager, only play one at a time.
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Author: tim k
Date: 2002-09-06 23:22
1. Do you enjoy owning all the clarinets?
2. Is your wife making threatening sounds?
If 1 is yes and 2 is no, you don't have too many. Think of yourself as a collector.
If the answers are different, yes, you have too many.
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Author: Bob Arney
Date: 2002-09-06 23:28
So I goes "Gee, I like that clarinet, but first I've got to sell my wife." And he goes, "What do you think you can get for her"??
Just kidding, and happily married for 55 YEARS on the 4th.(Besides I've only got 2 Bb's Soprano's 1 Bb Alto and 1 Bb Bass.)
Bob A
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Author: kenabbott
Date: 2002-09-06 23:31
As long as you derive pleasure from either playing them or looking at them, they're worth having. I have 2 Eb's, 5 Bb's, an alto, a bass, an Eb contra and a Bb contra. I still think about getting more.
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Author: Kat
Date: 2002-09-06 23:54
I can't compete with kenabbott, but I have 8 soprano clarinets...of a variety of fingering systems and pitches.
I love them all!
Wouldn't get rid of any of 'em!!!
Katrina
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Author: David L Morris
Date: 2002-09-07 00:31
i use r13 for concert band a selmer 9 for german band and a buffet bass cl for church band these three i use weekly. i all so have an alto sax, alto clarinet, 2 c melody sax and 8 Bb in various stages of repair. My Hobby is Clarinet
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Author: SJ
Date: 2002-09-07 01:00
I finally can stop my collection from growing any more. Last weekend I got the horn that was missing, aLeBlanc Ab sopranino! Now I can rest.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2002-09-07 01:26
Immediate answer. GOSH, NO. When a grandkid asks, "How many?", my answer is, "its like rabbits, I must count again!" I go with Dave Morris' "problem"?, and may compete with Ken Abbott numerically, [just dont {YET] have the real "lowies"]. I do pay attention to my "honey-do's", and we do share our disposable income. I do even sell a few horns, but still have the "collector's urge" to have one clarinet of every size, key character/system etc, but stop with one flute [1820!], 2 simple oboes, 1 [1850] Eng Horn, 2 turn-of-century saxes, 3 good alto saxes, our CA son has my? Mark VI tenor. What our kids may do with our estate, I'd like to see!!! Don
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Author: Jill
Date: 2002-09-07 01:36
I have--I think--6 clarinets--2 are Mazzeos--and I'm always looking! They're all unique, and I enjoy each one--just like children! My husband has 4 saxophones and wants an oboe, so he's not fussing.
Jill
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Author: Fred
Date: 2002-09-07 01:47
Don't misunderstand my post -
Though I'd keep three of the six mentioned, I'd still be on the lookout for that next one that catches your eye. If not clarinet, then sax, flute, whatever . . .
Getting and experimenting with "new" instruments enriches our understanding and broadens our appreciation for clarinets. I have seven Bb's right now; I need to get rid of about 3-4 of them . . . but I'm in no hurry!
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Author: Jean
Date: 2002-09-07 02:16
I am going to compare this to soemthing I hear all the time about cars. My husband is a car collector and so often people will say, " Gosh, I used to have a (insert car name) just like that one, best car I ever had, wish I had never gotten rid of it." I feel the same way about my clarinets. I have sold two only because I was stepping up. No regrets. However, the rest of the clarinets...1 Eb, 1 A, 1 bass, and 4 Bbs all have a purpose. I play all of them if only for demonstrating to school kids. And I will be adding another Rossi Rosewood soon. Do they take up room....a heckuva lot less than the husband's cars!!!
So, no I don't think you have too many.
Jean
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Author: bob gardner
Date: 2002-09-07 02:23
i was in a local bar and a drunk said to me "what in the case?" I said "a clarinet i got it for my wife". He said "good trade"!!!!!!!!!!!!!
bob
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Author: Hank
Date: 2002-09-07 02:24
Hi All,
Boy, did everyone come out of the woodwork on this question. Your answers were terrific (my wife enjoyed them as well so I think any crisis with the new "little one" arriving next week has been averted).
From what you are telling me, I am not the only one that has the urges to "just get one more" or like Kat said "p.s. and I want at least 5 more too...lol"
I do like Fred's idea of three but still be on the lookout might be the way to go. I think the Mazzeo must remain as a curiousity/historical part of the collection. I was hoping that a grandchild would want the #2 Master Model though. There are still several still pre-band age so there is hope.
Regards,
Hank
PS Now let me tell you about my Mark VI alto and tenor, and the new Selmer soprano :-)
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Author: Ralph G
Date: 2002-09-07 02:27
When you collect things, you can never have too many.
I collect diecast model airliners. I have about 60 of them, all 1/400 scale. They take up entirely too much space. But I want more. I wouldn't dare get rid of any just because I don't take them off the shelf and go vrooom vrooom with them. Enjoy just having your clarinets.
