 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: HungryTurkey
Date: 2005-05-10 00:59
I have been playing alto clarinet as my main instrument for a few years now and would like some advice on what brands you seem to like the best. I will be playing in the university symphonic band, so while I'm not going to be a music major, I would like something that sounds nice for the money
I currently have an aging Vito on loan and while its nice, I'm looking to buy my own
Also would like to hear advice on mouthpieces and ligatures. I've currently have a C* mouthpiece and am happy with it, but have played on anything different.
Thanks
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Author: pewd
Date: 2005-05-10 03:50
i use a C* with a Rovner dark ligature on an old (30 years or more) Noblet Alto. I love the mouthpiece. The horn has a few issues but for the most part plays ok.
As you probably know by now, high end altos are pricey.
New horns - I'd check out a Selmer 22, Noblet 55, and the Leblanc's and Yamaha's - e.g., I'd try and play several of each to pick from.
One of the schools I teach at has a Selmer 22; its awesome. Its rather expensive however.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: Merlin
Date: 2005-05-10 04:24
As I've posted in the Ebay thread, I got my Selmer alto clarinet for about $200 USD, and then had it overhauled.
Worked out quite well for me. I use a Vandoren B40 with #3 Vandoren reeds and I have a Hite m/p as a backup.
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Author: HungryTurkey
Date: 2005-05-10 12:01
I have heard that newer alto clarinets do not have the same quality as 20 or 30 years ago.
Disagree? Agree?
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2005-05-10 14:36
In my experience the Leblanc harmony clarinets (Leblanc and Noblet lines) are not going to play much better than the Vito, as acoustically they're really the same design with an inadequate single-register-vent mechanism. Occasionally one can be found that plays really well, but those are the exception rather than the rule. I'd look at the Selmer and Yamaha first.
If Clark Fobes and Walter Grabner make alto clarinet mouthpieces, check them out also (and Roger Garrett too).
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2005-05-10 15:43
My B series [Model 22??] Selmer-Paris A C [small bore] is the very best I've found. The only other one which I'd say is "good" is an old Pedler, to low E only, BUT has Dbl Reg Keying !! , as DS says, it is sometimes helpful in the lower clarion. My Sel {SRK} has a good pinch Bb, the A + trill is perhaps a bit better, the "long Bb" is good, but different. I do wish it had the alt. Ab/Eb lever, but survive. Re: mps, my Pomarico 3 [mellow] is very good, and my ?brave/foolish? MINOR refacing attempts [with TLC] {DS, any comments ??} on a C* and 2 Bundy 3's are nearly as good ! As I've said elsewhere, I am now playing it for a "harmonic" solo part in "Fantasy on Yankee Doodle", in preference to my bass cl [its across its break, diff tonalities] . Its in throat/chalameau on the A C,, but I have to work to get needed volume without loss of tone quality. In concert band the A C sure cant compete with Alto saxes, so is only occasionally useful [IMHE] when an individual part is written !! "Nuff for now ? Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2005-05-10 15:53
I would recommend the Yamaha alto--I believe it's the YCL-631 (or at least it used to be). They've been doing a great job lately on their mechanical stuff and would be a good investment for you if you're going to stick with the alto. I agree with David S. that you should get a hand-made mouthpiece for your instrument (wait until you have the instrument to get the mouthpiece so the artist can give you the best match).
Yamaha makes an inexpensive model as well. That might be the ticket if you can't find a good deal on the pro model--or if you can't find a good used one.
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Author: Gandalfe
Date: 2005-05-12 01:38
My wife just bought a 1950s Leblanc Alto Clarinet for $400 on ebay. Not as good a deal as Merlin's Selmer but then we tuned it up for around $150. It is a very nice, high-end instrument in very good condition and certainly a lot cheaper than any decent new alto clarinet. Compare that to a new Leblanc 300S at around $4000 and you get the idea. Most musicians require decent instruments. Getting a deal takes luck, timing, and usually hard work.
Jim and Suzy
Pacifica Big Band
Seattle, Washington
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Author: HungryTurkey
Date: 2005-05-14 00:13
Thanks for all your advice
Just a final question.
Are there any particular brands of Alto Clarinets that have semed to age better than other brands?
(I guess I could rephrase as ten-fifteen-twenty years ago were the "good" alto clarinet makers the same good clarinet makers as today?)
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Author: Grabnerwg
Date: 2005-05-14 02:42
Dave said <<If Clark Fobes and Walter Grabner make alto clarinet mouthpieces, check them out also>>
I just added Alto Clarinet mouthpieces to my line of mouthpieces. I was using Babbitt blanks, but I recently switched. Zinner makes a GREAT alto clarinet mouthpiece blank. When properly faced and adjusted, it beats a C* hands down.
Walter Grabner
www.clarinetxpress.com
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Author: Gene
Date: 2005-06-14 05:36
I might be the only one who play's a Boosey&Hawkes 1-10 alto with a Clarke &Fobes mpc and F.L. ligature I got alot of applause at a Jazz jam last week played Girl from Ipanema and another peice called Nimbus seemed to fit the tonal qualities of the alto just right I was useing the realbook e-flat edition.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2005-06-14 06:39
If you like living on bread and water try the Buffet alto clarinet too.
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Author: buedsma
Date: 2005-06-15 11:09
www.lynsgarden.co.uk for some acceptable prices on alto instruments
not personally involved , but also contacted the guy once for an instrument
very reasonable prices
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