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You can buy clarinet pads online but then you'd probably have to buy the whole pad set and detach the keys yourself to put the pads on. I would suggest going to your local music store where someone can do it for you.
That's silver tarnish, your keys are tarnishing because hard rubber (the material your mouthpiece is made of) causes silver to tarnish. This is why manufacturers often recommend storing the mouthpiece outside of the case or putting it in its own little bag or pouch.
If you want to polish it, get a Yamaha medium silver polishing cloth.
https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-YAC-1110P2-Medium-Polishing/dp/B01M6C93KN
Unfortunately now that your silver is no longer "bright" your sound will go too "dark" and will sound dead...
(Kidding of course, it's just cosmetic)
GEM silk swabs. Cheap, work well, won't get stuck.
I suggest the Vandoren BD5 Black Diamond Ebonite. I’m a clarinet major at my university and after trying out different mouthpieces that my professor had me use, I found it has the best quality. Below is a link for it on Amazon. I hope this helps!
Vandoren CM1005 BD5 Black Diamond Ebonite Bb Clarinet Mouthpiece https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WGD672E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_K.U4Cb7VJKFBJ
Other than clarinet stuff, for a practice room you'd want at bare minimum a chair (one with a back, but no arms and doesn't move, swivel, or rock) and music stand. Some kind of mirror is helpful too.
Really any space will work for practicing; if you have a dedicated room for listening to music, then that will be perfect.
As for clarinet stuff, if she majored in music she should know what equipment she wants. I would either ask her specifically what she's looking for or take her to a local music store and let her pick out what she wants.
To give you an idea on price, reeds are usually $20-30 for a box of ten (that will last a month or two depending), mass-produced mouthpieces are around $100, handmade mouthpieces are $300, and clarinets themselves cost around $3-4k bought new.
Really, the only way to do it is to practice your scales and arpeggios! The Baermann scale book (division 3) is what almost every clarinet player uses. It has every way to play a scale that you could ever imagine.
When I have fast scales and arpeggios, I don't look at every note; I've practiced them enough to know what comes next. If there's a note in the passage that isn't in the normal scale/arpeggio, I circle it to make sure I actually look at that specific note.
Edit: [here's the Baermann on IMSLP](http://imslp.org/wiki/Vollst%C3%A4ndige_Clarinett_Schule,_Opp.63,_64_(Baermann,_Carl)! Again, division 3 is the one you're looking for. You can also buy your own, easier-to-read copy on Amazon. You'll most likely be playing out of that book for the rest of the time you play clarinet; I think it's worth it to spend a little on it!
That looks to me more like a strap for an instrument case, not the horn itself. A clarinet strap to hold the horn should look more like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RVX1QW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
My first was a Jean Paul Clarinet off Amazon for $189. It punches above it's weight class and is as playable as my Buffet Crampon E11. Definitely a musical instrument and not a Clarinet Shaped Object.
The keywork is solid, the ebonite may be plastic but it's heavy, solid feeling, and in the hands is not much different than my wood clarinet. I had to adjust 2 of the lower keys after 2 months of playing but that's the only issue I've had with it, and it was perfectly playable out of the box.
It's nothing like the $180 flute and $180 trumpet I bought. Far heavier, far better build quality.
I'm a self-taught amateur composer, and while I've written for clarinet before (and even got performed), this is my first full concert band piece.
Here are the full score plus parts in case you wanna nitpick something, your feedback's invaluable :)
Thanks!
P.S. I'm aware the piece's a bit over the top, I'm still thinking whether that's a good or a bad thing.
Can you glue a pad on? No.
Your tech will probably use hot glue or, if they're old fashioned, shellac. They will have to level and seat the pad and regulate the key if necessary. Chances are if a pad has fallen out it needs replaced. Also, other pads are probably going to start falling out.
Can you glue on a key cork that has fallen off? Yes. We use a type of contact cement for that. I suspect rubber cement would work. You could use one of those gel type super glues. Never use super glue for any other purpose.
Do not super glue on tenon corks. Do not super glue pads in. I have no real experience with gorilla glue. I don't recommend using it.
I'm a big fan of this d'addario one, which holds anything that's the size of a bari sax reed or smaller (contra reeds don't fit), which sounds good for you as you need spots for clarinet and bass reeds, which is a feature of this case. Personally I carry 2 around and am looking towards getting a new one. I find the 72% that's included with it to be a little bit too humid, so I bought some 62% packs at like a dollar each on amazon. Some people have some complaints about the hinge breaking, but despite all the abuse I've put mine through, it's more than fine. If you have the capability to buy more than one, I would heavily suggest so, because they come standard holding only 8 reeds, while a box of standard Bb reeds is 10, so being able to hold the entire contents of a box is very nice, not to mention the extra 6 slots you get
Not what you're looking for, but... Robert Plane is one of my absolute favorite clarinetists, and he has a recording available pretty cheap on Amazon. MP3 version is $8.
https://www.amazon.com/Ireland-Sextet-Clarinet-Fantasy-2009-02-24/dp/B01K8QLE3M/
First, check local music stores! Lots of stores will sell single reeds for a few bucks.
