Klarinet Archive - Posting 000067.txt from 1995/11

From: Michael D Moors - Alpena <mdmoors@-----.US>
Subj: Re: Student model clarinets
Date: Fri, 3 Nov 1995 17:48:57 -0500

I agree 100% with Robert Springs opinion of the Yamaha and Vito
clarinets. I teach beginning band and am a clarinet teacher and solo and
ensemble judge for the State of Michigan. From my exposure to student
model instruments I think the Yamaha and Vito are made by the same
company. I also really like the Buffet student model clarinets. I try
to upgrade mouthpiece. Or school system uses B45 Vandoren mouthpieces as
standard equipment. For students that can't afford the B45 we have
decided to go with student model Knox mouthpiece. For $20.00 you can get
a mouthpiece that is far above stock mouthpieces.

In regard to buying an instrument from a catalog. At the risk of getting
"flamed" by readers from such warehouses I would like to point out
pitfalls. I have tried selected new professional model Buffets that are
terrible as far as being adjusted. A warehouse isn't going to "prep" a
instrument for you. You could probably buy a brass instrument without
problems but an oboe, basson, clarinet or sax I would pay more to have it
preped. Another pitfall with warehouses is you deal directly with the
company (at most warehouses) for service. This at the least can be time
consuming and inconvenient. If you find a good repairman (like I have)
buy him dinner once in a wile.

BTW Bob, are you teaching at the Iron County Youth camp this year. If so
I have some students I will send up there. Adam Dempsey raves about your
circular breathing! I have a Sophomore girl that is doing very well that
I would like you to work with.

Mike Moors
mdmoors@-----.us

On Fri, 3 Nov 1995 Robert.Spring@-----.BITNET wrote:

> Helen,
>
> Teachers in Arizona have had great luck with the Yamaha student line
> instruments. I have also played some very fine Leblanc Vito student line
> horns.
>
> >Hi!
> >I am seeking peoples advice/comments/experience with student model=
> > clarinets. I do most of my teaching at an organisation called "out of=
> > school music" which caters for primary school children, and is a government=
> > funded scheme. We begin clarinet with children aged between 9 and 10, and=
> > they can learn for three years at these classes. (group tuition, up to 6 or=
> > 8 in a class) They hire an instrument through the scheme, but at the end of=
> > three years, the children need to buy their own instrument, and those who=
> > continue usually go on to private lessons. As we approach the end of the=
> > teaching year here, parents are beginning to ask our advice on which=
> > instrument to buy, and while I have always recommended one particular brand=
> > in the past, this year the catalogues we have been sent seem to offer many=
> > more options.
> >
> >Now, I should mention that I am in a city that has a less than adequate=
> > music store, who, despite our promises to get them 10 or 15 "sales" of=
> > clarinet each December, still refuse to stock more than one clarinet at a=
> > time! Consequently, we have been looking into offers from mail-order=
> > companies in some of the bigger NZ cities.=20
> >I am wondering what other teachers experiences are with the following (or=
> > any other brands/models you may particularly like!)
> >
> >Artley 70s Grendilla, NZ$815
> >Artley 65s Main body wood, NZ$795
> >Armstrong 4001 Composite body NZ$539
> >Yamaha C100 ABS body NZ$735
> >Yamaha YCL26II ABS body NZ$1075
> >
> >I've included the price - a special offer cash price - just for comparison=
> > for those interested! The exchange rate at the moment is about=20
> >NZ$1 - US$0.65
> > - UKL0.42
> > =20
> >
> >And what is the ABS body on the Yamaha? some type of composite I presume?
> >
> >There are others available to us; the Buffet wooden student models, for=
> > example, but a lot of our students are on tight budgets, and are not always=
> > *that* serious!!
> >
> >I would really appreciate peoples feedback on this! Thanks in advance for=
> > your comments!
> >
> >Helen
> >
> >
> >* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
> >* Helen Emerson *
> >* Department of Music *
> >* University of Otago *
> >* New Zealand *
> >* helen.emerson@-----.nz *
> >* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
>
> ----
> Dr. Robert S. Spring
> Professor of Music (Clarinet)
> School of Music
> Arizona State University
> Tempe, AZ 85287-0405
> Office - 602/965-4306, FAX - 602-965-2659, Home - 602/345-8013
> Internet: Robert.Spring@-----.edu
>