Author: OneWatt
Date: 2021-02-07 08:08
I'll offer a +1 in praise of the Lyrique 576bc from a "different user" perspective...
Like TomS, I also have no financial connection with the Ridenours.
I'm an aspiring old man too - in my mid 60s - but am new to the clarinet. I'm not new to musical instruments by any stretch as our home is filled with them. But a newbie to this "single-reed" world. FWIW, my wind experience until recently was gained years ago: self-taught flute/piccolo and EWI 4000s.
So, with this context, here's my experience since my Ridenour clarinet arrived a few weeks ago...
I cannot imagine anything about it that is lacking... in any respect. And the price is remarkably fair.
A superb instrument - and a bargain.
I've been amazed at how well it plays, how easily I can coax lovely tones to spill out whether I'm reaching for ff or pp (even with my immature embouchure), and how solid and ergonomic it feels in my hands.
Moreover, having read up on clarinet repair/maintenance (Hayes book), I couldn't be happier with the fact that I don't have to deal with "wood issues." Hard rubber seems like such a clearheaded choice. What a blessing.
It has allowed me to confidently attack learning my scales (and 3rds, 4ths, guide tones) in all 12 keys, to cross registers with relative ease, to make decent progress through Langenus, Kroepsch, Baermann Book 3 scales, and now delve into Lennie Niehaus jazz sax materials (for additional articulation practice) along with Coker's Jazz Patterns (to further solidify fingerings under various key signature cycles). My wife and I are also beginning to tackle some clarinet/piano duets.
I'm convinced that this 576 model clarinet is making much of this possible for me. It's a quality instrument which makes playing clarinet a joy.
Moreover, the Ridenours are wonderful to deal with. Quick and candid in response to my concerns/questions, the pride they take in quality is evident in everything I've observed thus far.
Tom's videos also inspired me to set out playing double-lip; I'm pleased to say this was sage advice. No biting necessary to get a broad range of tonal shapes out of his clarinet design. I'm left wondering why anyone would actually want to have teeth involved with a mouthpiece. (Okay, flame me if you must!)
Anyhow, I know the price of a new Lyrique might be steep for some. I too have a (much cheaper!) used auction site student clarinet (<$70) that continues to serve its purpose respectfully. And so I can attest to the fact that one doesn't NEED to have a Ridenour when starting out. Indeed, it's a luxury.
But I can also say that Tom's 576 has inspired me to press forward in my learning and has helped me make considerable progress with confidence.
The remaining obstacles I face are inherent in the musician ... not the instrument. My advice: If you can afford it, get one while you can.
[A note: I've also found Tom's ATG materials to be excellent. Sure, I've seen other (free) sources of guidance on reed adjustment. But the value of the ATG materials is reflected in the intellectual property (book/DVD), not in the sandpaper/glass/handle.
Thus far I've had just a single reed from several boxes of Rico Royals (3 strength) that I couldn't make enjoyably playable. Out of the box, they've been transformed from trashcan-worthy to controllable well-matched reeds for my RE-10 & 5RV-lyre mouthpieces. I can't imagine trying to play this instrument without learning how to adjust one's own reeds from the start.]
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The Clarinet BBoard
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