Here's a Vandoren sampler pack on Amazon that comes with four single Vandoren reeds in different styles. It's cheaper on Woodwind Brasswind, but they're currently out of stock of the 3.5 pack. The pack has one V12 and also some of Vandoren's higher quality/more expensive reeds.
I just buy them from Amazon. I think if the size is not quite what you're looking for that Legere will let you exchange it for another size. I can only play on size 3, anything else is too resistant for me.
If possible, try it on other brands of mouthpieces and ligatures. You might find what you're looking for in other gear combinations.
Legere BBSS400 Signature Series Bb Soprano Clarinet No. 4 Reed https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003CTP1I2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_sq6iAbASCXNG5
No, distributing it in such a manner would be a violation of Copyright. However, it is easy to buy!
yeah you dont want to do that, the plastic casing is for protecting it while they ship it to you
you want to have one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Rico-Reed-Gard-Clarinet-Alto/dp/B0039RWELE/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=reedgard&qid=1598477708&sr=8-1
I don’t think it’s weird, and you can use one of the plastic things the new reeds come in and store it in that (you may want to label it so you don’t throw it away in the future).
For your new reeds, you should use a reed guard to keep 4 reeds in rotation. I label mine 1-4, and after every day I change from 1 to 2, 2 to 3, 3 to 4, and then back from 4 to 1. Something like this may keep your reed safer in the future https://www.amazon.com/DAddario-Woodwinds-Accordion-Accessory-DRGRD4ACBL/dp/B00YRKOXRA/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=reed+holder&qid=1598471198&sr=8-4
Rotating reeds prolongs the life of all 4, as well as keep your embouchure stronger. This is because the reeds will get weaker as time goes on, and if you use that some one for a very long time then a new reed from the same box will feel too hard to play. As the reed weakens, it’s easier to relax your mouth and air support causing you to not play as well when you open the new reed. This could lead to discouragement and disappointment in oneself, at least in my case it was when I first started.
Edit: for the rotations, if you can’t afford a reed gaurd, then label the plastic the reeds come in as 1-4 and put the reeds back into the plastic cover when you’re done playing.
https://www.amazon.com/Neotech-Classic-Strap-2-Hook-Clarinet/dp/B000P4FL9Q
There's not a clear changeover point where two-hook gave way to one-hook, nor small-hoop to large-hoop. Twenty years ago I played a twenty-plus year old instrument that had two small hoops, but seventeen years ago my family bought a new instrument that had two large hoops. Then and since, I also ran across instruments that lacked the lower hoop, of either size, but kept the single one in the upper position where it wouldn't be balanced at all. It really isn't standardized, all I can say is that older instruments tend to have two small hoops and newer ones are more likely to have a different situation.
It does sound like your specific instrument is set up to try to be more balanced like a Sax, with a single hoop substantially between the thumbs. Can't say as I've run across an instrument like that myself, but it's good to know they exist.
Not using it much yet, I kind of need to get my C scale to actually come out fluidly first, and Klose seems to mix some more advanced stuff in pretty early. And my memory-building is a little slow at this stage, so a chromatic scale exercise on the2nd page of exercises is a little early. I would love to be practicing that, but the basics of the keys F, C, and G are keeping me pretty occupied for now. So I kind of have been using the watered down edition for now: https://www.amazon.com/Kloze-Lazarus-Method-Clarinet-Comprehensive-Methods/dp/1540001415/
Might come back later, it's just that a lot of more basic stuff isn't automatic yet. I suspect that the book I linked can be outgrown relatively quickly. The stuff in the back doesn't look insane, but it is a foreign instrument for now.
Most university music libraries will have a copy of it, or you can get a copy of your own from Amazon or JW Pepper https://www.amazon.com/Working-Clarinetist-Marshall-Burlingame/dp/0939103052 https://www.jwpepper.com/The-Working-Clarinetist/10376730.item#/ IMO, it's the single most important book for serious clarinetists to have. It has most of the common excerpts for orchestral auditions, masterclasses on the Mozart and Nielsen concertos, maintenance tips, and a huge list of fingerings.
Yes, that’s a good place to start
For Vandoren this is what you want. Lost of music stores carry these too so if you have a Music and Arts by you you can get them there as well. I think they’re cheaper in store too.
