How do I get used to a different clarinet? Please Help.?

Question

I am a Freshman (in HS) and have been playing clairenets (pretty good) for 3 years. I just recently bought a used Evette (sponsered by Buffet) clarinet and can barely play anything on it. I have tried differnt reeds and anything else I could think of. I just need some advice for this transitution. Thanks

Answer 1

Try adjusting your ameture (sp?), and getting it more in tune. Reposition your reed so that just the tip is showing through the other side.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Was it used and sold on Ebay or from a instrument dealer that thoroughly checked to be sure it was in good playing condition?

Better-quality instruments usually require more "work" from the musician-- it doesn't mean instant better sound.

I think the other poster was talking about "embouchure"... I hope.

Answer 3

Are you using the same mouthpiece as you were on your old clarinet?  Mouthpiece can make a huge difference to how a clarinet plays.  Other than that, Lady Prism's advice is all good!

Answer 4

My first thought would be "What condition is it in?"  If it's an Evette model, it is almost 20yrs old or older (Buffet started using their name for ALL their models in the late 80's, early 90's).  Even if you bought it in person from a less than  reputable store (or especially if you got in online!), it may not have been "tuned up" before it was resold, despite what they told you.

Take a look at the all of the cork and make sure it's not chiped anywhere and that none of the joints are loose when it's put together.

Now put it together without the bell or mouthpiece.  Cross your legs like a man does (right ankle on left knee) and put the end of the clarinet against your calf.  Finger a low "E", and then suck.  If you can't form a good suction it means you have a leak.  While still fingering low "E" and covering the end, blow... see if you can tell where the air is coming from- you may need to get someone to help you with this.  This means you need new pads, some key adjustment, or both.

Make sure to check your register key- make sure it moves straight when you push it and doesn't wobble.  Also, check your middle "A" key... first, push your "G#" key and see how it moves... now hold it down on top of the hole, and try to push your "A" key without letting the "G#" open up.  If the "A" key  opens, tighten the s***w on top of the "A" key... there should be the TINIEST little bit of wiggle room.  If the G# key won't go all the way down, loosen the s***w.

Other than that, don't try to change too many things all at once.  If the mouthpiece and reeds that you were using before worked on your old clarinet then they should work on your new one... at least enough to get the sounds out!  

One more thing to check, is at the back, around the thumbhole... look REALLY close there, and where the left pinky C#/G# key's HOLE is... you may have a hairline crack, in which case, you should see if you can get your money back.

Otherwise, kiddo, it'll just take some practice and patience.  It takes some time to make a stranger into a friend... you just have to get to know its quirks!

Hope I could help, and feel free to email me if you need more help!  Happy playing!  :)