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Clarinet/Questions Answered by Expert Rebecca
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Buffet Crampton | 6/1/2012 |
| Q: My daughter's band director is trying to sell me a Buffet Crampon clarinet that she claims was made ... A: Yeah, and I have a bridge to sell you... Pass on this magic clarinet, there is no way it is worth ... | |
| help identifying my instrument | 3/10/2012 |
| Q: i had purchased a used R13 the other day. when i tried entering the serial number on Buffet's ... A: It looks like it might be an R13 from 1968, according to ... | |
| Noblet clar | 3/3/2012 |
| Q: I stopped by a music store and saw a Noblet 45 for sale.The owner said it is new and the serial ... A: I cannot imagine why he would not let you try the clarinet, that is a huge red flag. The only way ... | |
| Selmer SPECIAL Clarinet | 2/9/2012 |
| Q: My high school daughter is playing a fully reconditioned Selmer USA Signet SPECIAL wood clarinet S/N ... A: Mouthpieces do get "blown out" over time so it's possible that your daughter needed a new one. I ... | |
| Selmer SPECIAL Clarinet | 2/8/2012 |
| Q: My high school daughter is playing a fully reconditioned Selmer USA Signet SPECIAL wood clarinet S/N ... A: Who told you to upgrade, and did they say why? Is your daughter planning to major in music in ... | |
| Community Orchestra Audition | 1/10/2012 |
| Q: My question is in regards to a community orchestra audition. They only specify one or two pieces or ... A: The exposition from the first movement of Mozart is most commonly used at auditions, so that would ... | |
| My next, and hopefully last instrument. | 12/23/2011 |
| Q: I recently took up playing the Clarinet. And, I am already thinking about my next, and I believe ... A: A student of mine recently lucked out with purchasing a lightly used Selmer 10s clarinet. The tone ... | |
| clarinet scales | 12/5/2011 |
| Q: Ok, So i have been playing clarinet for 6 years. 1, what is the difference between concert scales ... A: To figure out your major scale when given a concert key, you have to go up two half steps (or one ... | |
| help ? | 12/1/2011 |
| Q: I'm Risa. Urmm.. I was wondering if u could help me with my fingerings.. I'm currently n a wind ... A: This part of my answer addresses your concern: Also, keep your fingers hovering close to the keys ... | |
| help ? | 11/23/2011 |
| Q: I'm Risa. Urmm.. I was wondering if u could help me with my fingerings.. I'm currently n a wind ... A: Practice the notes slowly, in chunks. Play one beat at a time, plus the next down beat. repeat until ... | |
| used clarinet reeds | 11/17/2011 |
| Q: I just bought a used clarinet and it came with USED clarinet reeds. Is there any way to sanitize ... A: It's not worth your time, just buy some new reeds at the music store or online - any reeds will do ... | |
| Bore Oil | 10/2/2011 |
| Q: I just purchased a new clarinet and the company I purchased it from is telling me never to use bore ... A: I used oiled my bore very sparingly when I purchased my first wood clarinet. I haven't bothered ... | |
| Clarinet | 9/22/2011 |
| Q: I have a Bundy (Selmer) Clarinet about 1982 vintage, in good shape. The serial number is 1623063 - ... A: Well, I suppose the clarinet is worth what the other person is willing to pay. If it is clean and in ... | |
| The highest note on clarinet/ How to play it | 9/12/2011 |
| Q: I am a beginner clarinet player and I was just wondering one day how to play the C# scale. I know ... A: Here's a link to a fingering chart that is straightforward. Good luck with your C# scale - I like to ... | |
| New reed and ligature | 9/10/2011 |
| Q: I am a retired clarinet player who plays with my wife for enjoyment. I am considering a new ... A: Well, it won't hurt to try. Everyone is different, so whatever motivates you to enjoy playing sounds ... | |
| A BRAND NEW CLARINET PURCHASE | 8/9/2011 |
| Q: How are you? I am from Chile and I would like to buy a clarinet online or order it directly form a ... A: I usually order 3 clarinets at a time to try from www.wwbw.org Especially if you are considering a ... | |
| Too Sharp | 5/12/2011 |
| Q: I am a 7th grade clarinet player. No matter what strength of a reed I use, I always have to pull out ... A: Congratulations, Justin! Your clarinet is operating exactly as it is intended. They are designed ... | |
| C clarinet versus the B flat clarinet | 4/28/2011 |
| Q: I played the b flat clarinet many years ago and now am wanting to take it up again. I am playing ... A: The reason why C clarinets are so rarely played is because they are more challenging to play in tune ... | |
| help getting the right reeds for my wife | 4/8/2011 |
| Q: I just bought a #3 mouth piece for my Wives clarinet she hasn't played since she was in high school ... A: That is a really great gift! Buy a small assortment of reeds at your local music store, if you can. ... | |
| music | 4/4/2011 |
| Q: I'm in 7th grade and i play clarinet and piano. My problem is basically that i think that i am not ... A: First of all, you don't have to be good. There, it's the truth. All you have to do is enjoy playing ... | |
| clarinet mouthpeices | 3/16/2011 |
| Q: I'm currently thinking about switching a new mouthpiece, specifically Clark and Forbes cwf, I was ... A: I don't know about that particular mouthpiece, but whatever you do, make sure you use a tuner when ... | |
| Bundy clarinet | 3/7/2011 |
| Q: I've put a bid in on a Vintage Selmer Bundy Resonite Clarinet with the serial # of S205206 on ... A: That should be fine. Cheap Rico reeds (2 1/2) should be fine. If you don't win that instrument, you ... | |
| report about Carl Stamitz' Clarinet Concert 3 | 1/24/2011 |
| Q: I should make a report about the clarinet concert 3 of Carl stamitz and I don't find any information ... A: The structure follows the Concerto standard, so you can start by researching that (Fast-Slow-Fast, ... | |
| A vs Bb | 1/17/2011 |
| Q: If an orchestral piece is to beplayed in A, is it pretty much the same thing in terms of the ... A: Yes, it's the same. Use the same mouthpiece, and many clarinetists also use the same barrel, but it ... | |
| Tips on high E | 12/31/2010 |
| Q: I am working on an audition for all-state band and there is a part in the music where I need to slur ... A: I assume you are referring to the altissimo (high) register. High F# tends to be flat, whereas high ... | |
| Better tone | 12/28/2010 |
| Q: I've been clarinet for six years now, and I'm the best clarinetist in middle school in three ... A: Congratulations on your continuing success on such a fantastic instrument. I like your confidence, ... | |
| From Bb Bass Clarinet to Eb Alto Clarinet | 12/16/2010 |
| Q: I have been successful and got together a ten person Clarinet Choir, 6 Bb Clarinets, an Eb Alto ... A: COngratulations on putting together such a large clarinet ensemble - you are all bound to have a lot ... | |
| Wanting to buy a used wooden clarinet | 12/15/2010 |
| Q: I'd like to buy a used wood clarinet. Any particular brand you'd recommend? What should I listen ... A: Buffet R13, Leblanc, Noblet (for less $)... Check the 12ths for intonation (E/B, F/C, etc.). They ... | |
| High register | 11/19/2010 |
| Q: I am having problems getting the very high register. I have aquired charts that go up to up to C, ... A: Some tips: 1. Apply more pressure against the reed (but not extra pressure on the mouthpiece). 2. ... | |
| Clarinet embrochure problem | 11/16/2010 |
| Q: I have had this problem with my embouchure for the past year or so. When I play, it seems like my ... A: I think I can help you. First, understand that you have trained the wrong muscles. To retrain the ... | |
| note help | 10/13/2010 |
| Q: how do i make the in the staff b-flat sound good? like not ugly A: Good question, and the answer is that you need to "vent." That means that you put down a combination ... | |
| Selmer Omega Clarinet | 10/1/2010 |
| Q: I read in one of your previous responses to someone else that the selmer omega clarinet was an ... A: The Selmer USA Omega that they sell now is an intermediate level instrument, but in the 1990s Selmer ... | |
| Vito Clarinet | 9/21/2010 |