I really don't like how they've formatted this. You're looking for the Klose Method revised by Bellison. What's a bit odd is that there is a more recent edition of the Bellison version edited by the Druckers, but I'm assuming that they're accounting for both versions by including the page numbers in brackets.
It's not very comfortable but yes I have seen some people use clear vinyl material to cover keys. Not sure where to get it though, I think maybe it's used in some automotive applications? Before installing polish the touch pieces with a small amount of Mother's, Maas or Simichrome polish and degrease with some rubbing alcohol being very careful to avoid pads and corks during both steps. I think it might be this stuff but not 100% sure:
https://www.amazon.com/VViViD-Clear-Scotchgard-Paint-Protector/dp/B072QXF7QD
Of course you would never do this to a silver plated instrument as silver does not have the same clouding problems as nickel.
Well, you can rip it off and play without it - plenty do. Or get some contact cement and re-adhere it the plate, or get an aftermarket cushion and slip it over the metal. There's options, it's not a huge problem.
The protec zip would be a a safe bet, all the protec gear I’ve seen is high-quality.
I'm wondering if a Soprano Sax gig bag might do the trick...
Here's an inexpensive one on Amazon...one of the reviews says she uses it for her daughter's clarinet so she doesn't have to take it apart.
Thank you all for your thoughts and suggestions. I may still get a box of plastic coated 2's: https://www.amazon.com/Plasticover-Clarinet-Reeds-Strength-5-pack/dp/B000EEJ5KI?th=1
But when the show comes around, I'll do my best to stay with the cane. I think sometimes I get flustered with the hard line that I do let go of my embouchure and exact finger placement when jumping the octave. Something I'm working on, but it comes second after I am working on that hard line. Makes me wish I had worked more on my doubling back in college.
There are lots out there. I found this one with an Amazon search; it's got a ton of well-known songs, some of them very recent, but I can't vouch for the quality. (To be honest, though, at this level quality may not matter all that much.)
Ask your daughter's instructor for more ideas.
While the other Redditors are right that technique is important, no child can survive on etudes alone.
Check out Time Pieces I played this at the SOM (Armed Forces School of Music) and the last movement is super cool
Also Finzi Clarinet Concerto - as well as Krommer (I performed in HS) as his couple of very cool double clarinet concerto's
https://www.amazon.com/Time-Pieces-Clarinet-Piano-Muczynski/dp/B00HX0R9VI
There are a couple things that will work in a pinch. One quick solution that works surprisingly well is polyethylene tape, and I keep a roll in my drawer for quick fixes: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JFTKQ6H
It can be easily trimmed to the width of the tenon using a razor blade.
They look more like this, they cover the whole thumb and stay on very well. These others, since they have a slit in them, I'm afraid they will fall off.
​
K&M Bassoon Stand: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004W1Z12K
I've been using one since my Hercules crapped out. The swing-arm seems neat, but after just a couple years of weekly use the latch-slot ground down and the upper arm started leaning more and more backwards with the instrument in it.
K&M also has a Bass Clarinet stand, with a less-circular receiver, but it's $50 more for some reason and I've got a 1" diameter rubber ball on my peg so it actually works better in the Bassoon-cup.
You can use high grit wet/dry sandpaper, a reed rush, or a sharp knife (if you're in school, sandpaper or a reed rush is probably wisest) to carefully make adjustments to the left & right side of the reed. Go slowly because you can always take more cane off, but can't add it back.
And the wall test... Hold the reed so that the tip is facing a wall, and jam it forward as quickly as possible. If the reed breaks, it's no good anymore.
Check out the Yan Clarino. It even has keys giving you more range.
The Complete Method for Clarinet by Carl Baermamn. This is the edition I use. This is more for technique but you will find that in order to play the larger intervals, especially in the higher register, the exercises forces you to be able to transition between voicing positions very quickly, which helps your control over each note.
Also, long tones. Everyone does them differently but I like to take a deep breath, start a note at the softest possible volume (it should be inaudible at first), crescendo to your loudest possible volume, and decrease so back down to your initial volume. Keep the pitch and “shape” of the sound as even as possible throughout the entire exercise. You should find that this pushes you to train your breathing and air rationing, as well as loosening tension in your body to maintain the proper voicing and airspeed throughout the entire exercise. Do this on every natural note from low E to your highest note. This exercise is harder than it sounds but is very beneficial. I do this everyday as a warmup.
I’m not sure others may agree with me on this, but this clarinet on Amazon I picked it up on a whim and actually was surprised how well it plays. Maybe it could help if the monthly payments are an issue
Oh, I should also mention that I purchased some books on Amazon to get back into playing. I bought a Rubank, which has different levels of difficulty from beginner to advanced...
https://www.amazon.com/Rubank-Elementary-Clarinet-Educational-Library/dp/1423444787
Also this guy....
