Category Archives: Clarinet

Clarinet Challenge ~ Can you say Fricken Hard?

Posted on November 23, 2010 by Gandalfe

I am firstly a sax guy. I have a lot of music to prepare for the seven holiday gigs I have in December. Clarinet remains my biggest challenge and after three years of a on again, off again relationship, I … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Christmas, Clarinet, Education, Entertainment, Music, Music Instruments | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Reducing squeaks on the Bass Clarinet

Posted on November 18, 2010 by Gandalfe

I am a hobbyist who started playing clarinet three years ago. I find voicing the clarion range in the bass clarinet to be a challenge, especially because I am a doubler who’s main instrument is the saxophone. So these two … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Clarinet, Education, Music, Music Instruments, Repair, Video | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Albert System Clarinet, in a nutshell

Posted on August 17, 2010 by Gandalfe

Terry Stibal, an accomplished musician and historian, regales us at the Woodwind Forum with yet another synopsis from the musical world. The pictures are from the Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments. A long time ago, there was this … Continue reading →

Posted in Clarinet, Collectable, Music Instruments, Vintage | 15 Comments

What the heck is he playin’…

Posted on October 7, 2008 by Gandalfe

It’s another ‘name that instrument’ for prizes and notoriety. Okay, what is it?  ;o)

Posted in Clarinet, Music Instruments, Oddities | Tagged | 12 Comments

BBb Contrabass Clarinet Voicings

Posted on September 18, 2008 by Gandalfe

Or the lack of the need for special voicing work! Steve Nelson just finished my Leblanc Paris BBb contrabass clarinet and I eagerly sped home in the JaAGmobile. I have a Walter Grabner hand-crafted CX-BBCN made from a Zinner blank. … Continue reading →

Posted in Clarinet | 7 Comments

What’s the definition of “nerd?

Posted on September 11, 2008 by Gandalfe

Someone who owns *her* own alto clarinet. The band director wants Suzy to play E-flat (aka Eb) alto clarinet for the Christmas concert. So we pulled it out and wow, it plays. It is a Leblanc Paris alto clarinet with … Continue reading →

Posted in Clarinet | 7 Comments

1800s Ivory over Boxwood Clarinet

Posted on May 17, 2008 by Gandalfe

I’ve purchased this clarinet that is over 200 years old.  Here’s the description: A rare 6 keyed ivory mounted boxwood clarinet in Bb stamped on all joints: Cahusac, London. Unrestored condition. Pinned and repaired bell, barrel is missing, one key … Continue reading →

Posted in Clarinet | 5 Comments

Silver (Metal) Clarinets

Posted on March 25, 2008 by Gandalfe

I’ve taken a liking to metal clarinets. Since I only buy the silver ones, I call them silver. Silver clarinets were very much in vogue in the early twentieth century. More durable than wood, you would see them in military … Continue reading →

Posted in Clarinet | 13 Comments

Clarinet Perfection.com

Posted on February 28, 2008 by Gandalfe

Today I’m blogging about a nice clarinet reference site called Clarinet Perfection. My good friend and a moderator on the Woodwind Forum runs this site. It has a lot reference information on clarinets that can’t be found anywhere else on … Continue reading →

Posted in Clarinet | 6 Comments

CNN: Leblanc Clarinet Factory to shut down

Posted on December 15, 2007 by Gandalfe

 It’s sad day in the Gandalfe house.  :o( Leblanc Clarinet Factory in Wisconsin to Shut Down December 05, 2007: 11:08 AM EST NEW YORK (Associated Press) – The Leblanc Inc. clarinet factory will shut down, cutting 100 jobs at what … Continue reading →

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