 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: bradfordlloyd
Date: 2013-10-25 21:47
Okay, so I'm interested in what others do for/with back-up clarinets....I mean, what is realistic and "normal"? Or, basically, what works for you and why.
For my part, I play both Bb and Eb clarinets regularly and tend to play and practice most of the time on my main instruments -- a 1960's vintage Bb Buffet R-13 and a 1970's vintage Selmer Series 9 eefer. I love both instruments.
For Bb, I have a couple of good vintage wood clarinets (a Couesnon Monopole Conservatoire and a Dolnet DLP) for back ups which have come in handy during recent necessary repairs to the Buffet, and to rotate instruments on occasion just to shake things up. I also have a decent vintage hard rubber instrument for outdoor gigs or if I have to leave an instrument in the car when it's cold or hot (I live in Chicago)
For Eb, I have only a Bettoney metal eefer as a back-up, but it plays well and can stay in the car in extreme weather, or be played outside if needed. I've had to play it in wind ensemble a couple of times and it always gets me some funny looks and comments, but it works.
This system works for me, I guess, but maybe it's a bit excessive (my wife thinks so). What works for you?
Post Edited (2013-10-26 17:36)
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2013-10-26 00:57
I have a closet full of "backup horns". Unless the entire house goes up in a fire, I'm covered for any situation 
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Author: Barry Vincent
Date: 2013-10-26 01:23
My principle Clarinet is a Ridenour Lyrique RCP-576BC (Bb).
I don't have a 'back-up' Horn but I do have several plastic 'back- up' Clarinets that would do if my principle was in need of being sent away for repair (Jupiter & Schreiber 6010)
I also have A and C Clarinets but don't have 'stand-by' Clarinets for them.
My real concern is that I don't have a 'stand-by' Oboe. I regularly use my Oboe (a Howarth S55c)in the local theater orchestra. If this instrument was to have something go wrong with it and I couldn't fix it myself , I'd be in an awkward situation. I could at a pinch , use a Flute perhaps.
Actually at the moment I'm using my C Clarinet on the Oboe part in the musical 'Sweeney Todd' and this has been accepted by the musical director in this particular case as there are hardly any real 'Oboish' melodies in this musical. I decided to do this as the Oboe part (Reed 4) is high and 'full on' and I"m getting a bit too old to be busting my insides out on such a part.
I did play Horns once. An Eb Alto Sax Horn and a Bb/F compensating 'French' Horn but decided long ago to concentrate on Oboe , Flute and Clarinet.
Skyfacer
Post Edited (2013-10-26 06:54)
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Author: GaryH
Date: 2013-10-26 02:54
My current main clarinet is a Selmer Arthea. My 10S and R-13 are there should I need another horn. After those are another Arthea, a Selmer Artys, a Leblanc Concerto, another R-13 and a LL. I need to quit buying and start thinning the herd.
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Author: ruben
Date: 2013-10-26 13:13
I've never understood how anybody could refer to a clarinet as a "horn"!
rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2013-10-26 14:59
I keep a closely-matched plastic "twin" of my wooden clarinets for use when appropriate. The "twins" share the same or similar bore configuration, resistance tendencies, and keywork layout.
For classical clarinet, I play a Boosey & Hawkes 8-10, and use a plastic Boosey & Hawkes 1-10 as its alternate.
For show tunes/pit orchestra, I play an early Normandy, and use a plastic Vito 7214 as its alternate. I'm working on restoring a plastic Normandy 11 to replace the Vito.
For big band applications, I use a Pruefer Festival Six-20. This is a hard rubber clarinet with a metal bore sleeve, and doesn't need a twin for outdoors. I have a nearly-identical Pruefer Special awaiting restoration to serve as its backup.
For chamber music, I use a Ridenour RCP-576BC. It's also hard rubber and doesn't need a twin for use outdoors. If it were unavailable for use, I could use one of the Booseys as an alternate.
Incidentally, I keep parts instruments on hand for the Normandys and Pruefers. In the event that something gets lost or damaged on these long-out-of-production instruments, I'm covered.
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Author: William
Date: 2013-10-26 15:45
I use my pro level clarinets in all playing conditions. No "backups" needed. It is my personal wish to play at my best no matter what the gig and for that, I need my best equipment. I do not, however, play in unfavorable conditions, such as rain, snow, extreme wind or excessive cold or heat. "Outside" does not concern me if the weather is ok. FWIW, my clarinets have never cracked, having survived the wonderful Wisconsin seasonal changes. I think wood clarinets are a lot more durable than we think, as long as reasonable TLC is is place.
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Author: bradfordlloyd
Date: 2013-10-26 17:46
Thank you for your responses!