And downloaded some free stuff online. I joined a very accommodating local orchestra and have been playing with them 2 hours a week since January. We just had our first concert. In my experience, it all comes back so quickly once you get started!
YCL250's are solid, well-regarded student instruments. Used ones may have some mechanical issues or pads that aren't sealing right, unfortunately, so you may have to take it in for repairs, but it should still come out to substantially less than a new one (I'm seeing US$750 on Amazon)
The only bit you should need to clean is the mouthpiece. Cleaning sprays are available for purchase, but they're just essentially dilute isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol); if you have rubbing alcohol lying around your medicine cabinet or some such, you can dip the mouthpiece in there, wipe it off, let it try completely, rinse it, and get the same result. The marketed sprays are just dilute enough that it evaporates quickly and doesn't need to be rinsed.
Buy your own reeds. Don't clean off a reed used by someone else. That's just gross.
Not resin. Superglue. The glue I use is called "hot stuff".
https://www.amazon.com/Stuff-Thin-Instant-Glue-HS-4/dp/B017ODPMHQ
It's very thin and will work it's way into the crack. There's a method to it though and it would be a good idea to watch some Youtube videos on crack repair and practice in any scrap pieces of wood if you have some.
If you have silver order some Blitz or Wright's silver polish instead, this even comes with the cloth:
This is what I have. Not sure if you are in the UK but I am sure you can get these from any country Thumb Rest Cushion,
Comfortable 1.45-1.75cm Rubber Thumb Finger Rest Cushion for Oboe Clarinet Instruments(1.5mm) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B081L2D9XG/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_g_6D8PPJA57YRC0T8KBFYY
You can get a single reed for $5 on Amazon, might be worth it just to try out:
i think the clarinet is a etude student clarinet. https://www.amazon.com/Etude-Student-Clarinet-ECL-100-Standard/dp/B003KIWPCU
i play on 2.5 vandorens. and i just bought a rovners dark ligature.
For keeping silver keys shiny it's a good idea to use a polishing cloth once a month. My favorite is the Yamaha:
https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-YAC-1110P2-Medium-Polishing/dp/B01M6C93KN
You also want to wipe the keys regularly with a microfiber cloth after you handle the instrument. You can get these at an automotive store or if you want a nice one get an eyeglass wipe.
I've never heard of wood getting foggy, you can try taking a cloth with a drop (emphasis on a drop, a little goes a long way) of almond oil or bore oil and wiping the wood. Be sure to avoid any pads.
I second /u/depressedclassical 's suggestion of MuseScore ( https://musescore.org/en/download ) . It's a totally free notation software that is deceptively powerful.
To transpose, all you have to do is:
- Create a score with a part for Clarinet in C ("Choose Instruments" > "All Instruments" > "C Clarinet")
- Enter the entire C-Clarinet part as written.
- I suggest setting up the bars with time changes and key signatures before entering notes, and put in line breaks at the same place as they are in the part you're working off of. Just makes it easier to keep your place.
- If you don't know how to enter something, googling for instance "Musescore marcato keyboard shortcut" will turn up clear results.
- Check the part you've put in for transcription errors. Anything you don't put in correctly will persist to the Bb Clarinet part.
- Ctrl-A (or Cmd-A on Mac) and Ctrl-C (Cmd-C) to copy the whole C-Clarinet part
- Go to Edit > Instruments; add a Bb Clarinet part.
- Select the first bar of the Bb Clarinet part and Ctrl-V (Cmd-V) to paste the part. This is where transposition automatically happens.
- Go to Edit > Instruments; remove the C Clarinet part.
- Voilà, you have a Bb Clarinet transcription without the chance of messing up the interval.
It's only a 5-minute piece, so you can probably get this done in about an hour.
Go read Sound in Motion. Basically explains the why and how of musical expression. It's too much to sum up here.
I'd also recommend looking into the four stages of competence., as what you've described is basically just the dichotomy between conscious and unconscious competence.
> It makes it worse since I play double lip.
Ah, do yourself a favor and don't. We're not oboes so it doesn't help at all. In fact, that pain there is a side effect. There's a good reason it's an uncommon technique: It's not as good as people think, it's just not.
Get a mouthpiece patch and rest your upper teeth on that.
