How long should a clarinet last?
Q. I have had my clarinet for 4 years now,and it doesn't seem to play so well,or well I haven't been playing aswell as I can. My clarinet brand is buffett crampon,the german one,it is a very good clarinet and is made of wood not plastic.I've played it well until this year,my fourth year. About how long should a clarinet last? Could it be possible that there is something wrong with my clarinet?
Asked by jgbaek - Sun Sep 23 16:26:48 2007 - - 2 Answers - 1 Comments

A. A clarinet will last as long as you let it. Just take good care of it and it should last for a long time. Wood clarinets last longer if you only play them indoors. Taking it outside might dry it out and make it crack. Something you might try is taking it to a professional clarinet repairman and have the person soak the clarinet bore oil. If you have a private teacher ask them what they think you should do.
Answered by ktbird0111 - Sun Sep 23 17:22:51 2007

How do you play clarinet if the clarinet is broken?
Q. I have played clarinet for 3 years know. and my clarinet has broke. i play for my school and you cant fix it your self!
Asked by *Jaicee* - Thu Jun 28 00:00:33 2007 - - 16 Answers - 0 Comments

A. So you are playing a school instrument and can't take it to a repair shop because it isn't yours? I assume you are out of school for the summer as well and can't have your band director send it in for repair? The first thing you can do is go to the repair shop your school uses if you know it or the nearest one if you don't know and ask how cheaply they can get it playable again. If they can't help you, there isn't much you can do. Some things you could work around or fix at home if you know clarinets well enough. Maybe if you speak to your section leader or your lesson teacher if you have one they could help you fix it. Some problems need a trained repair person with tools and replacement parts to fix though.
Answered by Maverick - Thu Jun 28 01:36:24 2007

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

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 - 1 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

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

What kind of clarinet is good for a beginner?
Q. I play the piano and flute and would like to try the clarinet. What is the difference between an A clarinet, Bb, etc.? Which would be best for a beginner?
Asked by sobefobik - Thu Jun 10 21:05:10 2010 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. If you're a beginner you should start on the Bb clarinet, which is slightly smaller, more commonly used and more affordable. The A clarinet is used mostly in more advance orchestral settings. For a beginner I'd recommend the Yamaha student clarinet, as it's good value (about $600) and probably the best plastic student clarinet there is. If you're willing to invest a bit more, Buffet and Selmer make the best wooden clarinets. Shop around because some stores might give a much better deal then others.
Answered by chocchips2501 - Fri Jun 11 10:32:25 2010

I play the clarinet and I want to know if taking up trumpet would affect my clarinet technique?
Q. I would never give up the clarinet but love the sound of the trumpet. I already play the saxophone, flute and piano but I wanted to try a brass instrument. I can already play a few notes and it has not had any affect on my clarinet playing at all. Would it be possible to play both and not affect my clarinet playing?
Asked by flutey_tooty - Tue Sep 29 12:32:10 2009 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. It all depends on how much time you want to dedicate to both instruments. With all instruments you will need constant practice and yeah you will feel like your clarinet might get a little worst when you start off with the trumpet but it'll be most likely due to the fact that you will be dedicating more time to the trumpet (let's face it, it's new and fun). At least that's my experience when picking up new instruments, the old ones always feel a little funky as soon as you set them aside for a couple of days. But hey, more experience with another instrument never hurts!
Answered by Blinko - Tue Sep 29 13:10:13 2009

How is a Selmer Signet clarinet serial number 162573?
Q. I want to buy this clarinet instead of a Pruefer serial number 15137. Which one of these two clarinets are better? I am an intermediate clarinet player.
Asked by blab - Sat Oct 10 11:41:33 2009 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Buy the Pruefer, because of my experience with Selmer made clarinets, they aren't that durable and they are more common with beginner players. Definately get the Pruefer. You won't regret it. :)
Answered by Corbata - Tue Oct 13 21:17:21 2009

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

What are some good big band clarinet solos?
Q. I love swing dancing.. and I love the music. I've played the clarinet since third grade and would love to know some good clarinet solos. Thanks!
Asked by sparklingwater90 - Thu Jul 19 11:19:51 2007 - - 7 Answers - 0 Comments

A. If you love the clarinet, just find any version of the song "Clarinet Marmalade". (it's a dixieland jazz song, rather than big band however) Regardless, big band songs with great clarinet bascially come down to Artie Shaw Vs. Benny Goodman. When once asked who was better Artie Shaw said, "Benny is a better clarinetist, but I'm a better musician". In regards to that, I'd have to agree. I like Artie's songs better, but I think that Benny Goodman's sound on the clarinet was much more rich and vibrant. So here are my picks from each... artie shaw songs: Beyond the Blue Horizon Carioca Diga Diga Doo Fenesi Nightmare Oh! Lady Be Good The Man From Mars Traffic Jam <=== Personal Favorite benny goodman songs: After You're Gone All The Cat's [cont.]
Answered by Christine S - Thu Jul 19 13:41:20 2007

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

What is a good clarinet piece for me to play?
Q. I've played clarinet for about 3 years and I'm pretty advanced -- 2nd chair GA All-State. What are some good pieces for me to play, slow and lyrical music is preferred by composers such as Brahms, Mozart, Stamitz... I've already played Stamitz's Concerto #3 and some Mozart.
Asked by Ohms - Mon May 12 18:11:35 2008 - - 1 Answers - 1 Comments

A. have you already played the second movement of the Mozart clarinet concerto? Its a really awesome piece of music.
Answered by zac - Fri May 16 17:23:30 2008

What are some nice clarinet brands and models?
Q. I'll be a junior this coming year and will be first chair in the band. My current clarinet is a Buffet E11. I know a Buffet R13 is a nice horn, but is there something better. I'm looking for something that I could take to college with me, but I won't be majoring in any musical form, so it doesn't need to be too professional. Thanks! I meant first chair clarinet in the band.
Asked by vampire_princess_of_the_realms - Sat Jul 18 23:20:06 2009 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. There is nothing "better" than an R-13 in a production model but there are several different variations of the R-13 including the Tosca, Festival, Prestige... that lean the instrument upward in quality/features. The Selmer Paris and Leblanc Paris are also considered equal to the Buffet R-13; these are what the professionals play. Though some have them modified for their own specific needs. Any of these would satisfy a university/conservatory studio teacher. To get above these, you have to look at custom/handmade clarinets. Among the best of those are Patricola and Stephen Fox Understand that at this level you're shopping in the $3000+ range and for the best examples over $5000 If you're going to major in music performance then… [cont.]
Answered by CoachT - Mon Jul 20 01:17:49 2009

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

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

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

How was the clarinet invented?
Q. I'm doing a roport on the Clarinet and i need help. How was the clarinet invented? Can you help me?
Asked by Jessica F - Tue Feb 26 12:23:34 2008 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. The earliest predecessor was a folk instrument called the chalemeau- a sort of recorder like thing with the mouthpiece and reed carved all as one piece. (From this instrument comes the term for the lowest register of the modern clarinet.) It remained a folk instrument throughout the Baroque and early Classical era, and this is why there is no original music for clarinet from this time period. In the mid 1700s, wind instrument makers began to make their own, early, non-advanced versions: these had few keys, some tone holes, and the reeds were separate from the mouthpiece. Clarinets were made in many keys (C, E flat, B flat, A) to accommodate the fact that few accidentals could be played on instruments with few keys. The "clarion" or middle… [cont.]
Answered by Rebekah S - Tue Feb 26 13:41:31 2008