| Q: I've Recently found a clarinet the Make is Vito (40) and the serial number is B29505, i am planning ... A: Well, I'm all for fixing things up so that they don't end up in the garbage, and Vito makes a pretty ... | |
| Clarinet repertoire | 9/12/2010 |
| Q: Concerto series 2. I was wondering that at my age what pieces would be good for me soon. Currently ... A: It sounds like you are in great shape in your development as a musician. Assuming that your ... | |
| Clarinet squeak sound | 8/13/2010 |
| Q: I have been playing my clarinet for 4 years now, and I bought it when I was in Japan. Oneday, like ... A: It can be really frustrating dealing with repairs, whether it's a clarinet or a car (you'll know ... | |
| Bb muffled sound and out of tune | 7/12/2010 |
| Q: I play a wooden Noblet clarinet and it has the following 2 problem: 1)The middle B flat note always ... A: The "throat" Bb that you speak of is the bane of every clarinetist's existence! The issue is that ... | |
| bass clarinet | 7/10/2010 |
| Q: I have been playing the bass clarinet for a year during tournament and concert season in my high ... A: 1. Convince yourself that you want to be heard. 2. Play with conviction. Feel the phrases, have ... | |
| Clarinet sound | 7/2/2010 |
| Q: I've been playing clarinet since 1964, I was ten when I started to play. Needless to say, I was ... A: Congratulations for sticking with a fantastic instrument for so long! I think the sound that you are ... | |
| low notes on a clarinet | 6/20/2010 |
| Q: I'm going to be a senior in high school in the fall and I'm going to be going to college possibly ... A: You might be accidentally touching other keys, or not covering the tone hole completely...I doubt ... | |
| Music schools | 6/14/2010 |
| Q: I am soon going to be a sophmore in High School and I love playing bass clarinet. I know it's a ... A: I'm glad to hear you love playing the bass clarinet! Keeping that excitement alive is what really ... | |
| clarinet for beginner | 6/7/2010 |
| Q: Rebecca, My 9 year old daughter is excited about starting clarinet in the fall. What used ... A: Plastic beginner clarinets are not too different from one another, so you do not need to look for ... | |
| clarinet for beginner | 6/4/2010 |
| Q: Rebecca, My 9 year old daughter is excited about starting clarinet in the fall. What used ... A: Forget about metal clarinets, they are relics of the past. For a beginner clarinet, the most ... | |
| Moving to a new clarinet | 5/30/2010 |
| Q: I am now a sophomore in high school and am ready to move on from my plastic artley 17s to a higher ... A: You've probably already learned that it's the player and not the instrument that truly matters, ... | |
| R13: Greenline or Original? | 5/12/2010 |
| Q: I am looking at purchasing a new clarinet. I am a junior in High School, and I am currently playing ... A: Both options are good, if you choose a good one. Buffet's vary in quality by a very wide margin, so ... | |
| clarinet tone | 5/4/2010 |
| Q: I always hear I have a "bright" sound instead of a "dark" sound and I was wondering what do they ... A: Ideally, you will be able to control your sound so that it serves the music. Sometimes a context ... | |
| Boosey & Hawkes 10 10 Symphony | 4/26/2010 |
| Q: I recently bought a late-seventies Boosey 1010 for £400(GBP) and trade in (Buffet B12). Having ... A: Clarinets are quite imperfect, and one thing that manufacturers do to mitigate this is to make an ... | |
| purchasing a clarinet for my son | 3/18/2010 |
| Q: My son is a beginner clarinet player and loves to play. The only problem is that the clarinet that ... A: You do not need to spend that kind of money at this point. For a beginner, I recommend a beginning ... | |
| Artley value | 3/3/2010 |
| Q: My daughter is in high school and plays clarinet. one of her friends wants to sell an Artley ... A: If it plays reasonably well, then its a good deal. Have your daughter use a tuner when she's trying ... | |
| Clarinet Warm Ups | 2/26/2010 |
| Q: I was hoping you could help me with some good warm up idea to help with technique. I'm trying to ... A: Here's a good article by Robert Spring, a great clarinetist whom I studied with for 4 years in grad ... | |
| E fingering is always a D | 2/17/2010 |
| Q: I am new to the clarinet and wanting to get back into playing music after 30 years out of playing ... A: Congratulations on your return to the world of playing music! Good news - everything is as it should ... | |
| New to Clarinet | 2/8/2010 |
| Q: I am an 18 year old who is new to the clarinet. I have been playing for about three weeks now. ... A: I play trumpet, too, and I'm happy to answer your astute questions. Playing the clarinet will not ... | |
| Dorian minor scales for clarinet | 1/28/2010 |
| Q: I am a High school student who just switched to clarinet and have to play the Major, natural minor, ... A: I don't have sheet music for your precise needs, but I'll tell you what notes you need to play. Bb ... | |
| Mouth Pieces | 1/25/2010 |
| Q: I am wondering how much difference a mouth piece really makes. I am currently using a Vandiren M30 ... A: What you're using right now may be just fine. If you find yourself in the area of a music store with ... | |
| having a soft clean higher register | 1/20/2010 |
| Q: ..I am getting ready for college auditions, and part of the audition is playing orchestral excerpts. ... A: I don't have my excerpts with me at the moment, but as my memory serves me I believe I have used an ... | |
| Going over the break | 1/14/2010 |
| Q: I need to play the high b,c,e flat and d, but I cant go over the break! We are playing the national ... A: The best way to approach the register break is usually addressed pretty well in the band study ... | |
| Music in College | 1/11/2010 |
| Q: i plan on becoming a music major. Auditions are in about 1 month or so and i would really appreciate ... A: Below I have posted some audition advice that I offered to someone in the past. Good luck! Rebecca ... | |
| unstable note | 12/30/2009 |
| Q: I have a R13 Bb Clarinet and the upper register "A" has become unstable, what could be the cause of ... A: This is common, especially on A clarinets. But if you fix something that you are doing, then not ... | |
| Clarinet Endurance | 12/3/2009 |
| Q: Is there any way to practice building endurance? I know you said use a softer reed and take breaks, ... A: Certainly. Just like with any form of exercise, you build up endurance over time. Push yourself a ... | |
| altissimo notes | 11/30/2009 |
| Q: I am a senior citizen and had learned to play the clarinet the past one year, mainly through books ... A: Congratulations on challenging yourself with a new instrument! Your upper teeth will rest lightly on ... | |
| Troubles with "going over the break" | 11/12/2009 |
| Q: I'm in a grade 8 concert band and we have evaluations coming up. We have to play this short piece ... A: To see if you are playing the correct notes, warm up with octaves going into the unfamiliar high ... | |
| Clarinet Scales | 11/7/2009 |
| Q: I need help with some of the clarinet concert scales. I am having auditions soon and I need to know ... A: Note: I cannot figure out how to attach two pages, so please send me your question again so that I ... | |
| transposing guitar chords to clarinet arpeggios to | 11/6/2009 |
| Q: How would I find the arpeggio from a guitar chord. Such as a G chord. And Also minor Chords. A: You have to play one whole step (2 half-steps) above what is written. You could think of it ... | |
| Clarinet Injuries | 11/5/2009 |
| Q: I am a fresh out of college Band Director and I am teaching in a middle school currently. I was ... A: Some players develop carpal tunnel in the wrist (often the right wrist), but this is pretty rare, ... | |
| contrabass clarinet reeds | 11/2/2009 |
| Q: We just acquired a contrabass clarinet for my 11-year old son, who is eager to get started. It is a ... A: In addition to trying Vandoren, he may want to try LaVoz (Medium) and a Legere. It's nice to compare ... | |
| clarinet squeaking | 10/23/2009 |
| Q: We purchased a brand new Buffet E-11 clarinet for our daughter several months ago, and she's had ... A: Typically it's a person responsible for squeaks, not an instrument. First, eliminate the finger ... | |
| clarinet squeaks | 10/20/2009 |