(Dang, I promised my wife after buying my A clarinet that I wouldn't buy any more planes for awhile... but I gotta have that American Airlines Airbus A300-600 coming out... and the Peter Max Continental 777... and the Navy C40...)
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Author: Willie
Date: 2002-09-07 03:48
I guess I'm infected with the "too many toys syndrome" also. I have nine Bb sopranos here and what did I play my last concert on? An old silver Elkhart. Gotta get mass quantity of pads and go to work. Its been worse too. I did have, not to long ago, 22 British motorcycles in the barn. I,m down to only 6 now.
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Author: Morrigan
Date: 2002-09-07 04:07
Dearest Hank, I don't think you have a problem at all, you just wanted to let the world know how many clarinets you have. Nice to see some people have more than you
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2002-09-07 04:47
It always amuses me to see an item description on eBay claimimg something is "collectible." That's because I have known people to collect rocks. Sand, for that matter. (You shoulda seen my rock collection before students started helping themselves.) Collecting Clarinets makes a whole lot more sense. Ever tried to play a rock? Or make a few bucks extra with a rock on weekends? Pfeh. Too many Clarinets? Your wife should be thrilled you haven't decided to collect tubas. Or maybe WWII Blimps. And I only have about maybe ten or twelve Clarinets, three or four of which I actually play now and then.
Regards,
John
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Author: Kat
Date: 2002-09-07 05:02
As the wife of a tuba player...when he complains about all my instruments...my retort is that, "well, ALL of mine don't take up the room that your TWO do!"
Katrina
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Author: Hank
Date: 2002-09-07 09:34
To Morrigan, I had hoped that there were many that had more clarinets than I. Not bragging, just worried that I was becoming a bit obsessed. Don't we all want to know we are OK :-)
Hank
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Author: John Kelly - Australia
Date: 2002-09-07 10:41
To ron b
Roland Kirk could play 3 horns at once and make great music at the same time. I saw him in concert in Oz once - knockout!
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Author: Fred
Date: 2002-09-07 14:39
Hank, I wasn't counting the saxes either. Had three tenors - down to two now, but looking desperately for an alto that 1) I want; and 2) I can justify financially. Of course, if I find the right deal on a soprano before I find the alto . . .
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Author: ken
Date: 2002-09-07 15:19
Kat wrote: "well, ALL of mine don't take up the room that your TWO do!"
--lol, I know a tuba player/collector in DC who has to have a seperate bedroom for all of his. Two dozen tubas and sousaphones hanging on the walls and laying on the floor. He had to create paths on the floor to get to them all. Now that's what I'd call dangerously close to "too many"...
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Author: David L Morris
Date: 2002-09-07 18:43
kat it's not the clarinets that take up so much room it the extras like stands and music and tools etc. have a good day
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2002-09-07 19:00
ken wrote: "I know a tuba player/collector in DC who has to have a seperate bedroom for all of his. Two dozen tubas and sousaphones hanging on the walls and laying on the floor."
What? All that, and not one Helicon? You need to speak to that person about the inadequacies of the collection....
Regards,
John
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Author: ron b
Date: 2002-09-07 19:40
John K -
I am always awed and amazed by Roland K recordings, every time I hear one. Never had the privilege of seeing him in person :( There are very few, and far between, musicians of that caliber in one's lifetime. I don't think anyone ever had room to criticize Roland for having an extra horn Definitely the exception to all the "rules" if ever there was one.
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Author: Josh
Date: 2002-09-07 21:20
If these clarinets are strictly for playing music and using them, then you have too many. If this is more like a collection, then by all means, find more!
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Author: Fred
Date: 2002-09-07 23:22
You know, part of this is about experiencing the diversity in instruments. I'd love to have a Series 9 or a Dynamic 2 - same as Hank did. I've never played a horn like either of those. Once I owned them and experienced them, I might then let them go . . . but I would be the richer for having played them.
For me, it's not about possessing . . . it's about experiencing and understanding. Some are so special they stay with me forever; some become cash for my next adventure. But all add to the richness of my playing experience.
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Author: Cindy
Date: 2002-09-08 05:06
I am only in high school yet have somehow come upon 5 clarinets this year alone. I think when people hear that you play clarinet they think "oh, I have that old _____ up in the attic, maybe you can use it." I find myself unable to turn down that kind of offer. Also, I have found great fun in restoring those old clarinet. Once I have put that much effort into one there is no way I can get rid of it. So, keep them, they're fun to see and play and others may want to use one sometime (I am loaning out three of mine to my students)
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Author: Hank
Date: 2002-09-08 23:55
Fred,
I think you have captured the essence of my quest. Until I got the first Leblanc, I had never played any instrument of that manufacturer. What I found is that it (although I have not gotten teh Classic III yet but it will be here this week) is and excellent instrument.
