Beginner on the clarinet with questions

    
Beginner on the clarinet with questions    09:13 on Thursday, January 12, 2006          
(Amy)
Posted by Archived posts

I`m just starting to learn the clarinet. I played the piano for many years when I was young. O the piano, a C is a C is a C. On my B flat clarinet, a C is apparently B flat. I`m having difficulty with this concept. Why don`t the instructional books tell me that covering those tone holes produces B flat, not C?

Will a C be a C on a C clarinet? Is there any problem learning to play on a C clarinet rather than a B flat? I would ultimately like to play with my mother, who plays the piano. Would a C clarinet be a better choice for me?

Has anyone had any experience with ARioso clarinets?
If I would like to buy a good-quality clarinet, which one should I chose? I`ve heard some good things about Hanson. I am presently renting a Leblanc student model. Are some brands easier to play than others?



Re: Beginner on the clarinet with questions    21:44 on Thursday, January 12, 2006          
(Dennis)
Posted by Archived posts

Amy,

For a Bb Clarinet you will always have to transpose a major key up one whole step. Therefore, a C natural on the piano/flute/oboe/bassoon yadda yadda yadda will be a D natural on the Bb Clarinet. As far as learning on a C clarinet, I don`t think that would work. It`s a bit smaller than the Bb clarinet, but none of the solos written for clarinet are written for a C Clarinet. You will learn the same, but a C clarinet will probably be more expensive considering they really don`t make them in any type except professional. Then if you ever transferred to Bb or A Clarinet, anything you played with your mother would have to be transposed anyway. I suggest sticking with the Bb clarinet and studying up on the transpositions of the major and minor keys. To tell the truth, I think that studying those transpositions helped me to learn how to transpose music on the spot for when I am playing flute or Alto sax.

-Dennis (sarasotahair@yahoo.com)


Re: Beginner on the clarinet with questions    06:27 on Friday, January 13, 2006          
(Amy)
Posted by Archived posts

Thanks for getting back to me. Have you heard anything about Hanson or Arioso clarinets?


Re: Beginner on the clarinet with questions    09:50 on Saturday, January 21, 2006          

Shan
(24 points)
Posted by Shan

if you are wanting to play with your mother, why not get a clarinet piece with a piano accompianment? this way, people hear your beautiful song, and you mom can show off her piano abilities at the same time. dont worry, there are hundreds of piece out there for clarinet/piano. if you are intent on playing exactly what she is, then yes, you will need to take everything up a whole step. just be happy you dont play alto sax, which is in Eb.

for now, whichever horn you feel the best playing will be alright. your leblanc will probably be better quality than the others you mentioned, but if for some reason you like them better, by all means. if you decide to continue to play, you amy want to invest in an intermediate horn. there are plenty of choices out there, www.wwbw.com is a good place to start just to get some ideas.

cheers


Re: Beginner on the clarinet with questions    15:09 on Saturday, January 21, 2006          

senior70
(5 points)
Posted by senior70

I have been playing an Arioso for a long time now. The clarinet is made from hard rubber and has been made with a high quality workmanship. Bought from Ridenour, who was very helpful in my purchase. It plays great and does not have the draw backs that wood has. You don`t have to oil it and it won`t ever crack. It is easy to clean and easy to play.


Re: Beginner on the clarinet with questions    16:45 on Saturday, January 21, 2006          

amy
(5 points)
Posted by amy

I actually just ordered both the Arioso and the Hanson so that I can compare them. I fear that I won`t want to return either one.

I just replaced my Rico #2 reeds with Vandoren #2 and there was a noticeable improvement in the tone of the instrument. I suspect the tone will be even better on both the Arioso and the Hansen given that they both come with good mouthpieces.

I also purchased an electric toner. I`ve noticed that when I play some notes, they are right on but I can`t get even close with some other notes. Is it me or the instrument?


   




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