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Post by chhsclarinet on Nov 5, 2008 18:08:11 GMT -5
What are the main pros of having a wooden clarinet over a plastic clarinet? I mean I know that a wooden one would obviously sound better, but I'm having trouble explaining it to my parents, who I need for funding the purchase of a wooden clarinet. Also, what are some good brands/models of intermediate or professional level clarinets? EDIT: I got an R13!! Does anyone know the longest time you can keep it outside in 30 degree weather inside a case in a backpack? (Safely of course.)
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Post by bariclaribob on Nov 5, 2008 21:39:45 GMT -5
Hmm..
I'm no expert, but I've heard good things about Buffet and Selmer. Since you'll be trying out the instruments before you buy them, I wouldn't limit yourself to those brands, though. I've tried out a good Yamaha and a decent Olds. It really depends on the sound YOU can get out of the horn, but Buffet and Selmer and well-regarded.
Another option if money is tight/you can't convince your parents (welcome to my world), try a new mouthpiece. If you don't have a "good" one (mine's good and it's a Vandoren B45 hard rubber), then that's a cheaper upgrade that WILL improve your tone tons. Seriously. I went back and played my old plastic one for a practice session, and I was astonished at the difference.
The pros of wood... hmm. Tone. When I play upscale wood horns (to try, I mean), my tone is darker, richer, warmer... it's just better. Less bright, less sharp, less piercing... it's beautiful to hear your potential, and that's really what the upgrade horns seem to be to me, a way to realize your full potential that is limited on a student model designed for beginners.
Good luck.
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Post by yummiebears on Nov 5, 2008 22:23:47 GMT -5
My older sister plays clarinet, so I know a bit about when she got her wooden one. I would suggest an R13 and if thats too much then go with an E11. My sister got a used Buffet R13 greenline. It is a pretty amazing clarinet. It is made out of recycled wood or something like that, so it is stronger than a usual R13. She was able to take hers on the marching field (in Southern California- so weather wasn't that bad).
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KUguardgrl13
Band Nerd
I'm a sister in the bond of this kinship I am fond[F4:687065693]
Posts: 442
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Post by KUguardgrl13 on Nov 5, 2008 23:23:18 GMT -5
i'll admit i'm no expert when it comes to clarinets (i play viola aka the one that's in between violin and cello in the orchestra), but i got a new viola two summers ago. when you go to try clarinets, they'll probably have you try a whole bunch in the price range that your looking at. once you narrow it down to two or three, the salesperson while probably do the blind test where you'll turn around so you can't see him/her or the clarinets. he/she will play each horn and you usually pick the one that sounds the best to your ear. also, you might want to take the mouthpiece you're used to or whichever one you'd be using for that clarinet. if you absolutely can't convince your parents to looking into a new horn, the mouthpiece thing is a good idea or even looking at used wooden horns if you're really set on a wooden one. good luck!!!
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Post by altoclarinets on Nov 7, 2008 20:56:38 GMT -5
Buffet is of course the most well reputed. Wood clarinets have an entirely different tone- the acoustics of the horn are affected by the fact that wood and plastic vibrate completely differently. The greenlines are made out of grenadilla/ ebony dust mixed with resin, and they are VERY heavy, but they do not crack and they play about the same as a regular R13. I was talking to a pro who has one and she said she honestly likes it better than her wood one. They're also a bit cheaper, but they are on sale less often and less common on the secondhand market. An average range for a new R13 is about $3000 these days, and an E11 is about 2700. My horn (RC Prestige, woot) that I get for my Bday this summer provided the economy doesnt drop into the dirt runs about $5000. You can find a used E11 in good shape for $500 ish in many places. Ask at your local music store- many have horns that were rented by others and then returned. Another option is the rent to own- you pay a rental fee every month that is subtracted from the price of the horn when and if you decide to buy it.
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Post by chhsclarinet on Nov 19, 2008 23:15:32 GMT -5
I just got an R13 XD... any tips for taking care of it? My main concern is transporting it in the cold weather. About how long would it be safe to keep my clarinet outside (in its case, inside a backpack)?
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Post by redhead on Nov 21, 2008 23:19:05 GMT -5
I recently got an E12 Buffet, and I really like it. I has a deeper tone, and makes my mid-section notes in tune, which is an area I previously stuggled with. I noticed that once the band room found out I had a nice, wooden clarinet, I was more respected, and people were especially careful with my instrument. One arguement to give your parents is that since I was with my mom when she bought the clarinet, and I know the value of it, I feel pressured not to lose it. It gives me a sense of responsibilty, since I always need to make sure I know where it is.
