Klarinet Archive - Posting 000838.txt from 1998/08

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] major decision
Date: Fri, 28 Aug 1998 16:47:40 -0400

On Fri, 28 Aug 1998, Ben Stutzman wrote:

> My
> teacher suggested either buy a NEW intermediate Yamaha YCL52 or pro
> R-13. I would love to get the pro instrument; but I am really at an
> intermediate level. My parents will contribute enough for the Yamaha,
> me chipping in the rest for the R-13. Is it good for me to get a
> professional horn? I will play through HS for sure, I'm not sure about
> college. If I get a intermediate instrument and play in college, then I
> will want a professional clarinet. Is it better to get the R-13 while I
> have the money? Even if I stop in 3 years, which I don't plan to, is
> the R-13 worth it? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
> Thanks.

Hi Ben,

Welcome to the list. There are many philosophies out there.....you will,
undoubtedly, receive many different responses to this question. I can
only tell you what I and some of my colleagues recommend to students.

I still start beginning clarinetists....and teach adults as well. When
students begin to notice that their horn is holding them back, I begin to
let them experience my R-13 on an occassional passage. It really makes it
clear that the R-13 is a good instrument for them. My experience is that,
when a student begins to notice they need a better horn, get the pro
model. The intermediate models often don't play much better than the
student grade - especially if the student grades horns are
overhauled.......of course, people disagree on this.

The R-13 will retain its value much more than any intermediate model you
might purchase. If you did quit in three years, you could sell it for a
good percentage of what you paid for it.

Good luck!

Roger Garrett
IWU

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