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

Why is my Clarinet making this noise?
Q. I will be playing and every few notes my clarinet will squeak for a series of notes. I have just switched from the Bass Clarinet to B flat Clarinet, so it may be something with my mouth? Did I not warm up properly? I've been playing the Clarinet for 5 years and I switched to the Bass Clarinet 2 years ago for Concert Band and now that they don't March Bass Clarinets, I switched back to the Clarinet. And it squeaks. A lot. Can anyone help me please?
Asked by Samantha - Mon Jun 23 18:13:21 2008 - - 9 Answers - 2 Comments

A. Hi there. Kingtuba and bcooper gave really good answers to this. Just to add on top of theirs - to check if your instrument leaks - take it apart, take top joint, cover all holes with your fingers, cover the bottom with your other hand, put the top in your mouth and suck! It should hold the vacuum so that when you remove your hand from the bottom it makes a pop. If you can keep sucking then there's a leak. Then try the bottom joint. If you're asking another clarinettist to try your clarinet to see if they squeak - get them to play something that's hard! They won't find a slight leak playing something easy. If I have a problem squeaking on a certain note and it is my embouchure, not the instrument, then I practice trying to… [cont.]
Answered by Fwack - Tue Jun 24 18:35:31 2008

Is a clarinet made out of ebonite good?
Q. I wanna buy a new clarinet before I go to high school, and I wanted to know if a clarinet made out of ebonite is good. Is it easy to care for or is it tough to clean?
Asked by ilovetheme - Fri Jun 20 06:33:30 2008 - - 3 Answers - 1 Comments

A. Ebonite isn't a bad material... it is very durable, gives fairly decent resonance, and is easy to care for. It can still crack if exposed to EXTREME temperature differences or if it's dropped, but it's cheaper to replace than other clarinets. However, most clarinet makers don't use ebonite anymore... it's either ABS (a plastic resin) or if it's made by Selmer, Resonite is used. I assume you are going to be marching in high school, so I would actually recommend getting a student model made with some type of plastic... your instrument will be open to the elements and with marching, there's always a risk of damage. Replacing it is cheaper if it's plastic. Also, the intonation and tone quality on most plastic clarinets is lacking (compar [cont.]
Answered by Lady Prism - Fri Jun 20 15:35:56 2008

How do I make a clarinet work?
Q. I bought a clarinet at a yardsale. It looks to be in good condition, but I don't know how to make it work. I put all the pieces together, but when I blow in it, no sound comes out. I know nothing about instruments, can someone help me?
Asked by sheila c - Fri Jun 6 22:39:02 2008 - - 5 Answers - 0 Comments

A. for one, you have to make sure you have reeds. the mouthpeice has the opening&&then the ligature which is the metal peice that holds on the reed. you have to soak the reed for maybe 2 minutes if its new. if your just starting out&&you go to get reeds from a music store[[since i highly doubt it came with them;&&that's very unsanitary]] a good size to start with is 2&&1/2. then, you line up the reed&&tighten the ligature around it making sure the screws are too the right. then flaten your chin, put your upper lip over the top, &&tighten your ombicher[[form your mouth is in]]. blow softly&&then work your way up until you get a sound out. make sure not to hold any keys down, this note is open G. good luck, &&go to any local music store for… [cont.]
Answered by SumoSara - Fri Jun 6 22:51:35 2008

What kind of clarinet brand or features would be best for a marching band member?
Q. I'm going to be in marching band next year and I am planning to take it for the next four years. However, my old clarinet is old and I was thinking I would get a new one. Does anyone know of any brand or certain features that I should get? I also want to get a clarinet that's in a decent price range since I will only play for the next four years.
Asked by Annie - Thu Jul 16 14:58:33 2009 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. i have been in marching band for 4 years already and i am going to be in it for another 2 and i have my sisters clarinet which is wood and 14 years old so ... i say just use the one you have but if you want a new there are some simple things to look for ...one make sure it stays together when it turns upside down ( they may have you do some visual effects and you don't want you clarinet falling apart in the middle of the show) 2. make sure it has a sturdy thumb rest ( you don't want it to wiggle that much ) also make sure you buy a pad for it. 3. you are going to want a tight ligature because you never know when it is going to fly off ( it also helps if you have a back up ) it doesn't matter if it is wood or plastic ... personally i… [cont.]
Answered by Mariah C - Mon Jul 20 02:27:00 2009