| Q: I've recently taken over a school beginner clarinetist (playing in lower register only.) My problem ... A: First, eliminate the finger option once and for all by turning the clarinet and having her blow ... | |
| Should we consider Buffet Vintage? | 10/13/2009 |
| Q: Background: My daughter started in 6th grade with an E11 and then when she got to HS we bought an ... A: It's worth trying, along with "Greenline" and "Prestige" clarinets. The primary difference between ... | |
| Buffet B12 on ebay | 10/12/2009 |
| Q: I am just beginning on clarinet and I need to buy one. I have been told that buffet is a good brand. ... A: If you can buy it for under $200 including shipping, then I'd say you got a pretty good deal. The B ... | |
| Student Clarinet | 10/9/2009 |
| Q: My 12 year old daughter has been playing the flute for a few years now and is pretty dedicated to it ... A: The clarinet I bought for around $100 on amazon.com works just fine, and I think that would work ... | |
| Fingering Chart for concert Bb | 10/6/2009 |
| Q: My grade 7 band teacher didn't teach me the concert Bb scale, so I'm new to it this year. But I'm ... A: This answer is more complicated than your would expect, because it involves "going over the break." ... | |
| Leblanc Sonata | 10/5/2009 |
| Q: I've been looking around recently for a new clarinet for myself as my previous one was stolen. I've ... A: If you have checked the Buffet with a tuner and everything checks out with the 12ths, and you like ... | |
| Register Break | 10/3/2009 |
| Q: Morning, I am a beginner band teacher in Lloydminster, Canada. What advice would you give for 2nd ... A: I meant to answer this earlier, but somehow lost track of your question - I'm sorry for the delay! ... | |
| beginner clarinets | 9/27/2009 |
| Q: I was a flute player for many years but am now in search of a decent BEGINNER clarinet for my 4th ... A: Any of those clarinets will work fine for your purpose. I even bought a clarinet new off amazon.com ... | |
| breathing | 9/15/2009 |
| Q: I am an intermediate clarinet player, but I'm still not sure how to properly exhale on the ... A: You're right on many counts. For a rich and projecting sound, a relaxed (or open) throat is ... | |
| used intermediate wood clarinets | 8/27/2009 |
| Q: my daughter has been been playing,for about 9yrs,on a composite(?) selmer. It's a great horn. ... A: Ask her band and orchestra teachers for the contact information the best clarinet instructors in the ... | |
| old clarinet | 8/26/2009 |
| Q: it’s in a selmer case and has a logo and the word console stamped on it and a serial number 3367. ... A: If your son likes the oboe and is even moderately good at it, then I see no reason why he would want ... | |
| A clarinets | 8/12/2009 |
| Q: Is the bell of an A clarinet longer than that of a B flat clarinet? I think I've got mine mixed up! A: Mine appear to be nearly identical, with maybe the A bell flaring out a bit more? It's really hard ... | |
| Beginning clarinet | 8/4/2009 |
| Q: I am an old flutist who experienced some success long ago and who has recently taken up the ... A: To play B comfortably, have her first play low G and then gently press her register key to make D ... | |
| Reynolds clarinet | 6/5/2009 |
| Q: My daughter is getting ready to start beginning band and struggling with choosing a clarinet or a ... A: I see, I thought before that you already had the Reynolds in your possession. If I were your ... | |
| Reynolds clarinet | 6/4/2009 |
| Q: My daughter is getting ready to start beginning band and struggling with choosing a clarinet or a ... A: There are lots of advantages to starting on clarinet. 1) A clarinet is less expensive, so you ... | |
| Clarinet Equipment | 5/21/2009 |
| Q: I'm eighteen years old and just started playing clarinet about a month ago. (I've had some musical ... A: You can buy a decent beginner clarinet for about $100 on amazon.com. The Vandoren M15 mouthpiece is ... | |
| the super high notes on the clarinet | 5/10/2009 |
| Q: I have been playing clarinet for just under 6 years and am currently attempting to play artie shaws ... A: Have you tried physically moving your lower lip down the reed? That can help in the upper ... | |
| new player | 5/8/2009 |
| Q: I just bought a clarinet at a pawn shop here in Boston. I played the sax for years. I noticed that ... A: Take the clarinet to a local music store to obtain an estimate on repair costs. A few missing pads ... | |
| Middle B Problem | 3/8/2009 |
| Q: I'm having broblem on my Buffet with the middle b. Sometimes it will come out with no broblem and ... A: The B key mechanism usually needs to be adjusted every year, in my experience. You don't want to get ... | |
| Tarnish | 3/7/2009 |
| Q: I'm 14 years old and play the clarinet, and I have recently got a Buffet E11. The keys are starting ... A: It sounds like your fingertips might be acidic in nature. No big deal, really, but I don't think ... | |
| F Thumb Key Problem | 2/27/2009 |
| Q: Recently, I've had a sticking F thumb key. I took it to the shop to have it fixed. When I received ... A: I don't think it's you. Sometimes with trumpets a key will stick because the key is being pressed at ... | |
| Clarinet breathing techniques | 2/20/2009 |
| Q: I've recently taken up playing clarinet again after a long period away from playing it and am ... A: Welcome back to the clarinet! My advice is to take everything slowly, and take breaks when the ... | |
| Embouchure (probably) | 2/17/2009 |
| Q: When I play my Artley clarinet, most of the time I can get a good sound, but sometimes (doesn't seem ... A: It sounds like your fingers aren't covering completely when you're going over the break. Pay ... | |
| Clarinet tuning | 1/30/2009 |
| Q: I have just started to play the clarinet again and seen on a tuner that I am playing flat. My ... A: Mouthpieces can affect pitch, it is true. After you have regained strength in your embouchure and ... | |
| First clarinet for 15 year old in band | 1/29/2009 |
| Q: It would be of immense help if you could simplify the choice of one for our 15 year old daughter. ... A: Can she continue to borrow a clarinet, either from her friend or from her school? Might as well give ... | |
| Upgrade barrel only? | 1/19/2009 |
| Q: I played a 1980 Artley composite clarinet in high school and at church in the late 80s - early 90s. ... A: A barrel can make a difference in intonation on old wood clarinets, but I don't think that plastic ... | |
| Clarinet shopping help | 1/18/2009 |
| Q: My name is TK. I need a good quality wooden clarinet for under $1000. My problem is I've been using ... A: An answer that I provided last month applies perfectly to you - I have copied it below. Today's ... | |
| young clarinet player | 1/1/2009 |
| Q: My 10 yr old daughter is keen to study clarinet (together with the piano she has been playing for ... A: Almost any beginner clarinet will start your daughter off well. Great deals can be found on the ... | |
| Difference between a B-flat clainet and an A-clarinet | 12/28/2008 |
| Q: I need to purchase a clarinet by myself, and i always get the feeling that I'm going to buy the ... A: A Bb clarinet is slightly shorter than an A clarinet. When you play an open G (no fingers), a ... | |
| BUFFET CRAMPON 34 YEARS AGO | 12/19/2008 |
| Q: I LATER DECIDED TO SELL IT IN TRADE FOR A 12 STRING GUITAR- PROBABLY BAD DEAL! ANYWAY I BELIEVE IT, ... A: Don't beat yourself up too badly - although it was probably a bad trade, clarinets do depreciate ... | |
| Clarinet Brands | 12/15/2008 |
| Q: I have been playing clarinet for over four years now and am in dire need of a newer and better ... A: You may be surprised by the used clarinets that are available periodically online. Search "Buffet R ... | |
| Leblanc Bass Clarinet- Age | 12/14/2008 |
| Q: and thank you for taking the time to answer my question. I am not interested in price, but more than ... A: It looks like it may be from 1967. Model 7165 1964 1207 1643 1965 1644 1976 1966 1977 ... | |
| breaking in? | 12/10/2008 |
| Q: i recently wrote to you guys about how i was looking into buying a new wooden professional clarinet. ... A: Try not to expose the clarinet to extreme temperatures. If it does get cold, then warm it up slowly ... | |
| Buying a clarinet | 12/8/2008 |
