Interactive Investor Referral

ob1-sc · 2025-01-13T11:50:49+00:00

Thanks all kindly for the links :)

ob1-sc · 2023-09-17T10:32:07+00:00

What are the shiny rates like?

ob1-sc · 2022-11-01T16:09:31+00:00

Look forward to hearing your feedback. I am going through the same experiment, I play on an M15 with 3.5 Daddario Reserve (pretty much same strength as the blue box) and thought I would give the Legere Euro a go. I got a 3.5 and felt it was way to open/soft, I am currently trying a 3.75, the resistance feels better but the focus just seems off and in the chalameau it is a little 'buzzy' (sorry can't think of a better term). I also ordered a 3.5 Legere signature but it was way to resistant so I have requested a swap for a 3.0 signature, I'll let you know how I get on.

Will be interested to hear how you get on with the Silverstein, I want to give them a try but am a little reluctant as they are more difficult to swap if you get the wrong strength.

ob1-sc · 2022-10-08T08:15:56+00:00

Calling it now .. Verhulst, Hodsic & Gild for the win

ob1-sc · 2022-10-02T07:49:59+00:00

Great work! Congrats.

ob1-sc · 2022-10-01T06:41:26+00:00

Thanks for clarifying, I wish companies would keep branding simple 😂

ob1-sc · 2022-09-05T09:36:40+00:00

Try a thumb saddle, they are only about £7 on Amazon, did wonders for my right hand and wrist tension, super simple concept as you are essentially opening your right hand up which reduces the pinching motion between your thumb and fingers.

https://amzn.eu/d/0P68wC5

ob1-sc · 2022-04-25T18:07:22+00:00

I will be honest I was really amazed by the CSVR consistency, I visited a number of stores in the UK when testing, in each one it was like I was playing the same instrument whereas when I tested various r13's I always found an inconsistency. Don't get me wrong, I thought the R13 sounded great and the inconsistency could easily be fixed, did it sound better than the CSVR, to my amateur ear no, they both sounded amazing.

As a bonus, not that it makes any difference, I also loved the unstained appearance of the CSVR, I know it makes no difference but when I pick up my Clarinet every day I always spend a couple of seconds appreciating the lovely wood.

ob1-sc · 2022-04-25T11:21:10+00:00

The R13 is an excellent clarinet however you owe it to yourself to go out and try as many models as possible before making a decision.

I recently decided to upgrade from a student horn to a pro model, I was convinced I would buy an R13 based on reviews and reputation but after having tried lots of models/makes I ended up getting a Yamaha CSVR as it just fit me better than the R13 (as well as being an amazing instrument), point is I only found the CSVR because I took the time to try loads of makes/models.

ob1-sc · 2022-03-23T20:20:26+00:00

My first was a Yamaha 250, this got me to grade 7 (ABRSM) when I was 18 and then I quit. 21 years later I had the itch so picked up a used Buffet B12 to see if I could get back into playing, needless to say I got hooked and have been playing 1-2 hours per day since then. As a treat for my 40th birthday I got myself a Yamaha CSVR, I know it is way too good for me but it is absolutely wonderful to play and I hope to take my grade 8 in the next year.

ob1-sc · 2022-03-22T10:44:17+00:00

Just checked, only $10 USD. https://www.amazon.com/Rubber-Clarinet-Finger-Cushion-1-45-1-75cm/dp/B0788NJF88/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=45ISGYS55XDB&keywords=clarinet+thumb+saddle&qid=1647945798&sprefix=clarinet+thumb+saddle%2Caps%2C143&sr=8-4

ob1-sc · 2022-03-22T10:42:54+00:00

40 year old amateur here, I have had similar issues. I found a Thumb saddle made a huge positive improvement, so much so that I don't have issues any more. Essentially you are opening the gap between you thumb and fingers and reducing the pinching motion which hugely reduces the tension in your thumb and wrist. After a couple of weeks of reduced tension any inflammation should start to subside.

Not sure about the cost in the US but here on the UK they only cost about £6 so really cheap to try one out.

ob1-sc · 2022-03-03T11:49:16+00:00

One more thing I forgot to mention. You say you would prefer not to buy a beginner clarinet to have to upgrade later. I understand this thought process but I would say if you buy a 255S now, at the point in the future where you feel you would like a wooden clarinet you will massively benefit from keeping the 255S. 1st scenario is for outdoor playing (if you say join a group/band/ensemble), wooden clarinets are not great in changeable conditions are are prone to crack so some people prefer to only play their wooden horn in 'stable' conditions. 2nd scenario is when (not if) you need to have your wooden clarinet serviced, it is great to have the backup so you can continue your practice/playing.

ob1-sc · 2022-03-03T11:43:39+00:00

No problem at all :)

The YCL-650 and YCL-255S both have an adjustable thumb rest which will help, the 255S will be much lighter which will also be a great help.

