Clarinet - Parent of a Beginner?
Should we buy a new clarinet for a beginner student?
Many parents decided to purchase a new student clarinet for their beginning students. Student clarinets are the least expensive option, and when parents aren't sure how long a student will continue to learn to play an instrument, the student option is a good one.
How much does a beginner clarinet cost?
Beginner clarinets usually range in cost from $500 to $1100. Intermediate, or step-up clarinets usually range in cost $1,300 to $2,800 and entry level pro clarinets (still largely played by advanced students) around $2000 and up.
Is a clarinet easy to learn?
The clarinet is no harder or easier than any other orchestral instrument that a beginner may learn. It is the usual case with an instrument that you blow that arguably the hardest part of learning is getting a sound out in the first place.
Which is easier to play the saxophone or the clarinet?
Saxophone is simply an easier instrument than clarinet overall, and is more commonly used in rock music. It's the natural choice. That being said, oboists often find clarinet easier because the embouchure is a bit firmer, which they're used to.
Are old clarinets worth anything?
A "very cheap vintage" clarinet is most likely just "old." No, the wood does not degrade with time. A good clarinet, if well maintained, can remain a good clarinet. For example, Buffet R13 clarinets from the 1950-1960s are highly prized (although much more affordable than similarly vintage, quality saxophones).
What is a good price for a clarinet?
A good-quality, brand-new student clarinet may be purchased for about $400. An intermediate instrument may cost about $700 and professional clarinets are generally $1,000 and up.
Why does my clarinet smell bad?
A bad clarinet smell typically comes from bacteria or mold growing inside the instrument. After playing, if the clarinet is not swabbed out and the mouthpiece wiped, it creates the perfect environment for bacteria and mold to thrive in. You can also get a funky smell from the reed, case, or keys.
How do you sanitize a clarinet?
Cleaning Hard Rubber and Ebony Mouthpieces
Fill the container just past the window of the mouthpiece with a solution of 50% water and 50% white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Protect clarinet mouthpiece corked tenons from moisture.
How do you maintain a clarinet?
10 Easy Clarinet Maintenance Tips
Use cork grease. ...
Replace any torn pads. ...
Oil keys twice a year. ...
Be sure the tenon rings are not loose. ...
Be sure the one and one B-flat fingering covers. ...
Clean your mouthpiece occasionally. ...
Thoroughly wipe any moisture off all tenons and sockets when packing up after playing. ...
Keep your swab clean and free of tears.
Can you clean a clarinet with alcohol?
Do not put anything (oil, Vaseline, rubbing alcohol, etc.) on the outside of the clarinet!
Is it OK to leave the clarinet assembled?
As long as you are following good maintenance practices, then no, the only added risk of damage comes from the instrument not being in a protective case. ... But as long as you are properly caring for the instrument and not putting it in harm's way, then leaving it assembled should be fine.
Why are clarinets black?
There are actually many different trees in the African blackwood genus, such as blackcocus, Mozambique ebony, grenadilla, and East African ebony. It is this heavy, dark wood that gives clarinets their characteristic color. ... The clarinet mouthpiece is made out of a kind of hard rubber called ebonite.
Can you replace the cork on a clarinet?
One of the most common woodwind repair needs is replacement of a clarinet or oboe tenon cork (or bassoon, if you have cork joints, or wooden piccolo, or recorder…). It's an easy job, and doesn't require much more than a piece of cork and a few minutes.