| Q: I need to buy a clarinet within a few days. I really like a Buffet E-11. But the problem is that ... A: If everything else is close to in tune and the upper notes are flat, that is most definitely a ... | |
| new clarinet? | 12/7/2008 |
| Q: I've been playing for about seven years now, and saddle my clarinet is in need of replacement. what ... A: Congratulations for sticking with the clarinet. I'm sure you've already learned that it's the player ... | |
| 'sharp' playing Noblet Bb clarinet | 12/6/2008 |
| Q: My daughters band director has informed she is playing 'sharp', and recommends either the barrel be ... A: Barrels come in different sizes, the most common being 66mm. They also can be 65mm or 67mm. Your ... | |
| clarinet playing | 12/2/2008 |
| Q: i am in a band at school and we have a concert soon, I've been practicing vigorously and at the end ... A: I apologize for the delayed response - I never received your initial email and have only now been ... | |
| My used clarinet didn't come with mouthpiece | 11/30/2008 |
| Q: Never played clarinet before but always wanted to play. Just bought from ebay a used vito Bb ... A: Good work. Vito is a decent student clarinet. Hopefully the pads are in decent shape. 1) Any will ... | |
| PLaying Extremly High notes on clarinet using teeth on the reed. | 11/25/2008 |
| Q: I am working on the Sarasate Carmen Fantasy clarinet version, and there are a few notes that are ... A: I haven't played this piece, but I've played pieces in the extreme altissimo register (up to double ... | |
| clarinet high notes | 11/23/2008 |
| Q: After playing the piano (at a distinctly middling standard) for 60-odd years I took up the clarinet ... A: 1) Make sure your fingers are covering the holes completely (I doubt that this is the problem, but ... | |
| Metal mouthpieces | 11/16/2008 |
| Q: I have been looking for a new Bb clarinet mouthpiece that will help improve my tone. I was ... A: I do not recommend a metal mouthpiece (not sure where you'd find one...). Be sure and try out a few ... | |
| age of clarinet | 11/3/2008 |
| Q: i have a clarinet, was my brother's, i know it was at least from pre or about 1960s early. it was ... A: Clarinets do not imrove with age (and therefore they lose value, and clarinets are never very ... | |
| New Ligature | 10/26/2008 |
| Q: My current setup is a Vandoren B45 mouthpiece, Rovner 1R ligature, 56 Rue lepic reeds (3 1/2) on a ... A: Try a couple different Vandoren M13 mouthpieces to see if they sound better. The ligature doesn't ... | |
| Clarinet; new or used? | 10/22/2008 |
| Q: Rebecca, I've read some of the questions regarding intermediate and professional, new vs used, ... A: Cracking is not very common, and it usually happens in the initial periods of usage. To avoid ... | |
| clarinet mouthpeice | 10/18/2008 |
| Q: I am about to buy a R 13 and I was told by my band director to get a Vandoren Bb Clarinet Mouthpiece ... A: I like the Vandoren M15 moutpiece, but try more than one style. You may decide in the end that you ... | |
| out of tune a whole step | 10/17/2008 |
| Q: I hope you take the time to answer this. After a five year break from five years of playing I've ... A: Welcome back to the wonderful world of the Bb clarinet! Because it's in the key of Bb and the ... | |
| Noblet Paris Clarinet Model? | 9/30/2008 |
| Q: I have a Noblet Paris wood Clarinet but it was given to me and I don't know anything about it. It is ... A: I've played some decent Noblet clarinets and some bad ones. Replace any pads that need to be ... | |
| Altissimo E and above not speaking correctly | 9/22/2008 |
| Q: I am 25 years old and have recently restarted playing clarinet after a break of about 5 years, I had ... A: I'm happy to hear you have returned to your old friend, the clarinet. E can be a very unstable note ... | |
| classical mouthpiece | 9/19/2008 |
| Q: so i have this beechler mouthpiece that i got for free really, but im not liking it much. right ... A: Try a Vandoren M13 mouthpiece. Hopefully your local store will hacve a few in stock to try. If not, ... | |
| scales | 9/14/2008 |
| Q: I have recently gone back to playing after a lot of years, Since high school and I am now over 50, I ... A: Welcome back to the wonder world of clarinet! When your director announces concert pitch, you will ... | |
| Clarinet upgrade? | 9/10/2008 |
| Q: I've been playing clarinet for 4 years, and for all of those years I've been 1st chair in the ... A: check out this link (and for the latest results just type "buffet r 13 craigslist" into google, but ... | |
| Clarinet upgrade? | 9/9/2008 |
| Q: I've been playing clarinet for 4 years, and for all of those years I've been 1st chair in the ... A: Congratulations! You've already learned that it's the player and not the instrument that truly ... | |
| clarinet choices | 8/24/2008 |
| Q: My daughter currently is using an Artley clarinet. We have been having the pads and corks changed ... A: Her current clarinet will serve her fine throughout high school. Investing in a quality mouthpiece ... | |
| playing Clarinet | 8/23/2008 |
| Q: when playing the clarinet, I always give out the sound of air or sound created with mositure partly ... A: Good questions to common problems! Two issues are at work here. 1) The air escaping out of your ... | |
| Vibrations | 8/15/2008 |
| Q: My Dad just got a new clarinet. This is his second one. He got rid of the old one because the ... A: Definitely try a cushion on top of the mouthpiece - try a thicker one (I find the black ones stick ... | |
| Clarinet in C | 8/6/2008 |
| Q: I am in the market for a clarinet in the key of C. The cheapest clarinet I can find is an Amati at ... A: I suggest you cancel the order and start transposing in your head. It doesn't take as long as you ... | |
| mouthpiece choice starting out | 8/3/2008 |
| Q: I started out on a wooden Noblet a million years ago (it was new appr 30 yrs ago.). Unfortunately I ... A: The mouthpiece you have will almost definitely sufffice. If and when your daughter seems to stick ... | |
| boosey & hawkes clarinet | 7/10/2008 |
| Q: I have been reading some of your comments on line about boosey and hawkes clarinets... one says they ... A: I'm not sure what post you are referencing, but I'm guessing that I was answering a question ... | |
| worth buying a Evette MM | 7/6/2008 |
| Q: I'm from Europe and I studied clarinet for 6 years now and in autumn i'm going to music academy to ... A: The best thing for you to do is wait until you start lessons with your new teacher, and your teacher ... | |
| clarinet players | 6/12/2008 |
| Q: I'm a junior in high school and I have been playing clarinet for about 6 years. This summer, a ... A: That sounds like tons of fun! I traveled Turkey with my trio (clarinet, piano and cello) a couple of ... | |
| universities to study clarinet | 5/27/2008 |
| Q: can you recommend US universities with excellent clarinet performance programs? I am a high school ... A: I'm not as up-to-date as I once was in this area, and even back in the day I'm sure I wasn't all ... | |
| Teacher's Preference | 5/19/2008 |
| Q: I've been looking for a teacher for my 11 year old son for awhile now and I thought my search had ... A: Personally, I never recommend an intermediate clarinet(such as the E11)to my students, so I guess to ... | |
| Fabric ligatures | 5/15/2008 |
| Q: What is your opinion on fabric ligatures for clarinets? Do they have a better, louder sound than ... A: I'm not a fan of fabric ligatures. My favorite ligature is the Bay covered (medium). But everyone ... | |
| Evette by Buffet Clarinet | 5/5/2008 |
| Q: I currently have stopped playing my clarinet and would like to sell it. I bought it from a young ... A: You can go on ebay or craigslist and see what similar intermediate-level wood clarinets are going ... | |
| starting Clarinet | 4/30/2008 |
| Q: I am 17yo and would like to start learning the clarinet but i don’t really know much about them so i ... A: Congratulations on your decision to learn the clarinet! Start with the standard size of clarinet, ... | |
| Switching from Clarient to a brass instrument | 4/22/2008 |
| Q: I have played clarinet for 4 years. During which, I practice approximately 1 hour each. Within 3 ... A: No problem! I taught myself trumpet when I was in 6th grade and then horn and trombone in high ... | |
| Switching musical instruments | 4/20/2008 |