For your bottom teeth there's 2 things. 1) use a little less "chomp" motion with your teeth (up and down) and try to push your jaw forward just a little (forward and back, like those illustrations of cro magnum cave men). 2) use a little less lower lip in your mouth. If discomfort still persists, use a bit use some Ezo. Cut a 1 inch chunk, warm it in your mouth, and fold it over your front teeth. The ezo can be reused for a few days before needing a new piece so long as your mouth is clean when you play (rinsed of food and soda, preferably a light brushing)
You might be able to get a copy on Interlibrary loan from your local library:
From a disinfection standpoint, for a newly acquired instrument all you need to do is:
- Buy fresh reeds; never share reeds with anybody.
- Spritz the mouthpiece with a designed cleaner or rinse it with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol; wipe off excess and let it sit for ~5min to let the alcohol evaporate.
So long as nobody else has played the instrument for a few days ahead of time, basically anything that could come from someone else will've died off.
The caveat is if the instrument or case smell of mold. In that case, do not try anything yourself and take it to a qualified repair technician. If there's mold in the instrument or case, odds are the pads will all have to be replaced and the whole thing given a surface cleaning.
Have fun re-learning!
Typically that sort of thing is there as a bit of protection, preventing tooth-marks digging into the mouthpiece itself. It's not required, but it's kind of nice to have.
There are also rubberized sorts available, which offer more protection but are thicker and can take some adjustment: https://www.amazon.com//dp/B00FLXNKJE
I found a pdf on scribd, but scribd requires a subscription to view. I think you might be able to get a trial subscription which would allow you to save the pdf. You can find it here.
MuseScore can transpose the music as long as it's entered into the program and you add a clarinet part. Copy the initial entry and paste in the clarinet staff and it will automatically transpose it and show the proper key signature.
Normally, a software notation program handles everything as if the music is scored for piano. If it is possible to transpose a part in either program, that may be your best approach.
I use MuseScore which allows me to add instruments for orchestra in their proper transposition. If I copy a flute part and paste it onto a clarinet staff, it will transpose it into the proper key and have the notes display for clarinet sheet music, but it will still play it as the same pitches to match the orchestration.
If it's easier to understand, music is written in the key of C and transposing instruments read it as a different key and pitches but the computer is still going to have to generate the sound for the C instruments key.
On top of that, if I create a score that I set to the key of A Major and decide I'd rather have it in the key of Bb Major, it's a simple task in MuseScore to just transpose the entire orchestration to Bb Major.
Because Bb Clarinet is pitched in Bb, it sounds a whole step lower. So clarinet parts are written a whole step higher, with the key signature adjusted. Musescore automatically sets it up to display correctly when you create a new score.
Here are instructions to view all parts as concert pitch instead of written pitch.
Generally, yes. Warm water doesn't actually do much other than dislodge surface material - it does nothing for bacterial growth or mold colonies. And you shouldn't use soap because that's just kind of gross to put in your mouth and can leave a residue on the mouthpiece.
Using an alcohol solution introduces the stuff in the mouthpiece to an environment they're not used to. Remember, a lot of that's growing on there came from your mouth, one way or another, so it expects to live in the same sort of environment, especially water. Cleaning with alcohol breaks down the surface tension of any damp molds, kills off hydrophilic bacteria (essentially drowning them), and dries off quickly through evaporation.
Not that it's advisable, but anecdotally I kept a jam jar of isopropyl alcohol in my band locker for parts of school for mouthpiece sterilization. Definitely could've gotten in trouble for that. But the marketed sanitizers are just ~70% isopropyl alcohol or propanol (depending on brand, they're both C3H8O but with different hydroxide-group placement) with some flavoring and coloring so that it doesn't taste as bad when used.
I teach middle school. We're not currently using musician masks but I experimented with a few kinds last year and ended up making a bunch for my kiddos to use.
This style is easier to use with clarinet because the opening is horizontal instead of vertical. Whatever type you use, get in the habit of putting your thumb on the reed tip to guide it through the mask.
You might also experiment with whatever types of regular masks you currently have. In class now I generally just pop my cloth mask off my chin and put the clarinet up under it. I have a solid nose wire so it stays pretty well in place and when I'm done demo-ing pull it right back down under my chin. A style like this works pretty well for that strategy as well especially if you're playing for longer stretches of time- the extra fabric gives you the flexibility to get the clarinet up and under and still stay pretty well covered. (Yes, we know gaiters are not as good as real fitted masks, but neither is a mask with a hole in it so)
A set of Backun CG Carbon clarinets will run you about $26,000 for Bb and A.
The rest of the accessories are a drop in the bucket compared to that. BUT, since they're way more affordable...
The best swab is a GEM silk swab (usually around $10 at various stores). Doctor's Products swab is also pretty good, but I've had some issues with the weight getting caught in the register tube of my A clarinet, so I switched to a GEM swab.
The best cork grease is La Tromba. My technician gave me some of this, and she said that some other cork greases contain oils that can break down the glue holding the cork to the clarinet, making them fall off faster, and La Tromba doesn't.
