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You got a new clarinet! Now what?
Just got a new clarinet? Congratulations! Whether this is your first time playing clarinet or you’ve recently upgraded your clarinet, here are some things to consider after you get a new clarinet: Wishing you and your new clarinet many years of memorable music-making together!
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What do clarinet reeds and jeans have in common?
Finding the best clarinet reed for your setup is a lot like searching for the perfect pair of jeans—frustrating at times, but incredibly rewarding when you find the one that fits just right. The similarities don’t stop there! If you’ve ever delved into the world of clarinet reeds, you know that we have a lot of options, which can all be compared to shopping for jeans: Cane or synthetic? Just as some people prefer the natural feel of denim while others go for stretch blends, you have the choice between cane or synthetic (or use both)! Which brand? It’s easy to have analysis paralysis with so many options of brands…
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Clarinet Equipment Advice for Marching Band
Another school year is just around the corner, which can only mean one thing… Marching band! Whether this is your first time in marching band or you’re a seasoned marching band pro, here is my clarinet equipment advice for anyone in marching band (or band directors working with marching bands): Good luck, and I hope you have a great marching season!
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Is your clarinet thumb rest in the optimal position?
If you are experiencing discomfort or pain in your hands or wrists while playing clarinet, your thumb rest might not be in the optimal position! Even though the clarinet is not very heavy (about 1.5-2 pounds, or about 680-900 grams), it all starts to add up after you multiply the hours, days, weeks, months, and years spent holding and playing it. This is why it’s so important to develop and utilize proper posture and ergonomics, including customizing equipment to make playing easier and more comfortable for you. (Before we dive in, I want to remind you that I’m a classically trained clarinetist – not a doctor. Please consult a trusted…
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My clarinet won’t come apart! What should I do?
Chances are, if you’re reading this you’re in a bit of a dilemma – your clarinet is stuck together and won’t come apart! This is actually more common than you think, and here’s what you should do: Now that you’ve gotten your clarinet apart, here are some tips to help prevent this from happening again:
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The Complete Guide to Clarinet Barrels
For such a small instrument, the clarinet certainly has quite the number of equipment and accessories! After you’ve sorted out your instrument, mouthpiece, reeds, ligature, and more, it’s probably time to evaluate your clarinet barrel. (Look at the further reading section at the end of this article for in-depth articles on these pieces of clarinet equipment.) Here’s everything you need to know about clarinet barrels Barrel basics Besides connecting your mouthpiece to the upper joint, barrels play a big factor in controlling your overall tuning. Barrels can mean the difference between tuning to A=400 Hz or A=442 Hz (or other!) Barrels are measured in millimeters (mm), and the most common…
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Don’t put this one thing in your clarinet case
To be fair, there are several things you probably shouldn’t put in your clarinet case – sticky food, beverages in non-leakproof containers, glitter… But there is one clarinet item you should be cautious about keeping in your clarinet case: A new mouthpiece! There are a few layers to this statement – you should not keep a new clarinet mouthpiece in your case if you have a clarinet with silver keys. This is due to the sulfur in hard rubber mouthpieces reacting with the silver in the keys. (You can read a short blurb about this chemical reaction on Michael Lowenstern’s website.) Here’s a photo of a clarinet which has been…
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The life span of a clarinet (and its accessories)
You know what they say – nothing lasts forever, and the clarinet is no different. One of the most common questions I’m asked is “How long does a reed/mouthpiece/ligature/clarinet last?” There are a few different factors affecting this answer, so let’s break it down by item: Now, let’s talk about clarinets: How do you know if your clarinet or accessories are wearing out? As you probably gleaned from reading this article, there is no set timeline for replacing your clarinets or its accessories. It depends on several factors and is unique to each musician. Ultimately, clarinets and accessories get blown out, and these are apparent in the following scenarios. If…
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New Year, New Gear! Clarinet Equipment Information
Happy New Year! I hope this year brings you health, happiness, and a lot of great music! If new gear is on the horizon for you this year, I’ve rounded up my articles about upgrading clarinet equipment to help you take the next step. Accessories Clarinets Leave a comment below with other articles you’d like to see about clarinet equipment!
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How to choose a new clarinet mouthpiece
Welcome to the wonderful world of clarinet mouthpieces! If you’re looking for a new clarinet mouthpiece, here’s everything you need to know: How do you know when it’s time to replace a clarinet mouthpiece? While mouthpieces can be played indefinitely (as long as they’re not broken), I recommend replacing your mouthpiece every 5-10 years, although this greatly depends on how much you play. If you notice that your sound seems lackluster, you experience more resistance when you play, or reed selection is more difficult than normal, it could be the mouthpiece. It’s always a good idea to have a back-up mouthpiece, so if you’re undecided about replacing mouthpieces now, you…