| Q: I play the B flat clarinet and have for many years. The community band I play with has a need for ... A: I'm with you - I don't like to buy anything used that I cannot try out first. So maybe stick to ... | |
| mouthpiece | 4/17/2008 |
| Q: what's the best mouthpiece for the Bb clarinet that makes my tone nice? I have a accent cl920w ... A: I'm sorry to take so long to answer - somehow I didn't receive notification of your question when ... | |
| Switching musical instruments | 4/16/2008 |
| Q: I play the B flat clarinet and have for many years. The community band I play with has a need for ... A: That's great that you are still actively playing. Bass clarinet can be a lot of fun, and it's very ... | |
| Clarinet Ligature Placement | 4/11/2008 |
| Q: I have a Boosey and Hawkes ebonite clarinet which I playeed when I was younger. I would like to know ... A: It's not a silly question, because inverted ligatures require the screws to be on the top/outside of ... | |
| Clarinet quality | 3/26/2008 |
| Q: Ms. Rebecca I found a clarinet on e-Bay costing only $49. I have a big doubt in buying it. It can't ... A: The eBay clarinet might be fine and a good deal, or it might need a complete overhaul in order to ... | |
| Buying a new Clarinet | 3/25/2008 |
| Q: I'm an experienced Clarinet player who has been playing for about 3 1/2 years now. I've been ... A: Congratulations on getting to this point. A clarinet does make a big difference in sound, as does a ... | |
| buffet crampon | 3/19/2008 |
| Q: i have a buffet crampon bflat clarinet serial # 59745. i looked up on a chart and this # was for one ... A: According to http://www.woodwind.org/clarinet/Equipment/HowOld/Buffet.html, the e13 would be from ... | |
| Boosey Hawkes Edgwood 94455 | 3/18/2008 |
| Q: Greetings and thank you for your time! My daughter (13) has been in band for 2 years and recently ... A: I'm glad to hear your daughter is enjoying the clarinet. Your rental money, I'm sorry to say, ... | |
| Clarinet mouthpiece for Buffet R13 in A | 3/17/2008 |
| Q: have purchased a Buffet R13 A clarinet for my daughters B'day. On her Bb R13 she prefers a Vandoren ... A: Julie, I really like my Bay ligature (medium, covered). I think they're available at wwbw.com ... | |
| Buffet E11 A Clarinet | 3/12/2008 |
| Q: I just sold a Buffet E11 Clarinet (Key of A) on ebay. I read from the description that the E11 has ... A: The keys look like nickel to me, but I can't tell for sure. I enlarged the picture as much as ... | |
| Professional mouthpiece?? | 3/2/2008 |
| Q: I just got a used clarinet. It's a cheap one until I can save up money to get a professional ... A: The best clarinetists use a variety of mouthpieces, but some of the best include Pyne Signature ... | |
| Evette clarinet | 2/21/2008 |
| Q: Our daughter has an Evette Clarinet. It says Evette Clarinet on the top of the logo, Sponsored by ... A: The B11 is a solid beginner instrument. Eventually you might want to look into a professional level ... | |
| B flat vs C Clarinet | 2/20/2008 |
| Q: I am teaching myself clarinet and having a blast. I have realized I bought a cheap B flat clarinet. ... A: It sounds like you are making fantastic progress on your own. Transposing in your head is the way ... | |
| clarinet | 2/19/2008 |
| Q: i have an academy clarinet and i try to play B and c but they wont come out. the only way they will ... A: It is likely that B and C are not sounding because your fingers are not covering the holes properly. ... | |
| B Sharp | 2/11/2008 |
| Q: I just started playing clarinet again after not playing since high school in 1961. Doing pretty good ... A: Congratulations on your long awaited return to the clarinet! Better late than never, for certain, ... | |
| Unwanted higher register!!! | 2/3/2008 |
| Q: I sometimes cannot play middle C or anything below. The notes are fine if I try them slurred from a ... A: I'm going to assume that you are not a beginner and the problem isn't that you are not covering the ... | |
| Misc. Clarinet Problems | 2/2/2008 |
| Q: First, if you'll excuse a moment of rambling... I played clarinet, bass clarinet and bassoon back in ... A: They can't be that bad! I'll really have to see for myself one of these day, and soon - if I'm going ... | |
| Wood Clarinet | 2/1/2008 |
| Q: I have been playing clarinet non-professionally for 40 years with my old plastic Vito. I class my ... A: Congratulations on your long-running success (especially on a student-model instrument). No ... | |
| Misc. Clarinet Problems | 1/31/2008 |
| Q: First, if you'll excuse a moment of rambling... I played clarinet, bass clarinet and bassoon back in ... A: Eliyahu, Congrats on your perseverance and success in the music world. It does sound like your ... | |
| Evette Buffet E11 Question | 1/28/2008 |
| Q: We are looking at bidding on an Evette Buffet E11 clarinet for my 15-year old clarinet playing ... A: Since Buffet took over Evette, that label has been used for it's intermediate line of clarinets. The ... | |
| change in intonation on R13 clarinet | 1/21/2008 |
| Q: I just read your biography with great interest. I own a 1987 Buffet R13 clarinet, which I play on a ... A: Have you been pulling your swab through your mouthpiece? This can change the mouthpiece over time, ... | |
| Wet clarinet, wrong register | 1/4/2008 |
| Q: This is a two part question as I am not sure both parts are related. I have recently (few weeks) ... A: My answer was confusing respecting the angle, I see now that I re-read it! Sorry about that. We do ... | |
| Wet clarinet, wrong register | 1/3/2008 |
| Q: This is a two part question as I am not sure both parts are related. I have recently (few weeks) ... A: Congrats on learning a new instrument. I like to swab out my clarinet every now and then during my ... | |
| Beginner question | 12/21/2007 |
| Q: I am a beginner and don't know what types of reed to use. My clarinet came with a Rico Royale that ... A: They made a mistake including a reed with the strength of 5 with your instrument. Try a size 2 or 2 ... | |
| Buffet R13 Bb Clarinet purchased new in 2001 | 12/20/2007 |
| Q: My daughter graduated from High School and does not intend to keep playing her clarinet. I am ... A: Buffets are pretty inconsistent (which is sometimes bad, but also good for the company because if ... | |
| Tone Question | 12/12/2007 |
| Q: I have been playing clarinet for a number of years, but lately my tone quality has been bothering ... A: It's difficult to know without hearing you...how long have you been playing? I'm not familiar with ... | |
| noblet paris clarinet | 11/30/2007 |
| Q: I recently came across a clarinet and I was wondering where I can find out about when it was made ... A: Noblet was purchased by Leblanc in the early 20th century and Leblanc continued to make some student ... | |
| buffet r13 | 11/28/2007 |
| Q: I just bought a second hand clarinet. It was sold as a buffet R13. When it arrived, it seems to be ... A: I don't have my R13 Bb handy at the moment, but my R13 A clarinet indicates the same as yours on the ... | |
| Normandy Roso-tone | 11/27/2007 |
| Q: I recently acquired a clarinet in excellent condition with serial # 4546C. The case is stamped ... A: I just saw your subject line, which means that your clarinet is an older Buffet student model (the ... | |
| clarient | 11/26/2007 |
| Q: please i am very much interested in playing the clarinet, i have played the recorder before. what ... A: I do recommend the cheapest beginner instrument you can find to try it out - you can find a new ... | |
| Buffet R-13 clarinets fro the early 70's | 11/17/2007 |
| Q: I have heard that the Buffet R13 clarinets made i the 60's and early seventies are made of better ... A: Clarinets do not improve with age and so a new clarinet is going to be better, in general, than an ... | |
| Clarinet Reeds | 11/10/2007 |
| Q: How often should I change my reeds? I was asking other people in band and they had a whole bunch of ... A: I like to have at least 4 in a rotation, with some older and some newer, and all playable. As soon ... | |
| Armstrong Clarinet | 11/9/2007 |
| Q: I have a Armstrong and original carring case in great condition, it is an older one, I was wondering ... A: You probably will not get much at a yard sale or at a pawn shop, and often schools are not able to ... | |
