Klarinet Archive - Posting 000067.txt from 2002/11

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausmann1@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Returning to the fold
Date: Fri, 1 Nov 2002 18:17:30 -0500

At 11:08 AM 11/1/2002 -0800, Will Hartung wrote:
>There are a LOT of cheap "brand new, top of the line" clarinets being sold
>for ~$120-$150. But, somehow by looking around on the internet in other
>places, that price range isn't even close to what others are selling
>clarinets for.

Run away screaming from these so-called instruments. They are suitable
ONLY as lamp bases.
If you can find used student models bearing names like Selmer, Bundy, Vito,
Noblet, Normandy, Buffet, Evette, Yamaha, or, in an emergency, Conn or
Armstrong or Artley, you will get an instrument WORLDS better than those
junky Chinese imports. Even though they may cost you twice as much, they
will be well worth the additional price, and it will be possible to find
parts in case, God forbid, anything happens to your clarinet. Used plastic
student clarinets like these should be available for $300 or less if you
look carefully, sometimes even in music stores, or in pawn shops,
etc. Often a non-playable one can be had for very little and turned into a
perfectly good horn for $100-150.

>Of course, on the other hand, clarinets seem to be pretty expensive -- $700+
>for a new one. That seems to be a big leap for an entry level person.

That is about full LIST price for a new student model clarinet. About the
same as a student model trumpet or trombone, and MUCH cheaper than a
saxophone! On sale they could be as little as $350-500, even in a retail
store. For a couple of hundred more, you can get a wood clarinet. Try to
get as good a MOUTHPIECE as you can, though, and for that you should
probably consult the retail store or the Klarinet archives. Some very good
ones can be had for very reasonable prices.

Bill Hausmann

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is TOO LOUD!

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