I meant no offense by calling clarinets "horns" -- it's merely my short hand for "instruments of various types." To avoid confusion, I have now edited the post to eliminate the non-specific and technically incorrect word "horn" in reference to the clarinet.
I'm still interested in how people solve for "back-up" or "stand-by" clarinets for various needs and occasions.
Thanks!
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Author: GaryH
Date: 2013-10-26 20:36
Bradford, I've taken lessons from the principal clarinet in the Dallas and Ft Worth symphonies and Lee Gibson at what used to be North Texas State University. They have all used horn in referring to a clarinet at one time or another.
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Author: bradfordlloyd
Date: 2013-10-26 21:07
Yes, calling a clarinet a "horn" is fairly common usage, so I was surprised by the comments. Still, I'm asking a genuine question and didn't want the nomenclature to stand in the way....so, I edited out the distractions.
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Author: BobD
Date: 2013-10-26 22:45
ruben.....or why a guitar is called an Axe........or your embouchure as "chops"....
Bob Draznik
Post Edited (2013-10-26 22:46)
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Author: ruben
Date: 2013-10-27 06:28
I suppose it doesn't really matter what you call it-would a rose by any other name....? I have no prudish opposition to colloquial usage. It just seems to me that if you call it a "horn", you well tend to honk on it. Freud, where are you when we need you?!
rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2013-10-27 08:11
" It just seems to me that if you call it a "horn", you well tend to honk on it. Freud, where are you when we need you?!"
rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com
I do, I do!!!!!
Tony F.
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Author: bradfordlloyd
Date: 2013-10-27 10:53
...and the original question about back-up instruments has been completely forgotten in the honking of horns.....
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2013-10-27 12:47
Okay...here goes. My main instrument is a Marigaux RS. For a certain outside gig each spring I have a Vito VSP which is is a terrific instrument. And for really bad weather I bought an early Hanson RG-1 (which is now sold as HE5-RG) which is made from some greenline-like composite.
Now...the issue about the Hanson is that I received such a fine specimen so that it more or less has evolved into my main instrument. ![[whoa]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie10.gif)
That's probably the risk with having backups...
--
Ben
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Author: MSK
Date: 2013-10-28 00:13
I'm an amateur that plays in a community symphony orchestra and also frequently plays in church ensembles and miscellaneous local gigs. This issue can be a real problem for me as the local tech is very slow. My primary setup is Buffet R13 for Bb and A. Until a few years ago I relied on my old student grade plastic Artley as back-up Bb. My first A was a 1920s Buffet that I never liked, but kept as a back-up. It's still my back-up A.
More recently I purchased for a song an Evette & Schaeffer K series which I have given to my son and a Buffet C12 that I use as a practice instrument. I will use one of these as my back up next time I need one.
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Author: MarlboroughMan
Date: 2013-10-28 12:10
My main horn is a Selmer CT, Q-Series. I grew so attached to it that I purchased another Selmer CT, P-Series as a backup. I carry them together in a double case, most of the time.
Eric
******************************
The Jazz Clarinet
http://thejazzclarinet.blogspot.com/
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Author: Lelia Loban ★2017
Date: 2013-10-28 14:04
The trouble with backup clarinets is: They breed in the closets overnight. Yes, I'm afraid Shadow Cat may have been right about that all along. I can't possibly have gone to enough flea markets and junktiques shops to account for everything I have to clear out of the guest bedroom to make room for human guests. Oh, there's another idea: Maybe those clarinets are only guests. Yes, my clarinets invited them in for a reed-soaking party or whatever clarinets do instead of Beach Week. They'll leave soon. I think. Maybe.
Lelia
http://www.scoreexchange.com/profiles/Lelia_Loban
To hear the audio, click on the "Scorch Plug-In" box above the score.
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Author: pewd
Date: 2013-10-28 17:33
I just keep the old instrument when I buy a new one. (r13's). And play it once a week to make sure its still alive and well. I don't have a backup for my "A" - probably should.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2013-10-28 18:12
A backup contrabass clarinet...
Nope.
Something goes wrong, I have screwdrivers and tape.
I've had half my instrument stop responding at the start of a performance. Thankfully it was an improv, so I just rolled with it.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: beadgcf
Date: 2013-10-29 02:12
I try to make good friends and buy them beer if I ever need a backup horn. I just sold my backup A clarinet, but other than that, I prefer to use the beer method. Cheaper.
:)
Board-Certified Music Therapist
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2013-10-29 19:18
I'm almost out of back-up clarinets. My "back up" Ridenour Lyrique A is currently out on loan to a colleague who's broken his A's register key.
I think I'm in OK shape to borrow (beers or not, or "beers in the bank already") a horn if there's an emergency.
Bob Phillips
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