| F.Barbier clarinet | 11/6/2007 |
| Q: I have a clarinet from my father (DOB 1915) Marked "F.Barbier "Paris. It looks wooden. Is marked on ... A: If it plays as it is and you are interested in taking up the clarinet again, you definitely should! ... | |
| Question on clarinet value | 11/5/2007 |
| Q: Rebecca I am a sax player looking to get back into my first instrument, the clarinet. A friend of ... A: I would take her out to a nice dinner and bring her flowers. I'm sure it was worth a great deal to ... | |
| Evette Schaeffer Modele Buffet Crampon | 11/1/2007 |
| Q: I have a rather old clarinet. It reads Evette Schaeffer on the top of the oval. Inside the oval is ... A: Once Buffet purchased Evette, the company made Evette its intermediate model of clarinet. If your ... | |
| normandy clarinet | 10/27/2007 |
| Q: I have a Normandy clarinet that my parents picked up in a pawn shop for $100 about 16 years ago. ... A: It sounds like the clarinet is worth a lot to you. Consider yourself lucky to have found a ... | |
| clarinet value | 10/26/2007 |
| Q: I am looking for a used wooden clarinet for my high school age daughter. I have found a Selmer Bindy ... A: If you mean Selmer Bundy clarinet, then it is made of plastic. Nowadays, the manufacturers try to ... | |
| Improving a Buffet E 11 clarinet | 10/21/2007 |
| Q: I got a Buffet E11 clarinet last year and I want to improve it. I don't have enough funds to buy a ... A: Sorry to take so long in answering, for some reason I did not receive the notice in my email when ... | |
| BUFFETT CLARINET | 10/19/2007 |
| Q: Rebecca, thanks for your quick response. I get the impression that every Buffett clarinet has a ... A: It's likely that the serial number has worn away. On my clarinet (after 2000), there is a serial ... | |
| buffett clarinet value? | 10/15/2007 |
| Q: Rebecca I have a Buffet Bb clarinet in perfect condition that I bought from my clarinet teacher in ... A: Buffet prior to 1950 made an instrument with a larger bore, from what I understand. Below is a link ... | |
| Reed knives and clippers | 10/13/2007 |
| Q: What kind of reed knife and reed clipper is best to buy? I have been playing clarinet for four years ... A: I like the Fox reed knife. wwbw.com is a reliably affordable site. Other sites might offer ... | |
| Clarinet Age - quality | 10/12/2007 |
| Q: My daughters and I were at an auction this evening and we ended up purchasing a silver clarinet. I ... A: Metal clarinets were made primarily in the early 1900s and are known for their poor intonation and ... | |
| buffett e11 | 10/11/2007 |
| Q: we bought this clarinet and her teacher and my daughter have both played the instrument. Both my ... A: I've encountered some bad e11 clarinets, and some good ones. Sorry to hear that you bought one ... | |
| Buffet Clarinet | 10/8/2007 |
| Q: How can we tell what model or key our clarinet is? It has the Buffet Crampon Paris logo on it. The ... A: The clarinet is most likely an R13 from 1975. The R13 stamp may have rubbed off by now, but look for ... | |
| Reed Placement & Squeaky Clarinet | 10/1/2007 |
| Q: ♫ Hi there! ♫ ♫-I have a Buffet B12, with a Vandoren 5RV and VandorenV12 3.5 ... A: Well, it's easy to try another ligature. Personally, I'm not a fan of Rovner ligatures. Go to your ... | |
| Reed Placement & Squeaky Clarinet | 9/30/2007 |
| Q: ♫ Hi there! ♫ ♫-I have a Buffet B12, with a Vandoren 5RV and VandorenV12 3.5 ... A: It sounds like your squeak is related to your instrument somehow - my guess is that either your G# ... | |
| Flat Clarinet | 9/17/2007 |
| Q: !! I've been playing the clarinet for the past 4 years, i'm first chair at my school and ever since ... A: You may just need to buy a new mouthpiece (try Vandoren B45 and some of their other models). But ... | |
| Buffet E11 - silver v. nickel | 9/14/2007 |
| Q: We see nothing but silver keys on the new E11s, but a very pretty E11 on Ebay is saying nickel ... A: Silver-plated doesn't wear as quickly. I have silver plated keys for my A clarinet because I expect ... | |
| clarinet reed strength | 9/12/2007 |
| Q: Back when I was in high school, I thought the reason to use a stiffer/harder reed was to allow one ... A: The perfect reed balances good sound with flexibility and projection. A lighter reed can sometimes ... | |
| Can't find any information about my clarinet | 9/9/2007 |
| Q: we purchased this used clarinet for my granddaughter when she was in grade school. She is now ... A: Clarinets do not improve with age, and your grandaughter has a student instrument. They can be ... | |
| Noblet Paris #27 Serial Number | 9/8/2007 |
| Q: can you tell me were to find the serial # on the Noblet Paris 27 also my grandson has Noblet That is ... A: Usually, the serial number is located at the bottom of the second-largest piece. It's etched in the ... | |
| Clarinet | 9/6/2007 |
| Q: Hey Rebecca I am an eighteen year old guy and I love Playing the Clarinet. I recently passed my ... A: I wish I could tell you that you must quit in order to play the clarinet effectively, but I've known ... | |
| Maintaining and Care for Wooden Clarinet | 9/2/2007 |
| Q: I was looking into getting a wooden clarinet for band, and I am wondering exactly what steps i ... A: Wood clarinets do require extra care. The clarinet community is divided on the usefulness of bore ... | |
| Repairs | 8/31/2007 |
| Q: E-mail address is super old...ha. I was just recently talking about how I wished I could play the ... A: It's just not cheap, not anywhere I've lived. It will cost you at least $200, I'm guessing, and ... | |
| Flat Clarinet | 8/30/2007 |
| Q: I am in the 8th grade and playing a used beginning Yamaha clarinet in a school band. I plan on ... A: We don't want to tighten the embouchure, so your instincts are correct. First, check your barrel and ... | |
| Noblet Clarinet Age? | 8/29/2007 |
| Q: I have been trying to find information about my clarinet. It is a Noblet (made in France) wood ... A: It looks like 1970 (http://www.woodwind.org/clarinet/Equipment/HowOld/Leblanc.html) Which would ... | |
| embouchure | 8/28/2007 |
| Q: I've tried starting to play my clarinet a few times over the last few years with great ... A: Allow yourself to ease into it. When I've had extended time off, I will play maybe 10 minutes the ... | |
| G leblanc paris | 8/25/2007 |
| Q: My 88 year old father bought a used "G Leblanc Paris" clarinet in excellent conditon. Can you ... A: That is so great that your father is still playing! I would need more info on the Leblanc to know ... | |
| Eb clarinent | 8/24/2007 |
| Q: Hey, I've been debating over getting an Eb soprano clarinet or not. I've been playing Bb clarinet ... A: The Eb clarinet is challenging because centering each pitch requires an excellent ear. Almost any ... | |
| easy playing mouthpiece | 8/16/2007 |
| Q: I've resumed playing my clarinet after over 30 years. My Dad, 81, is now interested in trying it ... A: The Vandoren B45 is pretty free-blowing. But probably any mouthpiece will be fine as long as he uses ... | |
| Seeking info about my clarinet | 8/15/2007 |
| Q: I have an old wood clarinet that needs new pads and am not sure I should spend the money to have it ... A: That is the intermediate line of LeBlanc. I can't find any info on Barlufe, but the presence of the ... | |
| value of used vito clarinet | 8/12/2007 |
| Q: A neighbor wants to buy our daughter's old vito clarinet,model 7212CA. Could you give me a general ... A: $100 would be a pretty fair price, in my opinion. A new clarinet can be purchased online for $100 ... | |
| Buffet Greenline | 8/10/2007 |
| Q: I'm entering high school and my new band teacher does not want me to march with the bass clarinet. I ... A: The Greenline is a great instrument and I would never subject it to the outside elements as it would ... | |
| pedler clarinet | 8/9/2007 |
| Q: Is $200 too much to pay for a Pedler hard rubber clarinet, repadded and overhauled, but without ... A: I just found a clarinet on amazon for just $89.99. I bet it will work fine for the first few years ... | |
| Buffet Clarinet Revamp | 8/2/2007 |
| Q: I have a Buffet clarinet circa 1979 that I played for years..my daughter is now playing going ito ... A: Your daughter should be fine for now. As she improves and becomes more serious (maybe in a year?), ... | |
