 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: april
Date: 2003-01-02 16:51
I played for roughly 5 years and quit once I graduated High School. Due mostly in part to the fact my clarinet was stolen...sob. Anyhow, I'm really rusty on brands and such so I'm asking advice. My friend is willing to sell her Vito (resito?maybe) to me for $50. She played only 2 years. Is this a good brand? I used to play a Selmer and really never researched other brands. The horn is plastic. Also, I cannot remember what size reed I started out on. I know I ended on a 3. Any help there would be a appreciated. Cheers.
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Author: Peter
Date: 2003-01-02 17:02
As much as I love Leblanc clarinets, I've never really been a fan of their Vito line.
That having been said, there is nothing wrong with a Vito student clarinet, it's competitive in both price and quality with the ones put out by the rest of the "Big Four" (Selmer, Yamaha and Buffet.)
Frankly, I think $50.00 is a great deal, if what you want is something to start out with. If you were to buy it used at a music shop, you could expect to pay at least, $200.00 for it. In my neck of the woods, anyway. (I believe there is, or was, a Vito student model clarinet at Sam Ash in Miami Lakes for some $249.00(?))
Anyway, I think that's accurate.
Good luck, and welcome back to the clarinet.
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Author: madvax
Date: 2003-01-02 17:28
A Vito would be an excellent instrument for you. At $50, if it's in good shape, its a bargain.
Have a reputable technician check it out to make sure everything is in proper adjustment.
I also would recommend a good mouthpiece. These are very important. My suggestion would be a Hite Premier. Very nice mouthpieces and easy to play.
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Author: Benni
Date: 2003-01-02 17:32
My first clarinet was a Vito, and I think it's quite a nice student model. If it still has the original corks, you may want to get it re-corked (or felted), however, as the ones that come with it (at least mine) seemed to be rather like jazzed-up post-it-notes.
My instructor also recommends the Vito - she says it's one of the better student models out there for the fact that they construct it like a "real" clarinet.
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Author: april
Date: 2003-01-02 17:53
Thanks everyone for your help. As far as I know, the horn is in perfect condition. Pads and corks all in place.
Now, what is a good reed size to begin on. I've heard 2 1/2 and I've also heard 1 1/2. What does the majority suggest?
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Author: madvax
Date: 2003-01-02 18:16
april wrote:
> Now, what is a good reed size to begin on
The strength of the reed depends on:
a. the type of mouthpiece
b. embouchure of the player
c. the brand of reed selected
I'll assume you have are using the Vito Mouthpiece, which has a medium facing. My suggestion would be a Mitchell Lurie #2-1/2 or a Vandoren #2.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2003-01-02 20:12
Hi, April;
and Welcome Back!
A Vito for $50 is a wonderful bargain anywhere you find it
I'd just like to add my well-wishes for a happy return to the Wonderful World of Woodwinds :]
Happy Tootin'
- ron b -
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Author: Fred
Date: 2003-01-02 21:19
To really be guided on reeds, let us know what mouthpiece comes with the clarinet. BTW, I think you got a great deal if the clarinet is in decent shape as you describe. Welcome back!
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Author: Willie
Date: 2003-01-03 00:05
A playable Vito for $50 is a pretty good deal. When fitted with the right mouthpiece it can sound good too. Even if you get a higher dollar horn later, that Vito will still be a good back-up horn.
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Author: Hans
Date: 2003-01-03 00:50
Start with a soft reed (1 1/2 or 2) and work your way up to a stiffer reed as your embouchure develops.
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Author: Dee
Date: 2003-01-03 13:53
I would also recommend a 2 1/2 Mitchell Lurie or equivalent (not all companies mean the same strength with the same number by the way). In my opinion, anything softer than that is much too soft for even a beginner. If you have a medium mouthpiece, the very soft reeds can actually close down too much on it thereby making the clarinet harder to blow. If the embouchure tires too quickly with a 2 1/2, it would be better to simply go with shorter practice sessions.
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Author: Bob
Date: 2003-01-03 15:28
Welcome back April. My personal opinion is that the Vito you mention is a good deal as you will always be able to get your money back out of it when and if you move "up". Without all the pros and cons .....I suggest you try 2 1/2 of whatever brand your favorite dealer has in stock.
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