Of course he did... and my grandfather also played clarinet... in Benny's band. Unfortunately, I didn't inherit his level of musicality.
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Anybody know anything about clarinet?
- Thread starter basscooker
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Heeeeerrrrrreeeessssss, Benny!
You got to admit, they do look a lot alike in these photos.
You got to admit, they do look a lot alike in these photos.
I resemble that remark. I actually can play saxophone reasonably well, and doubled on alto/bass clarinet for a couple of professional musicals because I was good *enough* to get away with it, and hey, free money. I've never considered myself to be a clarinetist, though. To the great relief of everyone, I have not picked up a clarinet of any kind since my last doubling gig 30+ years ago.
What I really want to know is... what's the best clarinet for metal?
An original Silva-Bet, of course:
I know when I was a little kid my younger brother played. And when he clicked open the case clasps our dog would run to the basement.
I think that's more due to my brother than the clarinet.
I think that's more due to my brother than the clarinet.
I also know there has been a great deal of scholarly debate regarding Squidward's instrument. But most woodwind instructors agree it is a clarinet despite being under detailed.
One of my favorite quotes:
"SQUIDWARD, I USED YOUR CLARINET TO UNCLOG MY TOILET!" -SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS
One of my favorite quotes:
"SQUIDWARD, I USED YOUR CLARINET TO UNCLOG MY TOILET!" -SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS
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Band director of 23 years here. I've seen a lot of clarinets come through my band halls, including strange brands and some with no markings at all. Xinghai is one of a couple of major clarinet makers in China. They actually make clarinets under several different brands - including major brands - to different specs and out of different materials. However, that doesn't mean it is a good clarinet. If the only marking on it is Xinghai then is a copied from the specs of another brand (or several different brands) but with lesser quality materials. In fact, every major clarinet maker that has their clarinets made in China (by any company) will have their brand name, usually a model designation, and either China or Made in China on it, not the factory who made it. It's probably junk but even junk can be made useful depending on what you want to do with it. Post pics and I'll know more.
What I really want to know is... what's the best clarinet for metal?
Not really metal, but Jan van Halen (Alex and Eddie's dad, playing the clarinet here) might have an idea...
Since moving to MN I've been mostly working as a bassist and clarinetist. In fact I lost a gig on bass because they couldn't find anyone else who could cover the clarinet book. It was kind of funny hearing that most of the bassists called who couldn't do it gave my name as the guy to call.
Post the pics. Odds are it is worth pretty much nothing as there is only 1 HR clarinet brand worth considering and a handful of wooden instrument brands worth anything to a serious player. If it is good enough it might make a decent beater for a player, but probably not solid enough for a kid to learn on.
Post the pics. Odds are it is worth pretty much nothing as there is only 1 HR clarinet brand worth considering and a handful of wooden instrument brands worth anything to a serious player. If it is good enough it might make a decent beater for a player, but probably not solid enough for a kid to learn on.
I started on clarinet and learned oboe, sax, and flute. I'm a terrible oboist and that's my best woodwind.
One thing that might be of interest to you guys is that smaller woodwinds that are actually made of wood (some oboes, flutes and clarinets) do not appreciate as they get older like many string instruments. Oboes in particular can be "blown out", which is to say that the moisture that condenses in the instrument through repeated playing eventually deforms the inner surface of the bore rendering it less resonant than a newer instrument. Less of a problem for larger bore instruments like flutes and clarinets, but it may come as a surprise to bass collectors. So they actually depreciate in value significantly if "road-worn".
One thing that might be of interest to you guys is that smaller woodwinds that are actually made of wood (some oboes, flutes and clarinets) do not appreciate as they get older like many string instruments. Oboes in particular can be "blown out", which is to say that the moisture that condenses in the instrument through repeated playing eventually deforms the inner surface of the bore rendering it less resonant than a newer instrument. Less of a problem for larger bore instruments like flutes and clarinets, but it may come as a surprise to bass collectors. So they actually depreciate in value significantly if "road-worn".
I don't know if it is done with flutes or oboes, but a number of techs have had good luck with re-hydrating the bores of older clarinets. Brings bores back to spec and unbinds mechanisms that have jammed due to wood migration. I have had a number of old - '20s to '30s - clarinets that were fabulous. It isn't particularly expensive to do, but it is a pain so most clarinets aren't worth the effort/time from a good tech.
I lo-o-o-ove listening to and seeing Tuba Skinny. They're the real deal! If my wife and I can ever coordinate our good/bad health periods we'll go back to NOLA and see them on the street again.
There's a product called bore oil that's made for wood instruments. You work a little into a swab (separate from your regular swab) and draw it through the bore a couple times. Do it about every four months and it'll extend the life of the horn noticeably. Prevents cracking if you live in a place where humidity is bipolar.
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That's actually a subject of strong opinions in the clarinet world on both sides. I oil twice in the winter, usually the barrel and top of the upper joint take some. End grain is where it is absorbed so drawing it through is minimally effective for crack prevention - but it does a good job of saturating pads if not done carefully.
You're telling us that Google hasn't led you to a clarinet, or general woodwind, hobbyist forum? I call B.S. Google harder.
The clarinet we have was way too beat up to do even something like that with it. That's why it's inside the fireplace!
Did you build it right in the cement work like a treasure/artifact for someone to find in the future? Because I do that kind of stuff too!The clarinet we have was way too beat up to do even something like that with it. That's why it's inside the fireplace!
+1
It's a good idea to get a bit of learning about the right way to go about it before saturating a rag on a string. It's like truss rods and torque wrenches being a bad combination.
