Hello everybody,

I'm new here. I played the clarinet for 5 years but for lack of time (or lack of effort to make time) I stopped playing. I'd like to pick it up again and since I haven't played for years, I know I have to start all over.

Could you guys recommend me a complete clarinet method from beginner to advanced?

Thanks for any advice you may give.

First of all, if your using a clarinet thats 5+ years old, I suggest bringing it to a local instrument repair shop.

Benny Goodman's "Clarinet Method". None better.

I brought my clarinet for maintenance and repair last year so I bet it's going to be ok.

Benny Goodman's? I'll look for that.

What would be an appropriate reed hardness for someone who hasn't played for years?

I recommend the Pares Scales book for any instrument.
You get to learn your scales well, and nice etudes in many keys.

It will be like riding a bike.

I bought one of these abs clarinets recently. It's been ok so far. But i would like to upgrade to a wooden one eventually if I win the lottery. I started on size 1+1/2 reeds but I find the harder size 3 reeds sound much smoother. It's just going to take a while to strengthen my embrochure and then I'll probably use the harder reeds all the time. But the soft reeds have a great quality all their own and they are so easy to use.

you might be able to do a 2 even, alot of people start on that buy 1 of each maybe, also I like the standard of excellence, used that when i first started out

Rubank is great if you're just starting back. But yes, scales, scales, and more scales.

H. Klose' method....the absolute best and most comprehensive! Enjoy!

the thing with scales is that you can't play then unless you know the notes!

i started playig today and right no i am using a strength 1 1/2.
i would recommend going to a music shop and having a look through all the tutor books and see which one you understand best because i like the abracadba series, but others like the rubank and other seris, so it is a preferance realy.