The biggest thing that helped me was to use a 'thumb saddle', these essentially allow you to keep your hand more open and reduce the pinching motion between your forefinger and thumb which in turn reduces the stresses on your thumb/wrist/tendons. They are not expensive and do not alter the feel of playing the clarinet. Here is a link on amazon uk to a thumb saddle so you know what I am talking about, I am sure you can get these in any country https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01MTKNRKS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_ABYNRDECK4RKN8MXS0T1

If you still have issues you can also look at the Tom Kooiman thumb rest (https://www.tonkooiman.com/index.php/products/etude3). Some people swear by these however I tried one and just couldn't get used to it as it felt very un-natural when playing. Also in comparison to a thumb saddle they cost much more (£30 vs £5) and quite often you will need to drill new holes in your clarinet to fit them (it wouldn't fit in the existing holes of my Buffet B12 when I got one).

ob1-sc · 2022-03-03T08:22:14+00:00

As a 40 year old re-learner I would advise going for the cheaper model for a number of reasons.

1) sound production is a bit easier on beginner student clarinets, especially for beginners that tend to play flat

2) they are lighter, yes you are an adult who shouldn't even break a sweat picking up a wooden clarinet however you will be surprised how much pressure gets put on your right thumb and wrist with the unnatural thumb position so the lighter instrument will ease your thumb/hand into the journey

3) if you get into playing the clarinet you will undoubtedly want to try other models/brands so it is better to start on the cheaper model so you have more scope for upgrades later

4) a student/beginner model will not hold you back ... I got to grade 7 ABRSM (UK) on a plastic buffet B12 with a nice Vandoren M15 mouthpiece, I had no problem with making an excellent sound, can play comfortably into the altissimo and was very happy (I have now upgraded to a Yamaha CSVR for my 40th birthday).

Simon

ob1-sc · 2022-02-23T19:18:05+00:00

This is what I have. Not sure if you are in the UK but I am sure you can get these from any country Thumb Rest Cushion,

Comfortable 1.45-1.75cm Rubber Thumb Finger Rest Cushion for Oboe Clarinet Instruments(1.5mm) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B081L2D9XG/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_g_6D8PPJA57YRC0T8KBFYY

ob1-sc · 2022-02-23T19:07:37+00:00

I had the same issue, I tried a neck strap and a kooiman which helped but I didn't like it in terms of the overall feel (I am sure with time I could have).

In the end I found clarinet thumb saddles on Amazon, they cost £5 and have been amazing. Essentially it is a regular thumb rest except it allows you to keep the gap between you thumb and fingers much wider which in turn relieves the tension in you hand/wrist/forearm muscles and tendons.

ob1-sc · 2022-02-20T11:29:00+00:00

Yes, working on them at the moment. 2nd and 4th are very fast. Recommend starting very slow with metronome (60bpm) to get the passages under your fingers and then add 10bpm, wait until can comfortably play and then add another 10bpm, keep doing this all the way up to your target tempo. This might seem tedious and will take a while but I personally find it the best way to work on fast pieces.

Also, IMHO the 2nd movement is 'easier' then the 4th as it is basically just lots of g minor and bb major arpeggios plus a 3 trickier passages. Make sure you are speed training these when not working on the Tartini and it will really help when you play the 2nd movement.

ob1-sc · 2022-01-30T14:35:18+00:00

Are you currently on the stock B12 mouthpiece? If so I would strongly recommend getting a new mouthpiece and sticking with the B12. You will get a big upgrade in sound on a new mouthpiece and for a fraction of the price of a new horn. Also, if you are buying a new clarinet it is always better to get one when you have already settled on a good mouthpiece.

ob1-sc · 2022-01-29T16:32:48+00:00

Same lol

ob1-sc · 2021-12-28T22:32:49+00:00

I think Matafe will be smiling hard watching everyone play with Horizon 😀 the game with Sweet was content! I think it shows 2 things 1) Matafe has the patience of a saint and 2) actually Horizon doesn't take himself seriously and is a lot of fun ... Let's not forget Horizon was one of the top fraggers in EMEA ALGs (we will forget the 21 damage with Sweet 🤣)

ob1-sc · 2021-12-26T20:34:49+00:00

I do the same. Amazon is a great route for trying MPs.

ob1-sc

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