How To Choose A Used Clarinet

Are you a parent of a beginning clarinet student?

As a parent of a beginning clarinet student, you areabout to introduce your child to, what could be, a life-long journey of immense satisfaction and a rewarding challenge. Our intention is to help you figure out what will be the best clarinet choice for your child at this stage of their musical development. So here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

Should I buy a wood or plastic clarinet?

If you are buying for a beginner, you probably want to start with a plastic (resonite) or hard rubber clarinet. This type of clarinet requires less care and maintenance than a wood clarinet and is usually less resistant (easy blowing). Less resistance will make it easier for a beginner to play a good tone. These clarinets can create a good sound and do not crack in the cold weather nor when played outside.

Are there particular brands that are recommended?

Stick to major brands when looking for a used or any type of clarinet. Selmer, Yamaha, Buffet, and Leblanc are all trustworthy manufacturers with a long history of producing good, solid clarinets. Another great choice can be the Ridenour hard rubber clarinet made by Tom Ridenour which we have found to be great sounding clarinets at very affordable prices.

Which models are good for the beginner?

Some good models to choose from are: the Selmer 300 and 1400 models, Yamaha 20, and the Leblanc Vito Reso-Tone (#3, 7212, and 7214 ) are all solid choices for a beginner. In addition the Jupiter 631 is a really great choice. We have found all the models mentioned here to be very consistent in quality.

We strongly recommend staying away from clarinet brands you’ve never heard of. There are many of them that simply are not well made and don’t have the quality of the above mentioned brands.

What should I look for in a used clarinet?

Inspect the pads for worn edges, splits, or other damage. If shopping online, look closely at the photos. Don’t buy anything that isn’t shown clearly with several photos. Look at the cork where the pieces are joined together. Is it chipped or badly worn or even missing? Read the seller’s copy carefully. Try to determine if the seller is experienced with clarinets by their ad and go with someone who appears to have knowledge about what they are selling.

What if I am not pleased with what I buy?

Make sure you get a money back guarantee and know the return policy of the seller. Buying a clarinet is very personal. What feels and sounds good to one person may not feel right to the next. At FrannyToo!, we offer a money back guarantee if the customer lets us know within 3 business days that they’re returning the instrument. We also ask that it be returned in the same condition as when it was shipped. It is completely reasonable for a seller to accept returns.

What do you recommend for taking care of my child's clarinet?

There are a few simple basics that we recommend a new student have in order to best care for their clarinet, such as a hanky swab, cork grease, and a reed guard. Clarinet Care Kits are an easy way to get started. Our FrannyToo Care Kit includes the above as well as cleaning brushes and a thumb rest (for extra comfort). We also send along a free copy of our easy to read Clarinet Care pamphlet to help the new student develop basic habits that will help keep their instrument in good playing condition.



The thrill of the first note…

When all is said and done and you have your clarinet at home, you can play an important role in encouraging your young musician. Your excitement and pleasure in hearing them play their first note(s) will go a long way in helping your child stay with this pursuit. There certainly are no guarantees that they will make the decision to continue, but being interested and curious about their playing will certainly help. Have the best time!

Ken Peplowski, Jazz Clarinetist

Have you heard Ken Peplowski play jazz on the clarinet? Well, if you haven't, you are in for a treat when you listen to his CD with Howard Alden on the Concord Series (volume 3, CCD 4556).

On this disc, Ken Peplowski plays both clarinet and tenor sax with Mr. Alden on guitar. These two guys each have absolutely superb technique and a jaw-dropping command of their instruments. But the best is listening to them improvise...the best of the best.

In this live recording, the duo performs tunes from Jelly Roll Morton to Charlie Parker and beyond, all in a very contemporary and complimentary style. If you want to hear masterful clarinet playing, not to mention awesome guitar playing, get this album.

Just to get you started, here's a taste of Ken Peplowski playing at another concert. Click here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqjKdaBljy4

Let us know how you like this. We'd love to hear from you,

Beverly and Clyde/
FrannyToo! The Clarinet People

How To Find a Leaky Clarinet Pad

When you play your clarinet and find that some notes just won’t play, or the overall sound is airy, leaky, stuffy or squeaky…chances are you have one or more pads that aren’t sealing well and air is leaking. Here are some steps that will help you find the leak.

First inspect every pad (there are 17 of them on the clarinet) for any wear, splits, looseness, or a lopsided fit in the cup. Some problems may be very obvious and the pad may need replacing.
But if after inspection, you still can’t find the source, you can check for leaks by using the following very simple tool.

• First you’ll need a supply of a very thin material like cigarette papers or old cassette tape.
• Cut the paper or tape into 1.5 inches length and about ¼ inch wide.
• Then you will need a handle to hold the paper or tape.
• You can make one or buy one on-line at places like Music Medic or Ferree’s.
• Start on either the upper or lower joint and place the paper under every pad at various angles: 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock (on the larger pads on the lower joint you may have to check even smaller intervals).
• Wherever the paper or tape isn’t ‘grabbed’ by the pad when you close the key, and you can pull it out with slight pressure, that’s where a leak is.
• Sometimes just heating up the glue and reseating the pad will take care of it.
• If that doesn’t work, then you may need to replace the pad.
  
  Stay tuned for our upcoming blog on how to replace and reseat pads.
  
  We welcome any comments or suggestion.
  
  Thanks so much, FrannyToo! The Clarinet People
  

Help Your Beginner Get the Most Out of Practice Sessions

Practice Habits for the Beginning Student

• For young beginning students, we strongly recommend that a parent is at the practice sessions
• We also strongly recommend that the beginner have a private music teacher
• Have a consistent practice time, such as right after school or right before dinner
• Also have a special area or room where you won’t be distracted
• Establish a routine – just like an athlete works out every day for excellence, so does a musician or developing student
• A well-rounded practice session could include:
  o The music that a private teacher has assigned
  o Any music the band or orchestra is learning
  o Scales! Pick a scale a day to practice
  o Long tones to develop good tone quality
  o Make up a song, just for fun
  o Play along with a favorite singer or band CD
  
  Remember, Mom and Dad, supportive parental guidance can often be the difference between a student who stays with it and one who drops out.
  
  Check in with us and let us know what you think about our blogs. Are they useful for you?
  
  Thanks so much, FrannyToo!