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 do you create vibrato when playing the clarinet?
Q. I play the clarinet and I was wondering how do you do it?
Asked by Ebonei S - Sat Aug 4 22:36:46 2007 - - 5 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Indeed most clarinetists do not use vibrato in the same way a singer or a flutist does, and many do not use vibrato at all. Some classical clarinetists (Jack Brymer, David Shifrin) will use vibrato to highlight a specific note or section of music as an expression like a dynamic level. Different styles of clarinet playing, however, require different tone colors and different levels of vibrato. Much jazz and ethnic/world music require a much less "refined" tone quality than that used in classical playing. For what I do, which is Balkan folk music, the vibrato is used as a part of the tone color. I use my abdominal muscles to pulse the sound throughout the tunes, and occasionally color the sound further with a jaw vibrato. To use the… [cont.]
Answered by Katrina M - Sun Aug 5 22:28:17 2007

What brand of clarinet mouthpiece is most suitable for a senior high school musician?
Q. I've played a Yamaha clarinet in my band for about 2 years and it's held up quite nicely. The mouthpeice is starting to deteriorate, and I'm looking for another. I currently have my eye on a Vandoren from Musician's Friend, but what brand is the inexpensive but stilll has a near-professonal tone? (I play with 3 to 3.5 reeds if that makes a difference)
Asked by Agent 007 - Tue Dec 11 21:42:46 2007 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Well, Vandoren is my personal favorite (their reeds are awesome as well, I've always gotten the best sounds from them, clear and vibrant as apposed to Mitchell Lauries, which I thinks sounds all stuffy). I would suggest getting the best one in your budget range. Conversely, many musicians use Rico mouthpieces. Just as with their reeds, they have varyingly levels of quality, but the sounds is clear and the price reasonable. If you teeth are wearing on the mouthpiece (as mine did), they have little rubber adhesive patches you can apply to the top to prevent the problem. It was an adjustment, and sometimes I'd chose to play without, especially during crucial performances, but the great thing is that if you keep them clean, the adhesive… [cont.]
Answered by Tiffany M - Sat Dec 15 11:19:04 2007

How do you control your pitch on the Eb clarinet?
Q. I play the Eb clarinet and I keep clashing with the flutes, especially in the higher register. And my band conductor says I have horrible tone. How do you improve on your tone without clashing or sticking out, and how do you control your pitch?
Asked by stupideefer - Sat Jan 17 10:14:42 2009 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Well, if you are playing the correct notes but the sound still clashes, it might be something to do with your instrument. You could experiment with two things: 1.) Pull your mouth piece out just a fraction of a centimetre (just so it's not on completely tight). Have someone check your tone with an electronic pitch pipe. You might need to pull the mouth piece out quite a bit, so don't be alarmed. 2.) Less likely, but perhaps your reed is giving you trouble. Experiment with reeds of different thickness. For example, if you are rough with your reeds and have a very thin reed it might crack easily. You might need a thicker reed. Or, maybe your reed is too thick and you need a thinner reed. ...and one more thing: you might need to… [cont.]
Answered by Engaro - Sat Jan 17 10:25:30 2009

What is the best clarinet mouthpiece to purchase?
Q. My parents are buying me a professional clarinet for college, but I want to know what is the best mouthpiece to purchase?
Asked by Love - Thu Jul 3 22:53:30 2008 - - 9 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Each mouthpiece is going to be different for each player. Personally, I have 2... one cost me $20 and is a Zinner blank (I think it's an E15?)... the other one cost me $225ish and was hand made for me by Clark Fobes... they both work very well for me, and I honestly can't tell the difference! Which reeds and ligature you use also effect your tone, technique, etc. I would wait until you get to college and ask your professor what he recommends... some teachers have different requirements and preferences, so you don't want to buy a new mouthpiece now only to put it in a drawer in 3 months. Also, your professor may be able to get you a deal on a more expensive set-up. If you are intent on buying a new mouthpiece, take your horn into a… [cont.]
Answered by Lady Prism - Fri Jul 4 00:26:35 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

I play clarinet and piano but want to switch to the drums. Would the switch be easy?
Q. I play the clarinet and can't make a sound and also play piano. My class is small so we have 2 snare drummers but I want to be one soon. HOw easy it is it play the drums with 4 years of piano knowledge? Also I have to practice piano,soccer,swimming,cla rinet and soon drums. How can I practice all of those and still keep up in school?
Asked by MotoGirl - Sat Sep 5 09:20:46 2009 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Oh how weird! I play Piano and Clarinet! And I started dating this guy who played drums so I tried to learn. For me it was kinda hard cause Im use to staying to a steady beat and using my fingers. The hard part for me was learning to hit the bass with my foot(however you won't have that). Sometimes drums don't always keep the same rhythm but that's how it works when its put together in a band. Im sure in a school band it wouldn't be too hard depending on the grade your in. I say give it a shoot! You might be pressed for time to learn something new that is gonna take some work with all your other activities,however if you get started and try it now you won't think back when your older "I wonder" . I say go for it! Good luck!
Answered by TacoChyk - Sat Sep 5 09:31:58 2009

