Clarinet???
Q. What hand goes on the top part of the clarinet? Left of right? Rats, That Means I've been playing it wrong! :(
Asked by French_Horn_Gal - Tue Nov 20 20:58:11 2007 - - 7 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Left! the middle 3 fingers fit the first three holes and your thumb goes at the back. Try and start getting an open G first. This note is one wihout any fingers! Get the shape of your mouth right first then add the fingers
Answered by bcooper_au - Tue Nov 20 22:24:29 2007

CLARINET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!?
Q. Ok i need to know fast if a Monique brand clarinets are any good?
Asked by i like pickles - Sat Jan 10 16:39:42 2009 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. No, it's not. Try Yamaha, Buffet E11, or LeBlanc. All are good quality instruments, with Buffet E11 being the top student model wooden clarinet.
Answered by lol21t - Sun Jan 11 13:51:52 2009

What kind of clarinet mouthpiece would be good for me?
Q. I've been playing clarinet for years, and now I'm playing in my university concert band and wind ensemble... technically I'm pretty good, but I have some tone problems. I have a brand new (well, it's a couple years old now, but it was new when I got it) wooden Selmer clarinet, but when I bought it, they gave me back my old, beginners mouthpiece. I was thinking that buying a new one would be good (especially now that I'm doing wind ensemble!) and might help improve my tone... what would you suggest? Any help at all is appreciated, I really have no idea where to start. Thanks!
Asked by aikenclaymate1130 - Wed Sep 5 23:52:27 2007 - - 5 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Try some, try some more, then keep trying. A music shop should let you have a go on different mouthpieces in the shop, and try different reeds and even different ligatures. A B45 may be good for some, but it did nothing for me for years. If there was one "best" one (or even a few), there'd be no others. I won't bore you with the story of how I found my ideal mp. Just believe me that you have to sample a few.
Answered by Tom A - Fri Sep 7 00:09:32 2007

How is a conductor clarinet different from a normal clarinet?
Q. I want to buy a clarinet. There is one on ebay but it's listed as a conductor clarinet. Is a conductor clarinet different from a normal clarinet? I think i'm looking for a Bb and this is listed as a Bb.
Asked by freezie - Tue Aug 18 12:57:36 2009 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments

A. I agree, a Buffet clarinet is the best. E-11 is the student model, R13 is the professional. There are other Buffet clarinets out there. It's completely worth the investment.
Answered by Jeff G - Thu Aug 20 17:18:12 2009

How much a Boosey and hawkes clarinet is?
Q. Does anyone know how much a Boosey and hawkes 593 clarinet is? Hi, i recently bought a clarinet and it wasnt inn playable condition. I would like to know how much it is worth so i can sell it. Does anyone know how much a Boosey and hawkes 593 clarinet is? It's quite worn and has a tatter case and a broken key, but i hope its worth something
Asked by NB - Fri May 9 15:13:09 2008 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. An instrument that is not in playable condition is a parts instrument and has a minimal value. Musical instruments only have value related to the quality of music they are capable of. In excellent playing condition, that instrument would sell used for about $150-250. If it needs a keys off restoration, that repair will cost about $300 in most shops. Therefor, your instrument is worth a negative $50-$150. It could have a value as a decorator if it looks good. Some people like to hang them on the wall or make lamps from them.
Answered by CoachT - Tue May 13 01:22:39 2008

After playing clarinet which is the best/easiest instrument to switch to?
Q. How can I use my knowledge in clarinet and apply it to another instrument so the transition wont be to hard.
Asked by Hola. - Tue Oct 23 20:24:10 2007 - - 9 Answers - 2 Comments

A. Saxophone or oboe would be my choice. The translation's not too hard ( I think), it's only one or two notes above. And they both have reeds, so you won't have to mess with anything like the flute or trumpet, having to adjust your embochure.
Answered by theatre girl - Tue Oct 23 20:28:33 2007

How does Weber's clarinet concerto no 1 and Rose etudes compare to Mozart's concerto in terms of difficulty?
Q. Hey, I can play Mozart's clarinet concerto, even though it is still quite difficult. I am thinking about buying Rose's etudes for clarinet or Weber's concerto no 1. How difficult are they in comparison to Mozart?
Asked by mwhtw - Sun Jul 20 21:06:23 2008 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. The Mozart and the Weber Clarinet Concertino are of comparable difficulties. They are from different periods, but the technical demands are similar... as is the range. I believe both go from low "E" (3 ledger lines below the staff) to altissimo "A" (4 ledger lines above the staff). Most colleges require one or the other (or BOTH!) for their entrance auditions, and you will be playing one or both during your first year or two of college as solo repetoire. Same can be said of the C. Rose Etudes... colleges really like numbers 11 and 13... one shows how fast your fingers can fly and they watch articulation, the other is slow and melodic so they look for accurate timing, musicality, and phrasing. High school honor bands (All State) are… [cont.]
Answered by Lady Prism - Mon Jul 21 01:30:16 2008

