Clarinet

[Houthakker]

Been playing a tenor sax for a few years now and really enjoy it.
Saw a second hand Clarinet cheap today so picked it up.
Blimey, first impressions are that's its a lot harder to get a tune out of it than a sax.
Anyone else play both?

 

[Yellow Saddle]

No I don't play either, but it has always been said that a tenor sax is the easiest of all the instruments other than the triangle. It is on the opposite end of the French horn, reputed to be the most difficult. I don't care for the French horn, the French can keep it.

 

[swee'pea99]

My sis used to 'play' one. I used to harmonise by garroting chickens.

 

[delb0y]

I mess around on both now and again. Not very good and tend to dribble after ten minutes on account of the lip muscles. But I love both instruments when played well.

 

[Julia9054]

Used to play both clarinet and alto sax as a teenager. Our band was called The Golden Aspidistra Jazz Ensemble!
Acquired a clarinet a couple of years ago having not played since i was 17. I'd like to say it all came flooding back. It didn't!

 

[Drago]

Used to play both clarinet and alto sax as a teenager. Our band was called The Golden Aspidistra Jazz Ensemble!

 

[Illaveago]

What make is it?
I've always fancied one and managed to pick an old one at an auction. It took me quite a while before I could even get a sound out of it. It is a Selmer Console Steel Ebonite. I have since managed to pick up another clarinet, this time it is a Boosey and Hawkes Regent and have found that it is a lot easier to play than the Selmer.
It is the first time that I have had a musical instrument so I am still learning.

 

[Fnaar]

Miss Goodbody is fantastic on the oboe.
And she can make my French horn play its own tunes.

 

[delb0y]

Mine is a B&H Regent, too. 1971 was the year I got it - can still recalling putting my name down on the list at school. Choices were Violin, Flute, or Clarinet. My folks paid the £43 (IIRC) in instalments. Wish I practiced more, but then the guitar came along.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

My 10 year old plays, he's very good too, got a distinction in his grade 1 (shameless boast).

 

[Julia9054]

My 10 year old plays, he's very good too, got a distinction in his grade 1 (shameless boast).

Well done!
Recalling a conversation between one of my sons and his friend at primary school about a music exam. The friend asked "did you get an extinction?"

 

[Globalti]

I so wish I had learned an instrument as a kid. I grew up in a musical family but went to boarding school where it was rugby or cricket only. I really envy people who can play sociable instruments like piano or guitar. Got my sister's old Spanish guitar and can hold down a few chords but not well enough to perform in public.

 

[Julia9054]

I so wish I had learned an instrument as a kid. I grew up in a musical family but went to boarding school where it was rugby or cricket only. I really envy people who can play sociable instruments like piano or guitar. Got my sister's old Spanish guitar and can hold down a few chords but not well enough to perform in public.

It's never too late to start. I know lots of people who have taken up brass band instruments as adults - some completely from scratch, never having read or played a note of music. My husband took up playing the cornet in his forties as he got sick of driving the car and holding the coats whilst the rest of the family played! Some brass bands have adult beginners groups and will even loan you an instrument. You would be particularly welcome if you fancied learning one of less popular instruments such as the tuba.

 

[Houthakker]

My 10 year old plays, he's very good too, got a distinction in his grade 1 (shameless boast).

Well done to him. He doesn't give lessons does he................?

I so wish I had learned an instrument as a kid. I grew up in a musical family but went to boarding school where it was rugby or cricket only. I really envy people who can play sociable instruments like piano or guitar. Got my sister's old Spanish guitar and can hold down a few chords but not well enough to perform in public.

Go for it!. I was over 50 when I bought the sax and have never played anything in my life, and couldn't read a note of music. I'm nowhere good enough to "perform" but I get real satisfaction when I finally play a tune to a standard I'm happy with.

 

[delb0y]

As others have said, it's never too late to start. And it's never to late to get out and play in public. Just do it! It's a great buzz.