Klarinet Archive - Posting 000556.txt from 1996/08

From: Fred Jacobowitz <fredj@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: tips for selecting a used clarinet
Date: Tue, 20 Aug 1996 11:49:30 -0400

Mark,
There are three factors involved in procuring an instrument: 1)
Rent or Buy? If you are not totally sure that it is a firm commitment by
your daughter (not an unreasonable assumption given a 10-year-old), you
will want to rent for a few months. Then you can have the option of
buying either that instrument or a better one. Naturally, of course, you
are somewhat constrained by the selection of instruments at the store you
are renting from but c'est la vie. Remember, however, BUY AN INSTRUMENT
AS SOON AS YOU FEEL YOU CAN BECAUSE YOU'RE PAYING MUCH MORE TO RENT
LONGTERM THAN TO BUY OUTRIGHT 2) Plastic or wood? For younger students
(especially light-boned ones like little girls), I recommend the
lightweight plastic instrument, even tho the quality of the instrument is
usually far below that of the wooden ones. Again, you can always trade up
to a wooden one either when you buy after renting or just whenever you
have a few extra bucks. 3) Pretty much all plastic instruments are
comparable in quality and most student woodent instruments are comparable
too. However, as a rule, student wood instruments are better than student
plastic ones. Exceptions to the rule are not by brand name but variation
in quality of the individual unit. When in doubt, ask a pro.
Finally, the unwritten rule: GET A GOOD TEACHER FOR YOUR DAUGHTER!!!!!!
I can't tell you how many dozens of adults I have talked to who say, to the
effect, "I would have loved playing if only I'd had a teacher/ a good teacher/
been given professional advice or encouragement..." If you want your
daughter to enjoy doing it right and to be challenged (most kids enjoy being
challenged to do well, especially the smart, talented ones) you owe her
this.

Fred Jacobowitz
Clarinet/Sax Instructor, Peabody Preparatory

On Mon, 19 Aug 1996, Mark Golden wrote:

> this is my first evening as a subscriber, and what an exciting time to =
> be here, what with all the wayward .GIFs floating around!
>
> could someone point me to a resource or provide me opinions regarding =
> brands, quality checks, price ranges, sources, etc., of good used =
> clarinets?=20
>
> my daughter is starting 6th grade band now and has selected the =
> clarinet (with some assistance from a brahms clarinet cd that i lent =
> her). i would much prefer to buy her a quality used instrument rather =
> than a mass-production (dare i say it) plastic instrument. trouble is, i =
> know nothing about clarinets (although i could select a used guitar.)=20
>
> can anyone spare a moment for any comments/opinions? thanks in =
> advance...
>

   
     Copyright © Woodwind.Org, Inc. All Rights Reserved    Privacy Policy    Contact charette@woodwind.org