 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Jeanne
Date: 2010-11-04 16:10
Hi all,
I played as a child and teenager and still have my clarinet. I had it serviced a few years ago and think all the corks, pads, etc. are ok. But I hate my clarinet. It is older than the hills and a plastic Vito. It's probably over 50 years old. I have a ton of questions!!!!
Now that my daughter is playing the flute, I would like to pick my clarinet back up again, but everytime I try...I can only play for about 3-5 minutes before my mouth just aches. Part of me knows that if I play more often, my chops will get used to it all over again. But...a part of me worries that my embrochure isn't right. I would love to have a few lessons with an expert...but since I'm paying for high-quality lessons for my daughter's flute lessons, this is not in the budget.
When I do play, I have troubles getting to the low notes and most definitely to the higher octaves. Lots of squacking and squeaking going on.
Again...probably embrochure problems.
What size reed should I be using to begin with? What's the best brand now-a-days...amongst the cheaper brands?
ANd finally...I am dreaming here....of buying a new clarinet. I always wanted a wood one, but my parents were never able to provide me with a new clarinet as a child. What would be a good brand/model for me?
Thanks,
Jeanne
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2010-11-04 16:40
Use Rico 2.5 reeds. They'll do until your chops are stronger.
And before you start looking for a good wood clarinet, please put some of the money into a couple of lessons. The only way to know whether your embouchure is correct is to have a pro look at it! It'll be a better investment than an instrument at this point! Really!
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Author: jasperbay
Date: 2010-11-04 17:07
I'd start out on a Rico #2 . The squeaking, difficulty with low notes, and hard blowing, causing the sore mouth muscles, could also be a leaky pad.
Check the pads for good seating as you go down the scale, especially where it starts to squeak, or you have to blow harder. Check the cork joints for a good seal also.
Actually, a plastic Vito will play pretty well if the pads are seating, and you have a good mouthpiece/reed combo. Certainly well enough to tell if you still have "The Right Stuff".
Clark G. Sherwood
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Author: Carol Dutcher
Date: 2010-11-04 17:58
Hello, yes I remember how hard it was for me to start practicing the clarinet when I got serious about it in middle age.. The jaw ache goes away. My goal at first was only 15 minutes per day, and then I worked up from that. I thought I would never get anywhere. I used a Rico #2 Reed as it was softer and now I am up to a Rico 2.5, some years later. I had the clarinet but hadn't used it much. Purchased in 1972, a beautiful horn. Anyhow I guess lessons could not hurt! Good luck to you!
Carol Dutcher
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Author: weberfan
Date: 2010-11-04 18:23
I restarted three years ago, at 59. Got a teacher right away and have been taking weekly lessons ever since. My old Vito (about 45 years old at the time) seemed too nasty to spend money on, tho I sold it to someone who fixed it up and passed it along to a younger player.
Eventually, I bought a Yamaha 250, the company's entry-level model and the one recommended by my teacher. It's terrific and well worth considering. I'm playing a Buffet R13 now and very pleased with it. The YCL250 is a great back-up.
But more than brands/strengths of reeds or clarinets or mouthpieces, PLEASE do get yourself some lessons as soon as you can. Best $$ investment you can make at this point. It will get you started, get you organized and allow you to enjoy playing again. And you'll be able to get those "how do I start over" questions answered in the very personal way you require. That's why almost all the previous posts have emphasized lessons.
Good luck.
Post Edited (2010-11-04 18:25)
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Author: FDF
Date: 2010-11-04 23:42
"When I do play, I have troubles getting to the low notes and most definitely to the higher octaves. Lots of squacking and squeaking going on.
Again...probably embrochure problems."
Possibly your mouthpiece has nicks on it that allow for uncontrolled wind that produces squeaks. The most important part of your clarinet is your mouthpiece. Maybe that old mpc needs replaced. Then, find a soft 2 or 2 1/2 reed (Ricos are fine) that works with it. As, stated above, make sure your pads and corks are tight. Best of luck, and practice, practice, practice.
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Author: BigDaddyJon
Date: 2010-11-05 04:41
I'm not a middle-ager wanting to start over. I'm a middle-ager wanting to start for the first time. I also play trumpet and lessons are so vital. Question is; how do I know I'm getting a GOOD clarinet teacher? What is fair to pay for lessons?
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2010-11-05 14:30
Lessons, with a teacher you've somehow checked out, or been referred to is unquestionably the best thing you can send your first recovery money on.
I don't trust your clarinet (or your mouthpiece), and the first thing you should do with your teacher is to wipe down the mouthpiece with an antiseptic and have him/er play your horn.
A good playing student mouthpiece will cost about $30; and (depending on your teacher's advice) should be an early investment. Only skip this step if the teacher thinks that your mouthpiece is "golden."
Oh, and you need not commit to a costly regimen of lessons. Get advice to get started and arrange to go back for more as you need and can afford the next lesson.
BUT, a teacher can help you avoid building bad habits; and bad habits take an incredible amount of time and effort to correct. A few repeated mistakes can train you to do wrong forever (well, almost forever --I'm talking about months and years)
Welcome back, and enjoy your progress.
Bob Phillips
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2010-11-05 15:51
Jon,
Some of the things you'll want to watch for are the same as for any music instrument teacher.
If they don't allow a single trial lesson, run the other way.
Not all great teachers charge a lot, so don't base your decision on how much they charge. Currently I still charge $20 for a half hour lesson in my home, and $24 for a half hour lesson at a studio where I pay a fee to use their room. There are teachers who charge less and teachers who charge more.
If the teacher also performs somewhere, go hear a concert they're involved with. Do you like how they play? That's not the be all and end all, but if you don't like their playing, they might not be able to teach you to play in a way you want to play. Of course, a good teacher can help the student go in their own direction and not just copy him!
There is certainly more to be said on this subject, but that's all I've got in my brain right now!
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2010-11-06 04:23
On breaking bad habits. I just finished a novel in which one of the (fictional) character's hands had been amputated several years before the story event. He was still reaching up to wipe his mouth.
Now, that's close to the time I've been trying to exorcise the use of the
TR|XOXG#|OOO Bb fingering from my old full Boehm clarinet.
Bob Phillips
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