 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: eaglgenes101
Date: 2013-04-13 05:51
Lately, my family has asked me to make a decision on what sort of new clarinet they should buy for me. I want to switch to alto clarinet for next year, but I do realize that there aren't too many composers that put alto clarinet parts in their pieces.
Currently I have a Jupiter brand plastic clarinet. The barrel's a bit battered up from impacts, there's a screw that keeps working its way out of the left finger F/C key, and I've bent some of the keys back into position over the years (yes, I used to be bad at maintaining a clarinet), but otherwise, it works well.
What are some of the possibilities for a replacement, and what can I expect from them?
Post Edited (2013-04-13 05:52)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2013-04-13 13:14
Easy things first. Put clear fingernail polish over the screw that works loose. If that's not enough, try non-permanent Loctite.
I'd advise against getting an alto clarinet. There's just not enough (interesting) use for it. If you want one for yourself, get a used Bundy and put a good mouthpiece (say, Grabner) on it.
As to which clarinet to get, go for the best you can afford. An intermediate model in wood won't be much better than a decent plastic one. In fact, if your Jupiter has good intonation, you'll see much more improvement with a handmade mouthpiece custom-matched with a barrel.
Ken Shaw
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Taras12
Date: 2013-04-13 21:18
Two things to consider:
1) What can you afford?
2) What will you be using it for... e.g. Classical/Band/Jazz, Indoor/Outdoor?
Then talk with your local music stores and play a few models.
Tristan
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Tobin
Date: 2013-04-13 22:18
First and foremost a new clarinet will enable your development and provide you with better growth opportunities.
It will not immediately make you a better clarinetist or solve any technical issues you have -- generally speaking.
As Tristan said -- try a bunch before you buy. Good luck!
James
Gnothi Seauton
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Rickwbliss
Date: 2013-04-14 03:21
I always suggest the Leblanc Bliss 210 to everyone looking for an upgrade from a student level. Its sound is amazing for its price (almost at a r13s level), go to Kesslers, and he'll probably put a MoBa barrel on the clarinet too. It cost about 1k with the barrel.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Roxann
Date: 2013-04-15 01:06
I went to Kessler, bought the 310 and have never looked back. I LOVE the fact that it has a smaller bore than what I'd been using, thereby requiring less air. Kessler was great to work with. It has a better tone than the professional model clarinets that others in my section play on...and definitely better than the plastic models others are using. Kessler will include the MoBa barrel, which is a must.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
