Ju Musicians, I need your help!

Published on August 30, 2005 By dharmagrl In Misc

I've been playing Jake's recorder, and I;ve been doing really well. i just have this ability to hear a tune and then pick it out on the recorder without reading the music for it.

However, the recorder is a little juvenile, so I've been thinking about a clarinet. I know they have a reed in them and that those can be tricky, but from what i can see the fingering on a clarinet is a lot like that of a recorder.

I've found one for $30 on eBay...and the bidding ends in an hour and a half. I'm not really interested in paying a ton for one, this is just for me to occupy myself with so I don't want to spend too much on it....

Do any of you have any advice for me?

Comments

ParaTed2k

on Aug 30, 2005

Buyer Beware!

On one hand, if it's a good one, you will have far more than $30 worth of fun with it... on the other hand, the most you'll be out is $30 if it sucks.

I guess the big question is, are you willing to drop $30 on a gamble? Send me a link, I'd like to see it.

dharmagrl

on Aug 30, 2005

The link is on it's way, Ted...and thanks!

alison watkins

on Aug 30, 2005

That is a steal for a clarinet--what model is it? IMO, Buffet is the best brand for a standard clarinet, but yamaha makes a great student model. Here are some questions you might consider asking the owner...

1)are all the keys in working order?
2) Are there any leaks in the pads?

As for reeds, they come in different strengths--the higher the number, the stronger the reed. I recommend that beginners start on a 2 1/2 size reed. As for brand, I would stick with rico royals, they are cheap and reliable....if you go to any music store they will know what you're talking about.

I hope this helps!!!

thatoneguyinslc

on Aug 30, 2005

Follow Alison's advice. If it's all good, $30.00 is a good deal.

dharmagrl

on Aug 30, 2005

Alison: The aution ended with it unsold...I had asked for a shipping quote and they never got back to me. There are some others ending in the next few days for about $50 or so, so I'll keep an eye on them. If all else fails I've seen a Bb one on MusiciansFriend.com for about $100...I know Dave's been wondering what to get me for Christmas!

Thatoneguy: Thanks for your advice too!

alison watkins

on Aug 30, 2005

Dharma-
Yeah, you definatley want to stick with a Bb....A, e flat, and C clarinets are used in orchestras, as oppose to just having a clarinet to mess around with. Good luck on the auctions!! Keep me posted and let me know if you need any more advice!

dharmagrl

on Aug 30, 2005

I found another one and am currently the high bidder at $32. The owner says she plays clarinet and this one's pads and corks are intact and it plays right out of it's case.

I think that Jake, who's shown a bit of ability with the recorder, might just like to play this too. I know I'm keeping my fingers crossed that i win!

alison watkins

on Aug 30, 2005

Sounds like a winner to me!! Happy bidding and good luck!!

HC1240

on Aug 30, 2005

Hope ya win!

Spc Nobody Special

on Aug 30, 2005

Thirty's fair for a cheapie. What's the worst that could happen? You blow thirty and it turns out to be unplayable. Probably plastic at that price, maybe wood, and seen some use, but who knows?

Pads and corks are important, working keys, and you want the head joint and bell to mate up to the main bit well. No point in getting a 30 dollar deal on a cheapie if it needs a 100 dollar overhaul.

Stick with the B-flat clarinet to begin. The first week or so you play, it'll sound terrible, until you start to develop the muscles that let you hold your lips right. This passes......mostly. Tell your neighbors you got a goose for a pet. Listen to lots of Benny Goodman for inspiration. Good luck!

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