Hi,

I`m starting out learning the clarinet (I`ve been playing for about a week now) and I realize that there is a massive amount that I don`t know. I`m 39 years old and can read music fairly well.

What I don`t know about could probably fill a library, but my main concerns at the momen are:

reeds. How long should they last, what strength is going to work best for me, when do I know that I can use a harder reed and how do I look after them?

keys. I have a key that sometimes sticks very slightly. It doesn`t seem to be for lack of oil, but that the pad itself sticks to the tone hole. Any suggestions?

Finally, my clarinet. Its a Selmer 1400. I`m guessing it is pretty much the base model, but is it worth persevering with it or were they a bit ropey? Please if it isn`t that great be gentle, because I love it to bits.

Sorry for asking so many stupid questions in one go.

reeds last people different amounts of time. durring marching season i go through about one a week. but durring concert season, they can last up to a month. i`d start on a 2 or so, they thicker they are only matters for how high you can play.

as for the sticky key, take a dollar bill and put it under the pad, close the key and pull out the dollar bill. do it a few times, if this doesnt work, you may just meed to get the pad changed, which isnt too much.

good luck.

Reeds: start on a 2 1/2 strength, when you start feeling like hitting high notes is getting to easy you need to move up one strenghth....you can tell because you start to squeak more than normal.

As for pads....dollar bills work great for the newer clarinets but it sounds like you play on an older version like me. I use cigerette paper because it keeps them from sticking longer than a dollar bill does.

Thanks guys. Much appreciated. I`ve got some 2 and 2 1/2 reeds to try out. At the moment I find the 2s easier to play.

I`ll have to go to the bank and see if I can get some dollar bills (I`m in England) or borrow a cigarette paper or two.

On the subject of key sticking- this doesn`t sound like the problem in your case, but always rinse out your mouth if you ate/drank (water is OK) before playing. Sugar on your pads is a sure fire way to get them sticky, and if all that food gets inside your clarinet it gets nasty pretty quickly. Hope that helped

-John

I`m an older newbie myself: I`m 36 and have been taking lessons on my old Artley B flat soprano for about a year now. I LOVE my clarinet! I`ve been using VanDoren 2 and a half reeds and so far, they`re great. My teacher tells me that I should consider getting a new mouthpiece, as some of the notes in the upper register come out pretty flat. My clarinet is in decent shape, but it`s nowhere near top of the line. I`m wondering if anyone else out there can suggest a good mouthpiece that isn`t too expensive?

Thanks guys!

David

Cool- I use an Artley too.

Regarding mouthpieces, you really have to try them yourself. Go to your local music store, bring your clarinet and a reed, and ask them to test some clarinet mouthpieces. Stores are very good about letting you do this.

As for recommendations- the vandorens are probably the most popular. The b45 would be a good thing to try. Some people swear by the custom mouthpieces (not mass produced), but they will run more expensive. I personally use a Selmer C* with my Artley.

-John