Clarinet/New reed and ligature

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Expert: - 9/10/2011


Question
I am a retired clarinet player who plays with my wife for enjoyment.  I am considering a new Fibracell Synethic #2 reed and a new Rovner ligature 1R.  Any opinions?

Thank you.

Answer
Hi Richard,

Well, it won't hurt to try. Everyone is different, so whatever motivates you to enjoy playing sounds like a solid plan to me. I haven't like the sound of Fibracell reeds for myself, you might like the convenience of it and also not mind the sound.  Lots of people like the Rovner ligatures. I personally don't think ligatures make much of a difference.

Have fun plying with your wife, that sounds like a good plan no matter what equipment you use!!

Best,

Rebecca

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Rebecca

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I am a former college music professor. I`ll be happy to discuss repertoire, set-up, music schools, technique, recordings, etc. If you have a question about the value of an instrument, please read this: Clarinets do not improve with age. The inside shape changes with use, making it more difficult to play in tune. A quality new clarinet can be purchased for $2000. I would generally not pay more than $300 for an older clarinet, and that is after an overhaul ($400) has already been done. That's just my opinion and I'm sure you can find someone who would pay more. If you want to know the year of your instrument, go to http://www.woodwind.org/clarinet/Equipment/HowOld/

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