How can I play my clarinet and make normal sounds with it?
Q. Any tips you'd like to share with me, please do so to help this first-time clarinet player! Everytime i make a sound with my clarinet, it sounds like a high-pitched wail.
Asked by eRiKa(: - Thu Sep 10 05:50:17 2009 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Make sure that your top teeth are biting the top of your mouthpiece. But you have to make sure you aren't biting to hard- your embrouchure should be firm, not loose, but also not clamped on there. You can also try blowing less air through your clarinet- you may be blowing to hard. And don't worry- you'll improve a lot- the first year is difficult but you'll sound way better soon!
Answered by Kaitlyn - Thu Sep 10 05:56:00 2009

How much would it cost to recork a clarinet?
Q. looking for a clarinet online and i found a beautiful rosewood clarinet, however it said it needs recorking, although all the pads are there. How much would this cost? And it only has 14keys what difference would this make to a clarinet that has 17keys. What precautions to i have to take to stop the wood from cracking. Thanks.
Asked by superson - Mon Oct 12 14:54:51 2009 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. I'd say $50-80. The funny thing is I used to work at a shop that repaired instruments, and the materials themselves do not cost more than $5, it's all in how you cut the cork and apply it with a particular glue.
Answered by Blue Foots - Mon Oct 12 15:12:18 2009

How good at clarinet do you have to be before joining a high school marching band?
Q. I'm looking to join my high school's marching band next year. I have -some- experience with the clarinet, since I took band in the 5th grade. I'm wondering what amount of skill I would need to obtain before thinking of joining. Also, suggestions on how to achieve that skill would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks!
Asked by Diane - Wed Nov 4 00:07:51 2009 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. You don't have to be a pro. High school band programs are completely different than elementary or middle school programs, so everyone will be starting over basically anyways. You do need to know basics, so brushing up would be a good idea. Some lessons would also help immensely. Overall, if you're willing to practice and put the effort forth, you'll be fine and you'll come out a much better musician. The awesome thing about marching band is that if you're ever stuck or need help, there's always people around who can help you, and section leaders are generally awesome people to go to for music help. Marching music isn't too hard usually, because you have to focus on so much, so as long as you're willing to practice and get help when you… [cont.]
Answered by Jayme! - Wed Nov 4 00:46:42 2009

Is it normal for a new clarinet to be difficult to take apart?
Q. I currently bought a new wood clarinet. It is extremely difficult to take apart as I often have to apply a lot of pressure to the clarinet. Is it normal for it to be difficult to take apart. I have applied cork grease everytime I play. Is there anything else I can do? Thank you.
Asked by purple_eyes - Sun Feb 3 16:59:03 2008 - - 7 Answers - 1 Comments

A. It may be something to do with the temperatures it is stored at. The wood may swell in the heat. As it is new I don't think there is anything to worry about. It should loosen up over time.
Answered by musicality - Wed Feb 6 14:42:42 2008

Where can I find a good quality clarinet, used?
Q. I am a sophomore in high school and have been playing for 7 years, on the same clarinet that my mother used in high school. I plan to make music my career and need one of a better quality. I play on a Vito that is unfortunately way beyond it's expiration date. Also looking for people with advice as to what clarinet would be best, on a tight budget.
Asked by musica_bellisima - Fri Jun 27 22:39:53 2008 - - 8 Answers - 1 Comments

A. The Buffet R13 is by far one of the best clarinets ever made... almost all professinal clarinet players use it, as it is known for excellent tone and quality craftmanship. It is a consistant horn, in that you can play ANY R13 and it will have a great tone and the pitch tendancies from one to the next are all the same. The price can be startling, though- about $4500.00. If you look around online or in your local music store (and I love the newspaper idea mentioned above- who thinks about a newspaper anymore?! lol), you may be able to find a used one. I paid $1250 for mine from wwbw.com, but you can find them on eBay, etc. If you buy it used, know that you may have to have it recorked or repadded, but it will still be cheaper than… [cont.]
Answered by Lady Prism - Sat Jun 28 13:44:35 2008

What is the difference between a Bb clarinet and a C clarinet?
Q. All of he music I play at church is written for "C" instruments and it's a pain to transpose. What are the differences between a Bb and a C clarinet
Asked by kwdriver - Sun Mar 7 07:19:03 2010 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. There is no significant difference in playing a Bb or C clarinet. In fact, the entire family plays essentially the same from Ab sopranino down to BBb contrabass. The difference is in the key of the instrument and the timbre it produces. The C soprano is slightly smaller than the Bb soprano and produces a tone quality that is a little more bright and piercing than the Bb. In fact, the tone of the C soprano is closer to that of an Eb soprano than to that of the Bb because of the acoustical physics involved. The C soprano is called for in much opera work and in some orchestral work. It's pretty uncommon otherwise. For this reason alone, there aren't a lot of makers of lesser-priced C soprano clarinets. The C kinderklarinet on the… [cont.]
Answered by CoachT - Mon Mar 8 03:09:35 2010

