Is your clarinet holding you back? Should you buy a new instrument? How much should you spend? You've got questions, we've got answers! Be sure to hit subscribe, then check out the free music and workbooks we have at www.clarinethq.com!
Question!! I currently own a student model Selmer clarinet (like the ones you buy for your kid who’s entering middle school), but I’ve played at college level (used to be a music major). I’m no longer playing in an ensemble, but I’d like to or at least like to play more at home. Can you recommend a model that’s more fitting for my experience level?
That's a good question! We don't like to make specific recommendations since everyone has different preferences, but it sounds like a quality intermediate instrument would be a good fit, something like a Backun Protege (or Q Series), Yamaha YCL-650, or Selmer Prologue. Those are likely in the $2,000-$3,000 range. Buying a used professional clarinet is also a good option but only if you know and trust the seller. I sold my Buffet R-13s to a college student when I switched to Backun. The Buffets still played great, so she got high-quality instruments at a much cheaper price. The most important thing is to have the opportunity to try some different instruments. Hopefully there's a trusted music store nearby that will let you try out some clarinets. (Full disclosure: We play Backun clarinets and love them but don't receive any compensation.) Feel free to email if you have any other questions (clarinet.hq@gmail.com).
Question! I got a brand new lazarra brand clarinet for Christmas and I didn’t start playing it until now. I know you need to break in a new clarinet. But I’m wondering if it should be hard to play at first. Because it’s rather difficult to play right now.
Congratulations on the new clarinet! The good news is that you only need to break in wood clarinets (to lower the chance of cracking), but I'm pretty sure Lazarra only makes synthetic clarinets. You can check by looking inside the bell or instrument. If it's smooth, it's synthetic. You may need to take it to a repair technician if it's difficult to play. That could mean that you have some leaky pads. It could also mean that you're not covering the tone holes completely when you play or need to focus on embouchure, air, and tongue position (all really common for beginners). I'm going to shamelessly suggest that you check out our "Getting Started" playlist. Do you know a seasoned clarinet player who can try playing it to see if it works? I'll usually test out my students' instruments for them to make sure they're in good working condition. Regardless, stick with it. Learning an instrument can be really frustrating at first, but it's totally worth it!
I assume you played with reeds that came with the clarinet. That could be one of the reasons why because the reeds that come with that clarinet are pretty bad. I recommend buying some vandoren or rico reeds. Rico (orange box or royal) are quite beginner friendly as they are softer. If you choose vandoren start off with strength 2. If you choose rico then 2.5. Try buying them in pieces instead of whole box to see which one you like the most. Another tip is to put more mouthpiece in your mouth. You want your bottom lip about where the reed is starting to touch the mouthpiece if you look at it sideways. Don't put too much or you'll squeak. Other regular things could be correct embouchure, breathing and position of your fingers. If nothing helps after continuous and patiently trying then have a technician look at it if something is wrong with the clarinet
