 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Fradders
Date: 2012-01-22 19:33
Hi folks.
I wonder if someone can help me with something of an ethereal question. My son is 13 and is now playing clarinet at a high student level. We know that he would benefit from a better quality instrument and as luck would have it, his instrument teacher has come into possession of a very nice Yamaha Custom CS which he's offering at what seems like a good price.
Of course, before handing over any cash we'll be taking the instrument to be checked over by a repairer that we know, trust and love (a little bit of love rarely hurts).
My question though is about the playability of the instrument. Son says that it's more difficult to blow than his current Buffet B12 - I think he means he has to have a higher pressure to make the sound come out.
When he plays, the tone is really nice and mellow, but is my son's concern enough to dismiss the Yamaha?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Kind regards,
Gerard
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2012-01-22 19:50
Were both instrument played with the same mouthpiece, the same reed?
--
Ben
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2012-01-22 20:08
If it's a CS, then it was probably made somewhere between 1992 and late 2009.
Depending on how much it was previously being played, the conditions it was being subjected to and how well maintained and treated it has been will affect its condition and also playability.
Has it been serviced (doing what needs doing to put it back into playing condition) or had a full overhaul (fully rebuilt with all new pads) recently?
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: DrewSorensenMusic
Date: 2012-01-22 20:31
I may be sorry in asking this, but do you not trust your son's instrument instructor? I he/she not a clarinet player? Does he/she think the horn is a good instrument for your son's progess?
If any of these answers are a no, then maybe it's not a good investment. Also, if your son doesn't enjoy playing it, it's not the right time to get it anyway, cause it could lead to frustration and loss of progress.
The first person I always trust is my teacher. If you can't or don't, forget about the horn and invest in a teacher you can trust. Let that person tell you what's best for your son.
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2012-01-24 04:04
You might want to get another opinion on the Yamaha. Buy a half hour of a "good" teacher's time and have him/er audition it, check for condition, check its intonation, ...
Bob Phillips
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Author: LJBraaten
Date: 2012-01-24 16:02
If the instrument checks out as a good one, would it be possible for your son to have a 2 week evaluation period? If it produces a better tone he may warm up to it, and even adapt to the increased resistance. I still remember when I got my first semi professional quality mouthpiece (I was 13), I was disappointed that it was a little more resistant to play. But after a couple of weeks it was no big deal, and the trade off in improved tone was well worth it. Of course if he still doesn't like it I agree with others, don't force him. Save your money for if and when he is ready to upgrade.
Laurie (he/him)
Post Edited (2012-01-24 21:36)
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Author: janlynn
Date: 2012-01-24 17:37
I think going from a B12 to a step up would all give your son greater ristance and not just this particular instrument.
My teacher has told me when her young students take that next step they are surprised how much more air support they need too. This should also be explained by his teacher.
I wouldnt count it out as "bad" or defective (though certainly get it checked) - he may just need to get used to using a little more breath support. with time he will adjust.
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Author: Dee
Date: 2012-01-25 14:07
Professional horns usually do blow a bit harder BUT it may have a minor leak somewhere. Get it checked. A leak would not be a reason to not get it but would need fixing.
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