How can you stop your clarinet from squeaking from moving to one note to another?
Q. Everytime i play clarinet and play in the higher octaves and move to one note to another it makes a horrible squeak.How can you stop it from doing that?
Asked by ~Lizbet~ - Sat Jan 16 00:41:25 2010 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Firstly get the keys and pads checked. Whenever my tenor sax squeaks it's normally because of a leaky pad. If it's not the pads then it's because your embouchure isn't forming properly to allow the notes to flow. Play the notes tonged staccato, then tonged legato, and it won't take long before you can slur the notes effortlessly and squeaklessly :)
Answered by Sammy - Sat Jan 16 13:12:18 2010

What's the difference between Clarinet in B and Tenor Saxophone?
Q. I am first seat clarinet this year and going to play tenor saxophone for the Jazz Band. What do I need to know to play tenor saxophone? I'm fourth year clarinet.
Asked by Doctor House - Mon Sep 8 06:14:56 2008 - - 2 Answers - 1 Comments

A. Biggest difference in fingering is when you use the register key. On a clarinet when you use the register key to go up you have to change your fingering. On a saxophone when you change registers the fingering stays the same. You'll also have to adjust your embouchure and learn how to control your breathing.
Answered by Eric S - Tue Sep 9 06:36:10 2008

How to properly use bore oil for a clarinet?
Q. I live in San Diego so it's kinda dry. How often do i have to oil my clarinet and how do you properly do it because i heard of some weird ways to oil my clarinet. (I can't ask my teacher these stuff cuz it's summer break)
Asked by dodger997 - Wed Jun 11 17:42:07 2008 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Hello there. I have a wood piccolo that regularly needs maintenance, so I am familiar with the procedure.. First of all, I have been advised by a woodwind repair specialist in my area... (hot and humid Houston) not to use bore oil. Why... because bore oil is inorganic/chemical and the wood is organic. He advised Almond oil. Put a few drops on your finger... a few drops goes a long way, and gently rub the wood. Stay away from the pads. For the inside of the instrument buy yourself an oboe swab stick... they are quite small around. Put a few drops on the swab and insert it into the inside of the pieces, rotating as you go. Don't drench your swab, because you don't want to oil up those pads. For the barrel and bell, you… [cont.]
Answered by RuthieGirl1121 - Wed Jun 11 18:16:33 2008

Is there any site where you can download mozarts clarinet quintet for b flat calrinet, free?
Q. I would like to have score and parts for mozarts clarinet quintet ( K851) for B FLAT clarinet. But i would also like it for free.
Asked by Christopher L - Thu Dec 4 09:18:15 2008 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. do a google search for it.
Answered by Buzbreed - Mon Dec 8 08:11:59 2008

Is there a reed that can substitute an alto clarinet reed?
Q. I just went to the music store, and they didn't have any alto clarinet reeds, and I need some for tomorrow. Is there any kind of reed that I could use as a substitute? I've heard that an alto clarinet reed works for alto sax. Does it work the other way around?
Asked by basscnetgirl - Mon Jan 7 18:33:03 2008 - - 1 Answers - 1 Comments

A. Try an alto sax reed. It is a bit longer, but that's fine. It's better to have it be a bit too long than too short. Try Vandorin reeds if you haven't already. They're great. Good luck!
Answered by Ty - Mon Jan 7 19:10:03 2008

What do you think about how clarinet reeds taste?
Q. I've found, in my experiences while playing the clarinet, that some reeds taste really good! Now, I'm not talking about flavored reeds or reeds you play after drinking a fruity beverage. I'm talking about "out of the box" reeds. What I want to know is what you all think about how reeds taste? Are some really good based on the brand, level? What's your favorite, and have you ever tasted a really bad one?
Asked by Jade196 - Mon Jan 14 01:42:48 2008 - - 6 Answers - 1 Comments

A. Lucky! Mine just taste like bamboo!
Answered by bcooper_au - Mon Jan 14 11:50:36 2008

What are the measurements of water and bleach for cleaning a clarinet mouthpiece?
Q. I have only one clarinet mouthpiece, but until I get a second mouthpiece. Will someone tell me how much bleach to add to something smaller than a gallon of water. I would also like to know if it is better than soap, and if not what brand of soap. Please include any info on cleaning the clarinet or websites that you my know of. Oh and FYI, I have a wooden clarinet.
Asked by sobilofamily - Fri Mar 5 22:26:19 2010 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments

A. The only real thing you need to do to clean a mouthpiece is to soak it in lemon juice. Grab a skinny cup, put the mouth piece in tip down and fill the lemon juice to the line where the mouthpiece is contacted with your mouth. Lemon juice's acid will desurface any dead skin cells and all that white stuff that is on the mouthpiece. Lemon itself is a natural cleaning solution and will disinfect your mouthpiece in the process.
Answered by matthew - Sat Mar 6 10:33:49 2010