Any interesting clarinet musicians to check out?
Q. I'm searching for clarinet music to add to my iPod. I play clarinet, and my instructor has said that listening to music can help your playing. I'll apreciate any suggestions. I'm especially interested in classical and jazz music, though anything with good style can pique my curiosity. I'm already a fan of Pete Fountain and Artie Shaw, and my teacher recomended Robert Spring, though I haven't yet heard his music.
Asked by - Wed Apr 9 00:40:31 2008 - - 6 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Personally the only Benny Goodman piece I enjoy is Sing Sing Sing. I don't really care for other stuff. Glenn Miller had some clarinet in his music when it was more dixieland style. But check out Richard Stoltzman for classical and Eddie Daniels for jazz. Especially Eddie Daniels. I even for a while played on an Eddie Daniels mouthpiece. :) I think your instructor is right - listening to a lot of the music could help you with phrasing and tone. You don't necessarily need to look for particular artists though - there are a lot of wonderful clarinet pieces out there (Clarinet Concerto no. 1 - I think it's no. 1 - by Carl von Weber and of course the Mozart Concerto). Just listen to all kinds of music and you'll find it influencing the way… [cont.]
Answered by Charlie - Wed Apr 9 18:02:13 2008

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 would be the best clarinet mouthpiece for me?
Q. I have played clarinet for almost four years, and I've decided that I need a better mouthpiece than the one I have. I have been contemplating on buying the Selmer Crystal mouthpiece, but I don't know if it's a good mouthpiece or the right one for me. What do you think?
Asked by chouettissimamaureen - Wed Dec 27 16:11:12 2006 - - 11 Answers - 0 Comments

A. first off what kind of mouthpiece do you have now?? Um i use a 5RV lyre and I'm in college. I'm not telling you to get that one because it's more for clarinet players who want to fit into an ensemble sound. There are lots of mouthpiece out on the market right now. The B45 is a good soloist mouthpiece. I'm thinking of getting a B45 myself just because i play so much in college. Yeah the mouth piece are important but a lot of the times the ligature is what can be really important to your tone. I think you should just go to a music store or somewhere and experiment with different mouthpieces. Anyways i would probably go with the B45 or a 5RV lyre mouthpiece both by vandoren oh and i think that they will be a lo cheaper. As for… [cont.]
Answered by cavigirl17 - Wed Dec 27 16:21:17 2006

Has anyone transitioned from the clarinet to the bagpipes?
Q. I've played the clarinet for 17 years and now I would like to learn the bagpipes. I am wondering if anyone has also decided to learn the bagpipes after having played the clarinet. Being that they are both reeded instruments, are the general rules for embouchure on the clarinet reflected with the bagpipe chanter? Any info would be great. Thanks!
Asked by Rebekah M - Fri Aug 22 11:00:34 2008 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Haha... ironbrew got this one... not even close. The first time I tried, it was crazy hard to get the fingers down... I found out later that there are several different fingering systems, depending on which type of pipes you're using, and NONE of them are close to clarinet. As far as the embouchure... there isn't really one to speak of. All your mouth does is continue to push air into the bag... it's like trying to keep a leaking balloon constantly inflated. You can play the chanter without it being in the bag, but it is not recommended... it requires a LOT of air and pressure, and you will hurt yourself if you do this! get a practice chanter! They sound an octave lower than the bagpipe chanter, and the reed is softer. The… [cont.]
Answered by Lady Prism - Fri Aug 22 15:52:55 2008

What type of piece for clarinet and string quartet?
Q. My grandmother recently passed away and I want to write a piece commemorating her life. The clarinet is my principal instrument and was her favorite, and I think the timbre of a string quartet works well with it. The piece will most likely be formatted like a tone poem, but of course tone poems are for orchestras. I need to know how to classify my piece.
Asked by lsisk - Tue Dec 11 01:38:51 2007 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments

A. I suppose that, by definition, it will be called a clarinet quintet. It sounds more like you're looking for a title or a subtitle. You can call it a tone poem for clarinet quintet if you like; there's no law against it.
Answered by Jennifer Joy - Fri Dec 14 03:40:51 2007