| leblanc spirit | 7/29/2007 |
| Q: is the leblanc spirit a good clarinet? what kind is it? A pro, simi pro, student? if not a good ... A: I could't find anything on the Leblanc website, but a post (pasted at bottom) on the clarinet ... | |
| Tight Joint Tenon | 7/26/2007 |
| Q: I just bought a new Buffet R13 clarinet, and I found that the middle tenon is extremely stiff and ... A: Congrats on your new clarinet. Your problem is fairly common, especially in the summer when the hot ... | |
| clarinet | 7/12/2007 |
| Q: I'm starting marching band and we have to play our high notes. i know how to play the high notes i ... A: Sorry, I don't know of any special memory devices. But the fingerings do correspond somewhat to the ... | |
| Buffett Crampon Clarinet | 7/8/2007 |
| Q: I have a clarinet that I bought from my former clarinet teacher back in 1999, but it had been used ... A: Evette is the intermediate model made by Buffet, but I've found they play pretty similarly to the ... | |
| Artley clarinet | 7/7/2007 |
| Q: I have been given an Artley clarinet, serial 40 37299. I don't know if that means its from 1974 or ... A: All of the Artley clarinets I have encountered have been student model plastic clarinets, which I'm ... | |
| Normandy clarinet | 6/27/2007 |
| Q: I have a wooden Normandy clarinet, serial number 5328A, that I used throughout my junior high and ... A: You'll probably need a few pads replaced, but it should work fine for your daughter. Take it to a ... | |
| Clarinet - older | 6/25/2007 |
| Q: You say not old but there is a company called clarinets direct in uk that sell older clarinets...eg ... A: It just depends. Buffets are notoriously inconsistent, so you definitely want to try the instrument ... | |
| Buffet model | 6/7/2007 |
| Q: I have an old Buffet, model number 3665 and am wondering what model it is. It has a "Buffet Crampon ... A: Steve, I see that you are unhappy with my response. In the past two months I have received many, ... | |
| clarinet | 6/6/2007 |
| Q: I have a Buffet Crampon Paris Clarinet in Fair condition the serial number is 02941. Iwould like to ... A: If that is the correct number, than the clarinet is from 1929. Buffets improved remarkably after ... | |
| replacement rod | 6/5/2007 |
| Q: My daughter's Buffet R-13 clarinet has "lost" a rod on the upper joint of the instrument. Where can ... A: I've looked into this myself, and by far the easiest solution is to visit your local music store - ... | |
| Selmer Paris Bass Clarinet | 5/21/2007 |
| Q: A6453 is the Number etched into the instrument. My mother found this instrument at the college she ... A: If it plays well, you might be able to get more than $3000 for it. It all depends on how it plays. ... | |
| Evette Clarinet | 5/20/2007 |
| Q: I have an Evette sponsored by Buffet clarinet. I have no idea of the age of the instrument. It was ... A: I just answered a question like yours. Here it is: Subject: evette by buffet clarinetI have a ... | |
| evette by buffet clarinet | 5/19/2007 |
| Q: I have a clarinet I used in grade school and would like to know if it has any value. It has a serial ... A: Evette's are not top-of-the-line and clarinets do not improve with age (because the inside changes ... | |
| clarinet outdoors | 5/5/2007 |
| Q: .. hello! my name is matt lavelle (www.myspace.com/mattlavelle). i live in nyc on the west ... A: That's cool that you're playing for all to hear. But extended sun can be bad for the pads as well as ... | |
| 1930 Buffet Clarinet Question | 4/28/2007 |
| Q: I have a 1930 Buffet clarinet and would like to know the value of it. It was completely overhauled ... A: Good choice going with the Greenline. The R-13 Greenline is environmentally friendly because it uses ... | |
| selmer omega clarinet | 4/24/2007 |
| Q: I am thinking about buying a selmer omega clarinet for my son but I really know almost nothing ... A: I apologize for the late reply! The Omega is their intermediate model. The professional models use ... | |
| Sqeekk!! | 4/14/2007 |
| Q: Ok, well I have been clarinet for about three (3) years, and I guess I'm pretty good, but the only ... A: One common problem people make is applying too much pressure from the top teeth. Pressure from the ... | |
| Boosey and Hawkes Clarinet 2-20 series | 4/1/2007 |
| Q: Could you tell what standard these Clarinets (Boosey and Hawkes Clarinet 2-20 series) are generally ... A: It really depends on the individual clarinet, but in general old instruments are not reliable. ... | |
| Mouthpieces | 3/16/2007 |
| Q: I want to thank you for your response and help. Yes, I do have a little musical background. I played ... A: It's safest, imo, to go with the medium-open option. Too open and the sound can be really ... | |
| tight joints | 3/12/2007 |
| Q: ...I have a new beginner clarinet and she's a little beauty. I have had it now for about 2 weeks. ... A: That's fairly common in the beginning, but sometimes the cork is simply too thick and must be filed ... | |
| Clarinet mouthpieces, embouchere and orthodonture. | 3/10/2007 |
| Q: My daughter is in her first year of middle school band, and is truly enjoying playing her clarinet ... A: The Hit mouthpiece should work well for now. Mouthpieces can make a big difference, so it's a good ... | |
| Thankyou | 2/27/2007 |
| Q: I want to thank you for your response and help. Yes, I do have a little musical background. I played ... A: You do need to take more mouthpiece into your mouth, so that the top teeth rest approx. 1/2" from ... | |
| Perfecting staccato technique | 2/19/2007 |
| Q: Rebecca, What is the best practice procedure to develop a "strong","sharp" staccato technique? I ... A: Sorry for the delayed response, it seems that I'm having some problems receiving emails from ... | |
| Audition | 2/17/2007 |
| Q: I am auditioning to study music at college. The audition is this Friday (the 23rd) and I need as ... A: Sorry it took me a few days to reply, it seems that I'm having some problems receiving my questions ... | |
| Eb & Bb Clarinets and reeds | 2/16/2007 |
| Q: I am retired finally and am doing something "CRAZY"; learning to play a clarinet. I bought a Cecelia ... A: Ron, I forgot to mention in my response that an Eb clarinet is much smaller than a Bb clarinet, so ... | |
| Buffet Concert Master Black Ebony | 2/11/2007 |
| Q: Can you help me find the value of my fathers Buffet Concert Master Black Ebony clarinet it is ... A: I usually reply faster than this, but the original email never reached my electronic mailbox. Is ... | |
| Highest End F# & G | 1/25/2007 |
| Q: I am trying to play a class A solo and can't find the fingerings for the high F# & G. My solo says ... A: Congratulations for pushing yourself. I tried to find an online fingering chart that shows the notes ... | |
| Buffet claronet | 1/6/2007 |
| Q: I have and old wood Buffet Campone C clarinet I would like to sell. I am told it is 1800's symphony ... A: Most clarinetists choose to transpose on their Bb clarinet when reading "C" parts (there aren't that ... | |
| clarinet | 12/24/2006 |
| Q: I have an old clarinet and im tryimg to find its value. At the bottom it says " BC CADET " with some ... A: I believe old metal clarinets are primarily used as lamps today, when used at all. But I did see one ... | |
| Instrument Choice | 12/21/2006 |
| Q: I am a intermediate to higher player (currently studying an ABRSM diploma) and I'm looking to find a ... A: You should be able to achieve a rich tone on your current clarinet. A rich sound results from the ... | |
| Clarinet Problems | 12/12/2006 |
| Q: I'm in 8th grade, and I've had my Normandy clarinet since I started playing. (6th grade) Recently, ... A: It might be that condensation (aka spit or "water") is interfering with the mechanism of your ... | |
| clarinet | 12/3/2006 |
| Q: Hey its me again and i was still wondering can you at least give me the first 5 notes on the ... A: Read through my answers to past questions (see the link below), and you will find out all you need ... | |
| Area Band | 12/2/2006 |
| Q: I play the trumpet at school, and I was interested in auditioning for an honors band in my region. ... A: I loved playing in honor bands in high school and junior high school. I usually played the clarinet ... | |
| chromatic scale | 12/1/2006 |
