 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ravenway
Date: 2008-06-19 21:28
Hi, I'm going to be a senior in high school next year. I've been playing clarinet for six years now. I've had a clarinet since eigth grade that I bought used when I was told a wooden clarinet would improve my sound. At the time I didn't know anything about what type of clarinet to buy or have anyone to help me. I did little research before going to the store. I ended up buying a Martin Freres Lamonte Paris, the serial number is D10694. I was told it was only two years old when I bought it(which makes it around eight years old now) but after having a hard time finding any accurate information on the brand I'm not so sure. Can anyone tell me how or where I can get more information on the brand, and if it's even a decent one?(decent being something that isn't a peice of junk). I have checked this forum for posts but the few posts there were were not very helpful.
Anyway so as mentioned above the brand is Martin Freres Lamonte Paris. Since I can't afford to buy a new clarinet just yet(which I would like to do) I want to try finding a new mouth peice and ligature to change my sound(Hopefully for the better). Any suggestions on what might work well? I am pretty good at playing clarinet. I've reached first chair in a couple of honor bands in my area. The clarinet has a nice sound, or so I've been told.
Thanks in advance for all responses and any helpful information.
Post Edited (2008-06-20 01:35)
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Author: Jkelly32562
Date: 2008-06-19 21:55
I don't know anything about your clarinet, but as for mouthpieces, I use a BB sponsor for my mouth piece needs. Behn mouthpieces, and he is very helpful, and offers great products at a reasonable price.
here's the link : http://www.behnmouthpieces.com/
You should give him a try
Jonathan
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Author: Ryder
Date: 2008-06-19 22:30
How does it play? The most important thing isn't wether or not it is name brand or if it costs $5000 or $50 (although you should be very wary of a $50 clarinet) it's how it plys that matters.
As for the brand, I can't help you there.
As I suggest to many people, If you are willing to spend $200 for a mouthpiece (which is a steal compared to others), then give Clark W. Fobes a look. His pro line of mouthpieces ( San Fransisco that is) come in many different facings to suit the player. I have a San Fransisco CF+. I beleve the tip opening is 1.00 so it's fairly closed, requiring the use of sronger reeds. As for ligatures use a leather Vandoren with the metal plate insert. Of the ligatures I've tried it fits me the best, but like instruments and mouthpieces, it may not work for you.
I hope this helps.
Good luck in your search, just remember to try MANY different things, to ensure your getting the best you can.
____________________
Ryder Naymik
San Antonio, Texas
"We pracice the way we want to perform, that way when we perform it's just like we practiced"
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Author: Joseph Brenner, Jr.
Date: 2008-06-19 22:46
Dear Ravenway,
1. If you'll go to the top of the page and select "Search", then enter "Martin Freres" and you will find several comments.
2. Using a "pre-owned" instrument does not place somebody in a lower caste. Famous artists have been honored to inherit clarinets from their teachers, friends, and colleagues.
3. You could be much worse off. Just think, what if you and your family had millions of dollars but lacked any good judgment about spending the money. From what you have said, both you and your family are prudent about spending the money you have.
4. A different mouthpiece may help you, but don't expect any piece of equipment to magically transport you from where you are to the first chair of the New York Philharmonic.
Best wishes for successful completion of high school and good luck on your future plans. jbjr
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2008-06-19 23:59
For us to recommend a mouthpiece to you with no knowledge of your urrent capabilities and skills as a clarinetist would be foolish and wasteful. Iwould suggest you ask your teacher for recommendations if you are studying with somebody. If not, it might be a good idea to approach a professional in the area and ask for a lesson or two to help determine whether a new mouthpiece is even necessary.
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
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