 The Fingering Forum
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Author: musichick
Date: 2003-10-11 13:43
I decided to learn clarinet so that i would be able to play all woodwinds, and I borrowed an extra one from one of my friends. I'm using 2 1/2 Vandoren reeds, and the clarient is really nice- it even has a cloth ligiture. However, I can hardly get a sound out, and it seems to take a lot more air then it should. The only note I can really get out is Ab on the staff. Does anyone have any suggestions?
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Author: Alto Clarinet player
Date: 2003-10-11 15:49
Maybe you should try a diffrent brand of reed like Rico. Because my Alto Clarinet came with Vandoren Reeds I had trouble playing it.And my band teacher noticed too. So he gave me a rico brand and I play much better. Hope this helps:)
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Author: richard
Date: 2003-10-11 16:16
As far as I know, the strength of a vandoren 2 1/2 reed is almost equivalent to no. 3 strength of other common brand reeds, such as rico, mitchell lurie etc. It is obviously too hard for a beginner. Try a rico or mitchell lurie no. 2 reed, which is softer and more suitable for beginners.
When I began to learn the clarinet, my teacher told me to throw away the original mouth piece that came with the clarinet in the box and buy a Vandoren 5RV. He said all original mouth pieces were of inferior quality. I find that Vandoren 5RV is a really good mouth piece for a beginner and even for a professional. I am still using it now. You may buy one from your local musci store for about $60 to try.
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Author: weirdo
Date: 2003-10-11 17:17
As far as buying a new mouthpiece, it's not a great idea to just go and buy the first one you see. Yes, i have had good luck with the 5RV as well, but different mouthpieces work well with different players, as well as different instruments.
I would suggest talking to a teacher if you have one, or if not, going to a local music store and seeing if the people there can help you. Try three or four different types of mouthpieces. After you have done that and found one you like, it's a good idea to try several of that specific model, as there are tiny differences in the making of each one.
Hope this helps!
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Author: musichick
Date: 2003-10-11 19:08
Thanks for the help everyone. The mouthpiece is not the origional one that came with the clarinet, its a really nice one. The clarinet belongs to my friend- actually, it was her brothers, but he didnt need it in college and she has her own, so I'm borrowing his. I soaked the reed for about an hour, and now I can play on it, its not bad.
One more question though: What is the most common/easiest for B on the staff? The fingering chart has four, and I don't know which one to use as the main one.
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Author: Theboy_2
Date: 2003-10-11 19:50
Don't throw away that mouthpiece. for a beginner that's plenty. if you really need a new mouthpiece for some reason, try out some mouthpieces at a music shop. It's always good to have a spare mouthpiece, i've seen some people brake a mouthpice by dropping it, always nice to have a backup. I've never used a Vandoren 5RV, but i've heard from everyone i've talked to, Vandoren B45 is the one to get. the reed is probably to strong, try getting a weaker reed to begin. for the B, I only saw three, but it would be the one with both pinkies down, that would be easiest. Ricos are fine for beginners, but eventually move up to vandorens or mitchell lurie.
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Author: musikalgrl2
Date: 2003-10-12 21:17
i agree with Alto CLarinet Player... try using a Rico reed.. because Vandoren Reeds are a lot stronger than Rico's and that could be why you can't get a sound out. I have been playing clarinet for 4 years now and the only way i can use Vandoren reeds is if i go down one size, so try a Rico in the beginning and then go to a Vandoren once you get used to it.
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Author: Dee
Date: 2003-10-12 23:19
The very first thing to do is to have the instrument checked out to make sure it is in proper working order. Even if your friend was playing it, there could still be a mechanical problem. An experienced player can sometimes compensate for such when a beginner cannot.
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Author: stateclarinetist1
Date: 2003-10-23 17:24
Another problem is not only the reed, but the type of mouth piece and how well it works with the reed. Each player/mouthpiece/and reed are all unique. If you have a really nice clarinet some of it will also be that the bore is slightlly thicker, making it more for the advanced player.
If you are switching from an instrument like alto sax, or bass clarinet- There are some MAJOR ameshour changes, and it may seem hard at first, but don't be afraid to sit infront of the tuner, and just see what works for you!
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