I now can mention though that I was a music store going out of business and picked up a perfect, used Series 9 and a NOS Series 10S as well. I sold both on eBay and made enough to finance the most recent purchases.
Yes, it is about experimenting and finding out for sure. Fred, youi are right on!
Regards
Hank
PS Following the Roland Kirk thread, I saw him in my hometown of Sandusky, OH in about 1957. He is from Colunbus and was appearing in the same "club" that I regularly played in (sax, flute, clarinet). I was astounded with what he could do with a mouthful of instruments. But what was exceedingly impressive was he was a great, no terrific, tenor and flute player.
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Author: diz
Date: 2002-09-09 00:13
I currently own just one - a Leblanc E-flat and am saving up for a Paperclip (big brother for my baby).
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Author: dennis
Date: 2002-09-09 02:09
hmmmmmm
a question that's relative. How many is too many?
It's a hobby to be enjoyed. Irrespective of how many or little, each needs to be played wkly.
A set of John Denman picked Yamahas, a set of Leon Russianoff picked R13s, 4 other R13s, an ES, ESMM, 4 eefers and a Yamaha pro sop sax. Aside from the untouched yamaha set and the sop sax, all have been overhauled by the same SNEEZY sponsor, thus affording the same 'feel'. Further tuning /voicing was also done. I still have my first 'real clarinet', a Noblet from 1958 and my Martin Alto from my HS marching band days.
Too many ????. I share all with my sig other and even have given her some for her own and one to her daughter. Some have been borrowed / used by the local SO. The sop sax.....although not to Telluride by me, it's been borrowed and played there several times. It's been used to play Telluride performed 'Premeire' pieces written by a local Jazz composer. And yes, I derive satisfaction from all their use and get satisfaction from others desiring to play them...and I'm happy that they are happy.
Like the Clarinet God has said.......I know any clarinet is good cuz God don't make no junk.
Know of any R13 with a s/n of 100-150xxx ??? (:o))
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Author: Kat
Date: 2002-09-09 02:29
Dennis asked about R13's from 100-150xxx...I own one...
but it's not for sale...lol
Katrina
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Author: Fred
Date: 2002-09-09 02:47
If you look at another recent thread - and it is very similar to one of my own postings sometime back - you see someone trying to understand how some vintage Selmer clarinets compare and differ. Some helpful comments have already been given, including some technical understanding regarding bores and keywork. But the fundamental question that was posed remains unanswered: What is the difference in how they play? The question is similar to asking "What does strawberry jam taste like?" The best answer is always "Here . . . try some!"
Would someone please pass the L7?
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Author: diz
Date: 2002-09-09 02:51
Fred - I like your analogy - it made me chuckle.
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Author: Kat
Date: 2002-09-09 16:03
Actually, Fred,
I added to that Selmer thread with a question about them. I really WAS interested in the technical stuff, not the subjective impressions of how the horns played.
In my (albeit meager) collection of horns, I'm heading for different fingering systems for the most part. I'm usually interested in fewer or more keys, not just the standard Boehm system wrapped around another bore.
Even so, knowing more technical stuff about the bores of the horns you HAVE played can help you discover how other similar or different horns MIGHT play.
Katrina
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Author: Fred
Date: 2002-09-10 00:58
Katrina, I hope you did not misconstrue my comments as derogatory toward reporting specifications. As I mentioned in my earlier posts (the ones I made reference to), I have often searched long and hard for specs on older Selmers, Leblancs, and yes . . . even Buffets.
I fully agree that, especially to those of us that are hopelessly technical, that specifications play an important role in our assimilation of the playing experience. We want to understand the differences in instruments, not merely experience them. So I'm with you all the way in wanting specs.
My point, ultimately, was that specs are like bland food without having experienced the instrument. No amount of bore measurements, tapers, or undercutting will satisfy like living with the clarinet for a while and exploring its nuances. That experience, at least for me, cannot be gained in 20 minutes, a day, or a month. But finally, I come to the point that I understand that clarinet on a subjective level (I'm not on par with many of the physics buffs on this bb.) When that happens, I'm either ready to keep it or move on. But I never regret the experience.
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Author: Kat
Date: 2002-09-10 03:05
I agree, Fred, that the specs aren't everything. I guess I missed your points in previous postings...but I don't take anything here derogatorily...lol
Each clarinet is different. Every single one has a personality. Personalities can't be conveyed by specs, but knowing that someone (or a clarinet) fits a certain (albeit broad) category can come in handy in dealing with them...
For me personally, knowing the specs can tell me to look for or not to look for another horn of a similar variety. But again, for me it's the fingering systems that I'm after... ;^)
K.
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Author: Sandra F. H.
Date: 2002-09-10 17:51
Just remember, instruments love to be played... When it's time to pass them on, if it ever comes, you will know. Have fun! You could share them with others. Do a talk at a local school about the instruments, and their histories. Share with others. Sandra
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