The easiest scales are probably F and G. C has you crossing the break, which I'm having to practice a lot.
I found this one was kind of basic but not childish, kind of assumes you know notation basics already, or at least doesn't waste too many words on it if not: https://www.amazon.com/Kloze-Lazarus-Method-Clarinet-Comprehensive-Methods/dp/1540001415/ It might be a little too easy if you can blow easily in all the registers but forgot some fingerings. It's basically notes and intervals and long tones, with occasional not-too-boring melodic snippets mixed in where they fit.
If you're ever able to do it a buffet 1193C is exactly that.
Important info about instruments and 3d printing:
1) even the best 3d printers can't print smooth enough. This matters because the air needs to be free to travel AND the sound needs to no be refracted off the texture of the material.
2) The materials we use are usually chosen for their ability to have certain effects on sound. If the plastic is too hard, then it make the instrument sound harsh. That's why we tend to use hard rubber and wood for instruments, they resonate better instead of reflecting sound.
3) The instrument isn't just the body, it's also the key work. The keys are set with precision to specific standards based off of formulas derived by sound engineers and master instrument makers to create the right sound. The vertical height of the hole, the taper of the cut, the shape of the key cup, the height of the pad off the hole ALL play a role in the quality of sound and it's pitch and how it's balanced against other notes.
​
I am not discouraging you from trying to build an instrument. I only want you to understand that this can be a very daunting task if you're not ready to really get into the weeds.
If the technology exists to do it, extruding and 3d printing hard rubber would be the best option.
If you're interested in making instruments, I recommend The Art of Clarinetistry by Stubbins. He has some of the formulas in his book and you can use it to help guide you through the process of making functional and quality parts.
This book doesn't get enough love, probably one of the best purchases I've ever made, years worth of study material in this book alone:
Soprano sax and tenor sax are both b flat. I would recommend checking the sidebar links in /r/saxophone, I think they have some jazz resources.
Trumpet is also b flat so that may another resource, especially for modern jazz.
I've also had trouble finding traditional jazz clarinet music such as dixieland or new orleans. I've been eyeing this book, but not sure:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1540000494/ref=ewc_pr_img_6?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
Buy some of this. The width of the roll is the perfect length to fold to create a pad, so all you need to do is cut strips of it.
For me, I just use the Buffet case that came with my Festival, usually stuffed inside a laptop bag or something similar. I find it works best for me and keeps the clarinet well protected. I would suggest going on amazon and getting a laptop bag, for example; (https://www.amazon.com/Laptop-Hybrid-Briefcase-Converts-Backpack/dp/B00JGHVJE4/ref=sr_1_2?crid=23DE2AXO0XMF7&dchild=1&keywords=solo+duane+laptop+bag&qid=1603392213&sprefix=solo+duane+lap%2Caps%2C188&sr=8-2)
In terms of my double case, I just use the Protec slimline, I find that it is very light and compact and I can carry everything I need on a daily basis.
Cases like this also work just fine if you only need four reeds.
A properly designed reed case allows the reeds to dry, which prevents warping and mold. It's also a lot more organised than a bunch of loose reeds.
I was given this Vandoren reed case many years ago (for Christmas, I think) and it works fine.
Do you mean something along the lines of this:
Hello, fellow Eb player who struggles with intonation on the beast! I have found that how the pitch of the volatile high notes on Eb trend varies surprisingly instrument to instrument and on your mouthpiece/barrel/reed combo. I highly recommend Alan Sim’s 303 Clarinet fingerings book. This book has like 6 fingerings for each note. it has really helped me troubleshoot with various fingerings to find which is (relatively) in tune. Lmk if you have any other questions. hope this helps! :)
A rubber cushion that goes on top of the mouthpiece, its helps alot with holding the clarinet in place (and professionals use it too) Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Vandoren-VMC6-Mouthpiece-Cushions-0-35mm/dp/B002FEGREW
I agree with toastyghostie's comment, and you could also get her a reed box with some humidity packets. It helps the reeds last longer without drying out
The cheap ones are $75, and I'm definitely not buying that.
She's looking at this one, and her section leader thinks it will do alright. I have no idea, I played brass instruments for the short period I did band.
