clarinet and the cult

[@styxshogun]

Very insightful video! One issue for musicians both starting out and continuing through to college is that both band directors and teachers tend to push students toward Buffets. In the 60's my Dad got me a plastic clarinet with a clear mouthpiece: the band director balked at me and said to get a black mouthpiece and toss the clear one. So I had to do it. And the the "black" mp was no different than the clear one. In 1970 I got my Buffet (we didn't know they were called R13s...) and I was fortunate that my new band director helped (he had a wholesaler contact in New York) because my folks didn't have the cash. But my best friend, who ended up 2nd chair then 1st chair played his Dad's LeBlanc...which played great!!! We didn't know about other horns. And we certainly were never taught the physics...which I think would help kids tremendously. We WERE taught how take a box of Vandoren reeds and meticulously sand them, seal them, whisper sweet nothings to each one until we ended up with about 3 prized reeds out of a box, but I would have loved to have learned the physics of the horn - which would help with knowing how to tame the thing. Had I known then what I'd know now? I would have gone out and bought a '27 Silva -Bet (of which I have whole collection now) and just ignored the peer pressure. So: is there merit to somehow inform the Old Guard to a newer way of thinking? A lot of kids can't afford these high price horns that Buffet puts out and so lose interest. I'm interested in kids being involved in music because it helped me learn to focus...back then they didn't drug kids like me for being all ADD, they just labeled us "distracted". :) Anyway, I'm enjoying your videos. It's an eduction that I never got.

[@gsco82]

Interesting video. I have never owned a new clarinet, and was unaware of those special features. My advice to intermediate to experienced clarinet players who are looking to purchase a better clarinet is to buy second hand. A good second hand clarinet will cost half or less than the equivalent new model and often play very well. A well maintained clarinet can last decades. The most important thing is to test the clarinet by playing it, preferably with a mouthpiece which you already own and are comfortable playing.

[@wildbananazmacnamara7089]

I like the way you think. I am not really into the brand name cult thing. I have not heard of ridenour before not until a few days ago. I read something on Sherman friedman's wordpress page,. I have an r13 and have had it for a long time. when i bought mine the r13's were advertised as the best value for money clarinets so i went for that and I have been happy with my clarinet for as long as I have had it but i am ever curious.I recently tested out the bling bling backun coppobola moba but the model I tested was the only one in the store and well I was so used to my clarinet I found it hard to justify. I think also there may have ben some maintenance issue with it. I even tested the new yamaha with the low vent lever. I had trouble reaching the lever with my thumb but was told that key could easily be adjusted. I liked that instrument generally. I am no expert-just a keen amateur but I am keen to try this hard rubber clarinet. a hard rubber professional model clarinet makes so much sense to me. I live in Australia in parts of the country it is hot and humid. In other parts of the country the environment is very dry. For example Melbourne is dry. queensland is humid. Parts of queensland -ie in the ranges is very dry.It maybe from the sounds of things that when you buy one of these you might have to rejig your mouthpiece reed combination but it could be worthwhile.also I play outside quite a bit. I march in a band and I busk on the streets. I like people who do bold new things . it just makes so much sense.

[@derycktrahair8108]

Mr. Ridenour you are correct. The feature, an articulated G#, held me back in playing alternate fingerings. The closed G hole was a limitation. And a "forked Bb" needs a small pad, another nightmare if it leaks. The lesson = keep it simple. Hard to play? Try a bit of "Wood shedding". Slow and intelligent PRACTICE never hurt anyone. Thanks.

[@CapnCheapo]

Acoustical problems with the LH Ab/Eb key aside, I find that players who bump or can't reach the key just haven't spent the time needed to get acclimated. There was a time at the beginning of everybody's playing career when many keys were getting bumped or missed! I was lucky enough to start on an Opus in the mid 90's, and had a teacher who basically told me "If you have that extra key, you're going to use it." You know those 1-2 measure Klose exercises? I was required to do all of them on both the right and the left. As a result, I can use the key effortlessly in a number of situations. It doesn't solve for every situation, but it sure helps!

[@Trenton.D]

Buffet has gotten absolutely outrageous.

[@teddydunn3513]

You mean I shouldn't spend $23, 000 on a matched set of MoBa clarinets?

[@billyboy647]

That's up to you.