 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: TimeGuardian
Date: 2004-10-21 19:51
Hey, I'm just turning 16 and I'm getting a new clarinet. I was just looking for a fairly cheap clarinet, so I'm getting some 300 dollar one from sears.
The clarinet is only going to be used to play some jazz music and such.
Is this going to be a decent buy? Because I read around this board and people have been bad mouthing these department store clarinets. Not sure if this one would be that bad, but if it sucks I think I can return it.
Here's a link to it, although I'm not sure if direct links are even allowed here.. I'll have to skim over some of these guidelines in a bit.
[ While in general links are allowed, it would behoove you to read the rules before posting! Mark C. ]
Peace
My choice is what I choose to do, and if I'm causin no harm it shoudln't bother you.. Your choice is who you choose to be, and if you're causin no harm then you're alright with me.. - Ben harper
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Author: GBK
Date: 2004-10-21 21:14
Be aware that the retail department store clarinets are Taiwanese made CSO (clarinet shaped objects).
Even if you are not playing the clarinet in public and just playing for your own amusement, you want something that will stay in adjustment, have acceptable pitch and will be relatively hassle-free to fix.
On all 3 of the above points, the department store CSO's fail.
There are MANY good choices in your price range. Do some homework. Don't take the easy and quick way out and buy from a department store.
If you want to dispose of $300, at least give it to a homeless shelter.
By the way, the last time I was in Sears, I must have missed the woodwind repair department. Are they located near lawn and garden supplies? ...GBK
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Author: hans
Date: 2004-10-21 21:50
Re: "It doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught..."
I urge you to reconsider that philosophy.
Hans
P.S. - GBK has given you solid advice above. You should know also that many cheap clarinets are made from metals that break during adjustment so that repair techs won't touch them.
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Author: Iacuras
Date: 2004-10-22 00:04
I would suggest the Buffet B10 student model clarinet. It costs right around $350. Check out this link for some more info and pricing. http://www.music123.com/Buffet-B10-Student-Bb-Clarinet-i28665.music.
Steve
"If a pretty poster and a cute saying are all it takes to motivate you, you probably have a very easy job. The kind robots will be doing soon."
"If you can't learn to do something well, learn to enjoy doing it poorly."
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Author: johnsonfromwisconsin
Date: 2004-10-22 00:57
Return it immediately, even in the off-chance that it's accidentily well put together. You'de be better off going to even a second-hand instrument store and buying a Bundy or other student horn than a cheaply made department-store "instrument". Such entities probably classify their cheap clarinets as "toys", not instruments that necessitate a high precision in manufacture, and as such they require very low standards (and costs!) from their suppliers (this also goes for telescopes, by the way).
$300 shouldn't give you too much difficulty in finding a suitable instrument, but you won't find it at Sears.
-JfW
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Author: jArius
Date: 2004-10-23 02:13
Bottom line: Sears is out of the question. When buying an instrument it's better to rely on word of mouth rather than snappy advertising. As with most things, the best instruments sell themselves. My local Wal-Mart sell various wind instruments in very attractive packaging, including a clarinet for about $250. Every time I go past the display, I sneer at it. GBK had some very good, valid points about the quality of CSOs. Do some research, go with well-known names, and, if you have no other choice, go to your local music store and ask them to mail-order the one you want. I had a Bundy that lasted me about eight years, and I still keep it around as a "beater" horn, for marching band and the like. Always easy for the tech to repair, wasn't very expensive, and the upkeep costs were low, being plastic and all.
But, please, get something that will last at least six months. And think your desicion through. My nearest quality music store is an hour and a half's drive away, but I made a special trip down there just so I could try the horns out myself without having to rely on what other people said about various models, and I'm just an intermediate level college-scholarship hopeful. Consequently, I'm very happy with the Yamaha I ended up buying.
I cannot stress research enough.
Jeremy Bruins
Proud member of the too-much-time-on-my-hands club.