It's not cheap but vandoren does make a reed trimmer that can shorten them to make the reed stiffer, including a special one for the V12 shape. If it's in your budget to try such a thing, hold off till May 2 cause of the amazon strike, but it may be worth a shot if you really like stiff reeds.
https://www.amazon.com/Vandoren-RT19-Clarinet-Trimmer-Reeds/dp/B00LJY2PKE/
I personally use AT2020 microphone for my home recordings. It's pretty decent mic for woodwinds. And it's pretty cheap on Amazon. If it's too expensive for you check if you have it on ebay or FB Marketplace nearby. You can check other second hand mics in your price range as well. Make sure you get a condenser mic
Baermann Vol. III, mainly part 1, 2, and 8 (scales, arpeggios, thirds respectively) https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Method-Clarinet-Third-Division/dp/0825802156/ref=pd_sbs_14_1/132-5553951-6589045?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0825802156&pd_rd_r=a381344c-0bdf-4d9d-8888-e0821b136f74&pd_rd_w=PTP6D&pd_rd_wg=BWfne&pf_rd_...
I use this one, but most swabs are priced similarly.
If you're just looking to play the clarinet part unaccompanied, just read the A clarinet part. If you need a transposed piano part, you can find that here, among other places.
Bari reeds are overlooked because they're a cheaper brand (if you buy on amazon). They do have a moisture problem but I dont think it is as bad. That's just one drawback of synthetics in general.
This is the reed I have. You have to make sure your mouthpiece will fit it well though.
Swab. Cotton balls and apple cider vinegar for your mouthpiece. Q-tips for your toneholes if you really want to.
And nothing else. "Mouthpiece brushes" will ruin your mouthpiece. Those fluffy things that go in your bore are bad for your clarinet; they don't remove the moisture, it just sits there, which damages both the bore and the pads, plus they leave lint. Just swab after you play.
I use those.
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https://www.amazon.com/Vandoren-CR1015-Clarinet-Traditional-Strength/dp/B0002D09Y2
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Are you sure only "special cases" use those? I really can't even make a sound without hurting my face with 2 1/2s, specially if they are Van Dorens.
As nice as that case is, ultimately the problem is that it isn't airtight and the atmosphere is sucking the moisture right out of the instrument.
What I'm concerned about is that loose rings mean the wood is moving. If you humidify it - now - it should go back to spec. If you don't the bore of the instrument may warp permanently.
The boveda packs are like six dollars for the large ones. They should be available in Canada. You might try the Amazon Basics case for like $30 USD: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01L0LVDJO/?th=1
Look, you spent a lot of money on that clarinet. Spend the $50 or whatever to try this and protect your investment.
Buy this book.
Put a metronome on, count out loud the subdivisions (steady stream, "1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &" or "1 e & a 2 e & a..." etc.) and clap the subdivisions.
Go through the whole book, or at least the summary pages. Start slow enough that you can do it perfectly, and slowly increase the tempo.
I see it. Those are nickel keys. I would start with getting a polishing cloth like this:
The tarnish isn't that bad, this works great on light tarnish.
For heavy tarnish you can use a liquid polish like Simichrome or Mother's but you have to be VERY careful not to get anything on the pads as it will discolor them and possibly ruin them.
I have a set of small screwdrivers like these, kind of, don't know what brand
Tin whistle is a lot of fun. Check out Brian Finnegan, he's a monster flute and whistle player. When I was into whistle, I learned from an earlier edition of The Irish Tin Whistle Tutor, which is pretty good.
Thanks, do you know much about the Fobes Nova? This is the only one from either brand I could find that's comparable in price to the Vandorens.
Also, would you mind explaining what's ehhh about Vandoren mouthpieces?
Buy this now. You'll save yourself so much money by not having to fix cracks.
I use Boveda Humidipacks. I have two of these in my case at all times, and usually three in the wintertimes. My case isn't very well sealed for humidity, so I go through them quick in winter. They're great and I highly recommend them.
Other things you can do are:
- Play your clarinet every day. Your breath will help humidify the clarinet, though do still swab.
- If you keep your clarinet with you in your room, you can get a room humidifier and try to keep the humidity up that way.
- If you keep your clarinet somewhere else, you can use a trash bag to try to keep the humidity in.
When was the last time you cleaned your tone holes?
Take the A key off and use a Q-tip and some water to wipe out any crap that's there. Also, check the pad on the A key to see if it's intact. Sometimes bladder pads can tear and the flap will vibrate as the note is played. Might as well check the register tube as well. You'll need a pipe cleaner for that one.
You can easily do this yourself with a precision screwdriver, just make sure not to lose the screws, and make sure to reattach the spring on the A key when you're done. If you really don't feel comfortable with it, take it to a tech.
Do you have humidity controls for your reeds? If not, drop $20 and grab one of these bad boys. That will help with reeds starting out ok and then becoming not ok. Your reeds are probably warped, which is why they're not responding. You can check it this way: Assemble the mouthpiece, reed, ligature as usual. Use the palm of your hand to seal the bottom of the mouthpiece, and suck all the air out with your mouth. The reed should maintain the seal for several seconds. If it can't, it's warped.
