If you've played clarinet, you understand this joke (and it's relation to reeds!): How many clarinetists does it take to change a lightbulb? The answer - who knows...but they'll go through boxes and boxes of lightbulbs looking for just the right one!
I've played clarinet for over four decades...mostly soprano, but also alto and bass. I've played saxophones. Playing the saxophone takes effort at the highest echelons of musical performance, but it is a relatively easy instrument to start playing as a beginner. Playing a clarinet, however, is like joining the priesthood; you must first sacrifice the rest of your life to pursue this path, and just when you think you're 'getting it', you have to sacrifice more. For some of us, clarinet is worth it; for me, there's nothing else like it, not even the saxophone (though playing the clarinet DOES make playing a sax...and most other woodwinds... fairly easy). What the Nuvo Dood does is make that first step EASY. I can see this nifty little instrument luring a lot of people in the clarinet direction.
I purchased this because I wanted a small musical instrument to take motorcycle camping. I was originally looking at harmonicas, ukuleles, and various percussion instruments, but then settled on the idea of a "camping clarinet". It made sense, since I've played clarinet for so long. However, a regular clarinet wouldn't hold up to the abuse it would see out on the dusty trails we have here is the western USA. The Nuvo Dood, however, seems rugged and should take the abuse just fine. And even if it gets damaged or destroyed, it's only $30 (as of Dec. 2023), so it's super affordable to replace.
When I opened the Amazon package after delivery, the Nuvo Dood was nicely contained in an internal box, and inside of that box was soft case containing the instrument. It came with two synthetic reeds, with strengths of 1 and 1.5. The Dood is some sort of plastic, but it feels like a "good plastic" and not a "cheap plastic". The mouthpiece cap, bell, and finger keys are a silicone material that feels good and seems rugged. The reed is held to the mouthpiece by a nifty little clamping mechanism. So far, so good...
The first time I played the instrument, I was shocked. The tone is superb for such a simple instrument. While it wasn't quite the same as a regular clarinet, it's close enough for a 'camping clarinet'. It's one octave, and fully chromatic. It's in the key of C, which is perfect for this sort of instrument, particularly if you'll be playing with others; if it were in the key of Bb like a regular soprano clarinet, you'd really want the extra finger keys for playing in remote keys. Within minutes I had this baby all figured out and was having fun cranking out tunes. And it sounded GREAT.
Camping trips are going to be more fun now. Highly, highly recommend. And if you're a flute or saxophone player, they have those, too...
DooD 2.0 (White/Blue)
4.4 | 604 ratings
Price: 23.51
Last update: 07-25-2024
About this item
Introduce single-reed skills at an early age
Supplied with 2x Nuvo synthetic reeds, DooD fingering chart and instrument case
Now fitted with a new lever ligature, easy to open with one hand
Standard recorder fingering, Clarinet-like sound
In the key of C and fully chromatic
Supplied with 2x Nuvo synthetic reeds, DooD fingering chart and instrument case
Now fitted with a new lever ligature, easy to open with one hand
Standard recorder fingering, Clarinet-like sound
In the key of C and fully chromatic
Product information
| Item Weight | 7 ounces |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 15.35 x 2.91 x 1.2 inches |
| ASIN | B07KWVW253 |
| Item model number | N430DWBL |
| Customer Reviews |
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars
604 ratings
4.3 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #8,795 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #11 in Clarinets (Musical Instruments) |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | March 13, 2019 |
| Color Name | White/Blue |
| Material Type | Plastic |
| Instrument Key | C |
Top reviews from the United States
Akston's Cafe
I've played clarinet for over 40 years...the Nuvo Dood is phenomenal!
Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2023Al
Musian (self taught) of 20 years, reviews:
Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2023Sarah M.
Fun instrument, great innovation
Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2023