| Q: Hey Rebecca, I have to play the chromatic scale from e to e (three octaves) for a ... A: Here's a good chart: http://www.woodwind.org/clarinet/Study/FingeringCharts/bbfinger.html Use the ... | |
| Evette Clarinets | 11/30/2006 |
| Q: I have two Evette by Buffet clarinets at an elementary school I teach at. They look to be wood ... A: I'm sure you're right that they are wood. The fake wood grain plastic looks uniform and smooth, and ... | |
| how to play clarinet | 11/24/2006 |
| Q: i'm a starter on the clarinet,i've been playing the trumpet since school started.My band director ... A: Kelsey- When I was in middle school, I starter on the clarinet. I taught myself how to play the ... | |
| Music Schools | 11/20/2006 |
| Q: I'm currently a junior in high school hoping to become a performing clarinetist and it has become ... A: It's great to hear that you have an open mind. You must have terrific potential for your teacher to ... | |
| high notes on a clarinet | 11/11/2006 |
| Q: i used to play the clarinet about 20 years ago and i was really good at it. i have forgotten how to ... A: Sarah, Glad to hear you're playing again! Here's a link to a good chart: ... | |
| Big band swing/dixie land jazz sound | 11/9/2006 |
| Q: Do I need a specific mouthpiece reed combination? Is it a certain embouchure I need to develop? ... A: I'm not the best person to ask because I rarely play this type of music. There very well may be some ... | |
| buffet crampon value | 11/7/2006 |
| Q: I have a buffet crampon clarinet (i don't know the model, it is the same as my teacher, who was a ... A: Sorry to hear you are no longer playing! Unfortunately, clarinets do not retain value. The inside ... | |
| crystal mouthpiece | 11/6/2006 |
| Q: to Rebecca sorry again to disturb you but I still can't find tih mitchell lurie L2 crystal ... A: Varaporn, Sorry that I cannot help any further. My favorite mouthpieces are Pyne. The signature ... | |
| Finding an audition piece | 11/5/2006 |
| Q: Ok, so lately I've been looking into expanding my repertoire, because for the last two years or so I ... A: Andrew, Your instincts are right on, Saint-Saens is not a great audition piece. I'm a fan of it, ... | |
| Clarinets | 11/1/2006 |
| Q: For about 2 years Ive been using a Clarinet that is a Buffet Master model. What's the difference ... A: Malcolm, another clarinet expert on this site, answered a similar question. I have pasted his answer ... | |
| clarinet purchase | 10/24/2006 |
| Q: My daughter is in her second year of playing the clarinet. She has a Selmer CL300. We are going to ... A: detailed answer. If I decide to wait to purchase a professional clarinet, what student model would ... | |
| The clicking . . . | 10/19/2006 |
| Q: ^^ Hi, I've been playing my clarinet for about six years now, I do music as a subject as well as ... A: The big difference in embouchures between the soprano clarinet and the bass clarinet is pressure: ... | |
| Value of Clarinet & Saxaphone | 10/1/2006 |
| Q: Rebecca, Our daughter would like to sell her clarinet and saxaphone, but has no idea what they may ... A: I hope she has already invested in better instruments and that she's not abandoning woodwinds ... | |
| embouchure | 9/24/2006 |
| Q: i am a 8th grade brass player and ive been trying to play clarinet. my lips are very thick and one ... A: Thick lips are definitely not a problem when playing the clarinet. Here are some tips for playing, ... | |
| reeds | 9/22/2006 |
| Q: I play quite a bit and am curious about other peoples choice of reeds. I haven't found the ... A: Many people like LaVoz. More people like Vandoren. Especially Vandoren V12. They also have some even ... | |
| Clarinet Chromatic Fingering Chart | 9/18/2006 |
| Q: I just started playing the Clarinet, and am stumped about something. I play a B Flat Clarinet and ... A: Are you comparing the clarinet to the notes on a piano? Because the clarinet is in the key of Bb, ... | |
| Squeak problem | 8/15/2006 |
| Q: I'm a professional composer/orchestrator/pianist who's taking up the Bb clarinet again for the ... A: It sounds like you may need some pads changed and maybe some minor adgustments, it shouldn't cost ... | |
| Clarinet | 8/10/2006 |
| Q: I was wondering if you know anything about the Noblet D model Bb clarinet. I had the understanding ... A: From Leblanc's site: "Our roots trace back to 1750, to the court of Louis XV, before Mozart was ... | |
| Middle school band | 7/20/2006 |
| Q: Do you have any special tips for teaching middle school band students. I am starting a position ... A: Dawn- Good luck, I'm sure you'll have lots of fun! That's the most important thing, after all. But ... | |
| Clarinet Minor Scales | 6/1/2006 |
| Q: What are the notes in C,F,Bb,A,D and G minor? because our band teacher tell us to play minor scales ... A: Ask your teacher if he/she means natural, harmonic or melodic minor. The natural has no changed ... | |
| Eb alto clarinet and Bb clarinet | 3/4/2006 |
| Q: What is the difference between the Eb alto clarinet and Bb clarinet? Does the Eb clarinet have a ... A: The Eb Alto clarinet is larger than the clarinet (but not as large as the bass clarinet)and was used ... | |
| Double Touguing | 2/27/2006 |
| Q: I play clarinet at my school band. I was wondering if you can describe how double touguing works. ... A: Double tonguing uses the back of the tongue against the roof of the mouth in addition to the usual ... | |
| Clarinet price | 10/29/2005 |
| Q: Could you please tell me the value of my Boosey and Hawkes Emperor Clarinet from London? It is made ... A: If it's in fair condition, then you might be able to sell it for $350, $450 at the most (based on ... | |
| Playing High Notes | 5/21/2005 |
| Q: My name is Caitlyn, and I have been playing the clarinet for about 2 and a half years and I still ... A: Caitlyn- Here's the key: 1. Be not afraid of bottom pressure. Top teeth rest lightly on moutpiece, ... | |
| University | 3/15/2005 |
| Q: I was wanting to ask, generally how difficult and stressful is the audition process? Do you need to ... A: Good questions, they demonstrate that you are definitely not clueless. The stress of an audition ... | |
| Alto Clarinet | 3/2/2005 |
| Q: My name is Stacey and I was wondering about music in university. Sorry, I have several questions, if ... A: I don't know of a university that allows one to major in alto clarinet, but that doesn't mean that ... | |
| Faulty keys | 7/29/2004 |
| Q: I am a beginner clarinettist and i have been playing in my grade 9 band for about 6 months. I ... A: It sounds like you have some leaks and need to have a few pads replaced. Take it to a repair shop ... | |
| Tenor | 6/2/2004 |
| Q: I'm in my high school marching band, and in the concert season I play the bass clarinet. For ... A: Make sure the instrument is is playing condition, first of all. You don't want to struggle more than ... | |
| Clarinet Technique: Mouthpiece | 4/21/2004 |
| Q: Asking this question makes me feel powerful dumb, but I have a video tape which says I should place ... A: Yes, I do love the clarinet. But sometimes I love it less... Overall, though, my appreciation for ... | |
| scales | 3/23/2004 |
| Q: State solo and ensemble is this Saturday and there is a proficiency test along with my solo. Part of ... A: Good questions. I'm pretty sure that they mean for you to start on the pitches given for your ... | |
| Purchasing a clarinet | 12/10/2002 |
| Q: I would like to purchase a clarinet for an adult who has never played an instrument before. I play ... A: Tonya- Good questions. You can usually find decent clarinets at pawn shops for $100. They will be ... | |
| Beginning clarinet | 4/12/2002 |
| Q: Rebecca, I have a 5th grade student preparing for her first solo festival experience next Friday. ... A: Interesting problem. Many students with "normal" hands have the same problem, so maybe there is hope ... | |
| Clarinet & using the register key | 1/19/2001 |
| Q: Skill level : Clarinet beginner, playing for 4 weeks. Problem : Playing the C major scale. I can ... A: Steve- Good for you for already attempting to go "over the break." The problem that you describe is ... | |
Rebecca
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
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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