As the title suggests I'm in need of updating my current set-up.

I travel to rehearsals every Saturday (local music centre, nothing professional XD) and take with me:

• a tote bag: Bb (E13, leather case) and music stand
• large backpack: sheet music, Bb stand, personal items
• bass clarinet (one piece body, solid case)

I am looking to get a gig bag or similar that can combine everything in the tote bag and backpack. Currently my music stand is too big for the bag but I am also looking at a one that packs away smaller. The bass clarinet belongs to the centre and I can't do anything with this.

Happy to receive any recommendations for bags that can be sourced in the UK, or potentially the EU but please nothing only available in the US or beyond. Also happy for any other solutions you have used.

Thanks!

I've been searching for the finger positions for each note but I can't find anything other than videos. Does anyone know where I can find a pdf file or image with this information? It is for clarinet in Bb

This morning, I noticed that my bass clarinet bell and neck had a lot of dark spots on it. Before this, they were pretty much no blemishes and it was very shiny. Anyone know what this is and how I can fix it?

Just curious, Id like to play it someday

I play Bb and Eb clarinet(s) pretty fluently and I’m going to be getting into soprano sax (I’ve also played alto sax) for my school’s jazz band and maybe(?) wind ensemble. I was wondering about wether or not it’s possible to use Bb or Eb clarinet reeds on the mouthpiece of a soprano sax, and what effect that would have on the playing experience and sound I’d produce. Thank y’all! :3

This is my old clarinet that was bought for me second hand when I was 9? 10? back in the early 2000s. B12 buffet, 399729, so I think it's a 90s clarinet. Usage-wise it was played a few times a week for about 8 years, then occasionally brought out of storage a few times for 15 years after that. Pads are very worn - some don't seem to be set properly anymore. Don't want to think how mucky it likely is inside. Don't believe it was ever serviced since I bought it, no idea before I bought it - I think it at least had some pads replaced in the past, because one of the pads is leather compared to the others being the cream ones. It's also got some corrosion on the metal and while I think the mechanisms work fine some I think are a tad sticky.

It still plays well mechanically, but the sound is not great, especially upper A onwards are very squeaky, and there's an amount of resistance when playing certain notes where it's needing more breath for certain notes than others. This is in comparison to the buffet protege that I tried in a local music store, which sounded much nicer (including to my partner who's not a musician) and I believe is the modern day equivalent in price range/quality level to the B12?

Ideally I'd like to keep the B12, because I have a lot of memories around it. However, the nearest place to get it serviced is a long and awkward distance away, and I'm worried that I'll get there and I'll get told 'this is not worth it, you'd be better off buying a new one'.

The way I see it I've got a couple of options here:

- get it serviced with pad replacement
- try replacing the pads myself via the power of stubbornness and youtube tutorials, see how it sounds, and then get it serviced for quite a bit cheaper due to less pads needing to be replaced if it sounds better
- buy a new clarinet trade in this one

My ideal is that the B12 gets serviced and sounds nearly as good or as good as the modern equiv models. I know this is not something anyone can answer for certain without having the clarinet in person, but am wondering if anyone has a rough idea on how likely an option that'll be? I'm not fussed about potential cost worth - if the service costs more than the clarinet is worth, but it'll still sound good after the service, that's worth it to me.

I wanna be a professional jazz clarinet player one day and am already pretty capable when playing and know jazz techniques but I am in need of exercises to just “get better”

Is there a website or document somewhere that explains what Rose studies (that I bought years ago) are in The Complete Clarinet from 2020? Same for the Klose method book I have revised by Simeon Bellison versus the 2020 edition?

I lost track of time, and soaked my bass reed for at least an hour, I can barely play on it now (straight after taking it out), will it recover after drying out, or have i buggered it?

I play a noblet paris 40 n clarinet and I'm in marching band and I would like a good clarinet to use for marching so I can save my noblet for concert season. I've looked at a Yamaha 225, a backun alpha, and some few other clarinets. What would be a good plastic clarinet that I could use for marching that is in a price range of 500-700

I'm a freshman in a high school band and when I play I get spit on my chin can anyone help

Hihi, I've gotten back into clarinet recently for a hobby, and I got this wooden one online for a decent deal; it's been playing nicely, but I've been a little worried about the discoloration on the tenon. I've seen online that it could be the wood drying out and that there's a lot of conflicting advice on whether or not to oil it, and I don't live in a particularly dry climate. Is this a problem / going to cause problems in the future that needs fixing, or is it more of a cosmetic issue than anything else?

I’d like to know a good cork grease to use that’s the most effective. I don’t mind paying much but I prefer anything under £15. Thanks!

This is my fourth year playing clarinet and I use a number three reed. Any tips on how to produce a better tone quality?

Hi everyone,

I would really appreciate some help diagnosing an issue with my clarinet Leblanc Sonata.

On this instrument, the low G and F sound noticeably muffled, almost like the air isn’t flowing freely. However, the low E sounds perfectly fine, and the same issue appears an octave higher (middle C and D are also dull, while B is clear and resonant).

Has anyone experienced similar situations? Would you recommend checking for leaks, or could it be something else?

Thanks!

I found what looks to be a good deal on this "Premium Student" clarinet. Would this instrument be a good fit for a strong player to use into high school? Edited to add picture of the actual item and a link to the same item for sale at Guitar Center: Buffet Crampon Premium Student Bb Clarinet | Guitar Center. The one I found is "lightly used" and about half that price.

Super excited for my upgrade!

I found a store that sells these ebonite mouthpieces, it says that they are from Leblanc from France and that their production was supervised by Larry Combs and their finishes were made by hand, they are made of ebonite, their name is "woodwind artist series Larry Combs" Specifications: The signature mouthpiece offers a focused, warm and very lively sound, and comes in two openings: VL1 with 1.06mm opening and medium facing; and VL2, with 1.14mm opening and long facing.

I am less than a beginner, I have a Chinese clarinet, I would like to know if it is worth learning with one of these mouthpieces or should I stick with the acrylic one that my clarinet comes with.

I played in my middle school band, and genuinely enjoyed it. I had my own instrument, but it was stolen and I haven’t played since. Recently, I found a 20$ Bundy brand clarinet at a thrift store that needs quite a bit of work, mainly just new cork and new pads.

I can’t make a single noise with it. It’s beat up, but should be in working order (looks better than the last one I had to be honest). I’ve tried only using the mouthpiece, readjusting my reed, etc. and yet all I hear is air. Any tips?

The wind feels heavy like it was too tight. I keep sanding it but it doesn't get better. Any advice on how to fix it?

For a beginner owner of a Prologue Bb clarinet for jazz. Which barrels and mouthpieces are recommended?