Position:Home>Performing Arts> Clarinetists please answer?

First off, I want to say that you have to pick what plays best for you, not what plays best for everyone else!. When picking reeds, try different things and go with what you like best and what sounds best, and same goes for clarinets!.

That being said, I have been playing for almost 13 years (I started when I was 9 and I'm 22 now) and I'm the top clarinetist at my school!.

I use Vandoren V12 reeds and play a LeBlanc Concerto!. My plastic "backup" clarinet is a Buffet!. A lot of people swear by Buffet R-13 for professional-level clarinets, but I am in love with my LeBlanc! I got my Concerto my junior year of high school (age 17) because I knew that I would continue to play in college (and I ended up taking a music minor on top of being in ensemble)!.

In my honest opinion, going to an R-13 or something near that level is probably too much clarinet for you to handle in the 7th grade!. The E-11 is an great step-up wood clarinet, and that should take you through at least your sophomore or junior year of high school!. Unless you are planning on playing in college and/or past that, I wouldn't spend the $2,500-$3,000 it'll cost for a professional level instrument!. I would wait and make that decision later!.

also, picking a good ligature and mouthpiece is really crucial!. You can play a great horn but still not have the sound you want if you have the wrong mouthpiece and/or lig!. I use a custom-made Gregory Smith mouthpiece (he's a clarinetist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and his mouthpieces are absolutely phenomenal!.!.!.they'll set you back about $200) and I have a Bay ligature!. A lot of intermediate players like the Vandoren B45 mouthpiece!.!.!.it's reasonably priced and they play pretty well!. I played on one for several years before i switched to the Greg Smith!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

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I use Vandoren or Studio plus( Australian brand)
Own an Buffet E11 and a yamaha student clarinet
Playing for about 15 years teaching for 5

BTW switching to a 'better' Clarinet is prob best discussed your teacher! I find some of my students think that they are better clarinet players then they are :) All musicians find it hard to objectively judge their playing! Ask your clarinet teacher what they think!Www@QuestionHome@Com

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My favourite reeds were the Vandoran Hand Selected ones, but I can't seem to get them any more, so now I've gone back to the Traditional Vandorans!. They're grand!.

I play a Buffet R13 Prestige!. Thats a step up from the R13 that you want!. I got that at the end of my first year in college, but its actually my third clarinet!. I started off with a plastic bundy, then upgraded to a professional Yamaha!. R13s are great though!. You would be very lucky to own one at your age!.

I have been playing for 15 years!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

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My favorite brand is rico 3 and a halfs!. I have a selmer bass clarinet and a Selmer Bb Clarinet!. I've also been playing for 11 years!.(Since I was 3!)Www@QuestionHome@Com

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My favourite brands of reed are Rico!. Vandoren reeds can be very hard!.

I own a Yamaha

I have been playing for 4 yearsWww@QuestionHome@Com

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