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Post by altoclarinets on Nov 27, 2008 16:59:59 GMT -5
And you had problems with losing your horn before...? Now, about that r13 of chhs's. It really isn't good to take it outside at all but I know it sometimes can not be avoided. Don't leave it outside overnight ever, and try not to leave it in places without climate control. A car is fine, as long as it is up front with you and the heater/ AC has not given out. It might be a good idea to get a ProTec case if you are working with the standard R13 black leather job; they will last a lot longer and tend towards better insulation. If your cold is a dry kind of cold, another smart move is leave- in swabs, which help keep in some of the moisture from your playing while your horn is in its case. If the humidity is right, the horn will expand and contract like any wood but it will be less likely to crack. However, beware! If it is a wet sort of cold your horn could have too much humidity and suffer damage. Do not under any circumstances march the R13. Leave your old horn at school all the time if you have to so that you always have it, but do not march the R13. By the way, what sort of mouthpiece are y'all using?
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KUguardgrl13
Band Nerd
I'm a sister in the bond of this kinship I am fond[F4:687065693]
Posts: 442
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Post by KUguardgrl13 on Nov 27, 2008 21:51:37 GMT -5
it's actually not the cold itself that is band for wood instruments (strings, clarinets, oboes, etc.), it's when you take it inside again. wood contracts in cold and expands in heat. the expansion causes string instruments to go out of tune (the pegs loosen) and sometimes the wood will separate which is really bad. not sure about woodwinds, but what I do for my viola is get a Dampit or other humidifier, soak it in water, and leave it in my case. it puts moisture in the air in a dry climate. protec or other insulated cases will reduce the damage of cold. even extreme heat can be bad too, so never leave your clarinet in a car when the A/C or heat isn't running.
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Post by altoclarinets on Nov 28, 2008 12:20:51 GMT -5
Leave ins serve essentially the same purpose as a dampit. And the wood doesn't separate... it cracks. which is really bad.
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KUguardgrl13
Band Nerd
I'm a sister in the bond of this kinship I am fond[F4:687065693]
Posts: 442
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Post by KUguardgrl13 on Nov 29, 2008 22:05:47 GMT -5
ooo... i'm sure that involves some very nasty and expensive repairs. cracks in string instruments aren't good either. pretty much renders that part of the instrument as useless and in need of replacement.
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Post by bariclaribob on Nov 30, 2008 14:39:24 GMT -5
We have a problem at my school with a perpetually cracking (wood) oboe. I've lost count of how often it's been "repaired" only to have the crack reappear within days of its return. The last time it rebroke, it hadn't even been removed from the building, and although the auditorium is cold, I don't think it's a significant enough temperature difference that it would recrack. Our bd is planning on getting a humidity-controlled case/something to control the humidity around the oboe, from what our oboist told me, though I may have misunderstood. The second-chair clarinet in our upper band just recently got a wood clarinet, a used Yamaha. Ironically (I'm first chair), I had tried out that same instrument months ago and considered buying it on condition of key realignment. Before, we both were playing our starting clarinets, both Vitos. Her intonation has improved dramatically since she started playing the Yamaha. I used to cringe when we'd both approach high notes, but now, she sounds much more in-tune. I know, I know: if we were both playing the same instrument, I was also out of tune. But I can control my embouchre better than she can hers, so I'm probably almost as happy that she got a new instrument as she is. I love her and she's fantastic, and the wood one has only helped her more. Now, if she surpasses me, then I might change my mind ...
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hansel2011
Band Nerd
Music expresses the words which can not be spoken...
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Post by hansel2011 on Apr 23, 2009 19:24:48 GMT -5
I have a wooden clarinet. I have been using it since 8th grade. I have a LeBlanc. It is a really good clarinet. I has a lot better tone and ideal for concert band. It is not to be used outdoors. I have used it at Nationals for marching band. We are indoors. I watched the tape and it sounded a whole lot better. It does cost a lot but it will pay off in the long run.
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Post by altoclarinets on Apr 26, 2009 16:38:26 GMT -5
About the oboe... Is the crack getting pinned or is it just being puttied the way a wall would? Cracks in woodwinds have to be pinned, although honestly the horn isn't the same again once it goes...
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Post by altoclarinet123 on Apr 26, 2009 22:09:49 GMT -5
both of my claris are plastic, but I really want a wood, something around an R13 or RC. My Bb plays really well though for a plastic. It is some weird Bundy/Pruefer combo, most likely due to an irrepairable crack repaired with a bundy bore since pruefer went extinct over 50 years ago (nice, right?). I tried my friend's clari (a B12) because she was having trouble with her throat tones and wanted to know if it was her or the clarinet. Wow, that horn sucked. I was kind of like, my half-breed, old rental, overhauled clari works much better than her bought-new plastic Buffet. Though hers did have a nice chalameau. My alto is in desprate need of a complete overhaul, but I did finally take it to the shop yesterday to get the pressing repairs done. Hopefully, when it comes back, I will have a B/E key that works and trills properly, a less airy low altissimo register, a not sticky register key, and I will be able to play the upper altissimo. yeah, that clari's got issues. If I'm optimistic enough, maybe it will feel like a new one when I get it back.
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