As for your loaner. If the instrument is new, it's likely to have bad pads that don't seal. That would explain the fuzzy sound, squeaky notes, and tough altissimo. It could be the mouthpiece you're playing on is crap. I don't think you're going to wear out a mouthpiece in three weeks, but the mouthpiece pad is a good idea. You can always clean it with some cotton balls and apple cider vinegar afterwards. You could try contacting the shop and seeing if you can get your usual mouthpiece back if you left it there.
I would say the Rubank Intermediate Book would be at your level and a solid boost to your technique. For solo work, I would check out the Concert and Contest Collection book (https://www.amazon.com/Concert-Contest-Collection-Clarinet-Educational/dp/1423445449), which has about 10 short solos with piano accompaniment. The Scherzo in C Minor from that book would be a great place for you to start. The Gade Ballade is also gorgeous for a slow option.
I second the comment about private lessons, though! Not only will a private teacher be able to give you personalized feedback and advice, they will also be able to make sure you are learning your solos correctly and provide you more audition/performance opportunities :) Check with your band director! They may be able to find you a private teacher nearby.
Good luck!
Funny, I was just watching that video before reading this post. I got a good laugh from the materials too. Do you know if something akin to these https://www.amazon.com/Instrument-Clinic-IC540-Universal-Clarinet/dp/B0075QXBUS or are they too low quality? Is there high danger they may be the wrong size? I feel like I would be able to pull off the work itself.
The clarinet currently has a Vandonen b40 so, I might try to clean that one up just because I know it's a fairly decent mouthpiece so I may want to take it for a spin. However, I'll probably get the 4c sg recommended to limit my exposure to old clarinet Ebola.
I'll definitely check out those reeds. I never gave Vandonen a fair shake on sax before so I think it will be nice to try.
I just wanted to chime in! I use a Boveda 72%. I have this case that holds the humidifier inside.
I've never had problems with mold, maybe for these reasons: I wipe my reeds off with my cleaning cloth before I put them away, I live in a super dry climate, and the part of the reed case where the back of the reeds sits isn't totally flat; it has channels where air touches the back of the reed.
It's a bari sax sized reed, but yes, do get a case with a glass table in it. I have the Selmer case, but they have disappeared from the market, so you're going to have trouble finding that. If you do buy a case for a smaller instrument, remember that you're going to be putting your reeds in canted or flat-out sideways. I haven't done the math, but I'd just go for a 10 reed soprano case.
What are you using to flatten the back of your ~~popsicle sticks~~ contra reeds at the table interface?
http://www.stewartellis.com/#!ID.php?page=32551
This clarinet looks exactly like my Allora, only with a different logo. The case is even the same! The fact that they say "spacer" instead of barrel says that they know nothing about clarinets. Chances are you will need to get the instrument repadded and tuned by a professional if you want it to play well, and thats a $200+ job alone.
A cheap instrument may be good in the short term, but if you plan on playing clarinet for awhile you are only hurting yourself buy buying an inferior instrument. A used brand name instrument will last far longer than a Chinese instrument.
One thing I forgot to mention, a good mouthpiece makes a HUGE difference. This is what I usually recommend to students:
https://www.amazon.com/Clark-Fobes-Student-Clarinet-Mouthpiece/dp/B0002HLKKK
I played this for my senior recital but transcribed the orchestra part for big band. The melody and transcribed solo from the original studio album are here:
https://www.amazon.com/Daniels-Transcriptions-Performing-Artist-Master/dp/0757937403
I use (diluted!) hippie soap and wash it in just-warm (wrist temperature - same as for a baby) water. Squeeze out the water and drape it over a dry towel. It will be nearly dry in a few hours.
Be forewarned, the Hodge silk swabs haven't had their dyes set, so the first time you wash one, it will color the water the color of the swab (e.g. black).
I'd stay with a Bb clarinet. Soprano clarinets in A, Bb, and C are really all nearly the same size. Even Eb clarinet isn't smaller enough to make a tremendous difference in terms of carrying it around. A used plastic Yamaha would probably be the best bang for your buck.
I have a really small case, a pochette by Jakob Winter, the German firm which may supply some Buffet cases. It does not take up a lot of space in a single backpack, and while it is not outrageously expensive like some cases are, it isn't the cheapest either. There is also little room for accessories.
https://www.amazon.com/Jakob-Winter-Wooden-Boehm-Clarinet/dp/B007J4DBNS
I've got a copy of this and it has some nice stuff. Bach/Mozart/Beethoven
78 Duets for Flute and Clarinet: Volume 2 - Advanced (Nos. 56-78) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1423445422/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_AYNMxbK5S4QME