 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Cheryl
Date: 2003-02-16 16:50
I posted on another thread yesterday looking for advice on a starter plastic clarinet for my 5th grader. I pretty much decided on a new Vito based upon the advice on this board. But in asking around, I came across one available from a fellow church member - an older Boosey & Hawkes wooden clarinet that has been well maintainted and recently recorked etc. for about $100. It would be about a third the price of a new plastic Vito, so it seems like a good decision to consider buying from her instead.
What advice is there here for a young student caring for a wooden clarinet? Are there temperature and humidity concerns for example? Is plastic better for a young student?
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2003-02-16 20:43
The B&H Edgeware are decent horns, but wooden instruments hold pitfalls for the beginner.
Cracks are a complication, and when the first drop comes (and it IS coming) expensive damage may be done.
Buy a recondtioned Vito for $250 or less.
And get your kid to prove an interest with allowance money.
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Author: Fred
Date: 2003-02-16 22:20
Cheryl, there's a lot your question didn't specify. Which B&H model is it? You can run into some issues with mouthpieces on some of the B&H models; the mouthpieces mentioned on the other thread wouldn't work on some of them if it turns out to be a pro model you're looking at. Some of the posters here can advise if a special (= expensive) mouthpiece would be needed to play the model in tune.
I'm not so worried about wood; I started on wood and it didn't affect me too much much much . . .
But the condition of the instrument is critical. Well maintained . . . what does that mean? To some it means that it has been kept safe in the closet since it was last repaired in 1986. This is not considered well maintained. New corks, etc.? You didn't mention new pads unless pads are considered in the etc . . . If the corks fell off I worry about the pads. Be aware that repadding a student clarinet may run $100-150.
And lastly, a B&H will probably not sound like what the other kids are playing. May sound better; may sound worse. But your student will be playing the clarinet no one else plays or has heard of. Most of them will show up with Selmer, Buffet, Vito, or Yamahas. And then of course there is the "shiny new" factor that means something to a youngster.
All that being said . . . if the B&H has good pads and corks and is in good adjustment (get a clarinet player to check all this), then $100 is a bargain. If it doesn't work out (for whatever reason), you can probably get most of your money back by selling the instrument yourself.
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Author: George
Date: 2003-02-17 01:18
I started on a wood used clarinet 60 years ago. Three years ago that same clarinet showed up in my shop to be refurbished for a beginner student. The clarinet was the pride of the new student and did very well with it. The most important thing to consider is the playing condition. I see so many clarinets that the owner think is in good working order when in fact it is not. By the way, a plastic clarinet will break as easily if not more so than a wooden one.
The previous message was good advice as well.
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