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Author: Ralph G
Date: 2004-10-23 17:05
Please, PLEASE, if you haven't bought one already, dispose of that idea and use that $300 (or a bit more if you have it) to get a clarinet from a proper music outlet (local or online) with one of the following brand names:
Buffet
Leblanc/Vito/Normandy/Noblet
Selmer/Selmer USA/Bundy
Yamaha
Forte
Any one of these will get you on the righteous path to clarineting. And you'll have a much easier time selling it if it turns out the clarinet life isn't your bag of tricks.
________________
Artistic talent is a gift from God and whoever discovers it in himself has a certain obligation: to know that he cannot waste this talent, but must develop it.
- Pope John Paul II
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Author: Tara
Date: 2004-10-24 01:24
I have seen many great used wood student clarinets (E-11s and such) sell for $300-$400 in my area. I would recommend you consider a used instrument of higher quality as opposed to new... Good luck- Tara
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Author: Bnatural
Date: 2004-10-24 01:29
I know we've had this argument before but I again have to bring up pawn shops and other such stores, It wasn't that long ago I got a mid 70s Evette and Schafer wood clarinet for $70 plays well with out adjustments but could most likely use around $30-40 worth of repair.
Take someone with you that could judge if their is that person.
Just another idea
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-10-24 17:06
The Buffet B-10 is crap
Get the B-12 and you won't have sticking pad problems.
But if you want to spend $400 and get one heck of an instrument get the Forte Clarinet from the Doctor (see his link in the sponsors link area).
It is superior to the B-10 in a lot of ways
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2004-10-24 17:55
Thought for a happy life:
Unless you would go to a musical instrument store to buy a dishwasher or electric blanket, why visit Sears to buy a Clarinet?
Regards,
John
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Author: TimeGuardian
Date: 2004-10-24 20:37
Well.. My mom got it for me before I got to read all this. Someone showed me how to make noise with it and I'm getting used to it.
It will have to do for now, and if something breaks on it I can probably return it.
Anything positive to say about my poor unliked by many clarinet lol?
My choice is what I choose to do, and if I'm causin no harm it shoudln't bother you.. Your choice is who you choose to be, and if you're causin no harm then you're alright with me.. - Ben harper
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Author: GBK
Date: 2004-10-24 21:15
TimeGuardian wrote:
> Well.. My mom got it for me before I got to read all this.
Return it...GBK
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Author: sinkdraiN
Date: 2004-10-24 21:22
Yes, return it.
You will spend too much effort compensating for faulty equipment and your parents will spend too much money repairing it.
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Author: pewd
Date: 2004-10-24 21:24
i second the motion, return it.
>Anything positive to say about my poor unliked by many clarinet lol?
its not a clarinet. its a CSO.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: susieray
Date: 2004-10-24 23:33
I third the motion, return it.
Sears should be real good about giving refunds, and you can definitely find a great used clarinet with that same $300!
Sue
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Author: TimeGuardian
Date: 2004-10-25 22:22
Hmm, alright.. I'll talk to my parents about it, but I'll keep using it until I can find a good used one. I think sears is actually really good for returning stuff like I think someone said.
My choice is what I choose to do, and if I'm causin no harm it shoudln't bother you.. Your choice is who you choose to be, and if you're causin no harm then you're alright with me.. - Ben harper
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-10-25 22:42
TimeGuardian, this is off topic but is a response to your posting in the drug thread.
"
I'm just saying drugs have helped music, even though those people die
after awhile.. but a soft drug like weed has never killed anyone, and that
really enhances music. People like bob marley or louis armstrong just
wouldn't be the same without it."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Don't think for a second that smoking pot is safe.
Actually, many have died from smoking pot.
How?
Why?
What?
Yes - often Pot is laced with a much heavier drug. The drug pushers do that to get a stupid kid hooked on the stuff.
And you have zero guarantee that the next pot cig you smoke isn't laced.
So unless you are personally growing it yourself, ya never know just what is in it and how your body will react to it.
How do I know that? A guy came to my High School way back in 1980 and gave a long lecture about Drugs. His name was David Toma (as in the TV series from the 70's) and he was a Vice Cop for the Newark Police Dept.
The show TOMA ended up being renamed
Baretta
So don't do the crime if you can't do the time.
:)
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2004-10-25 22:56
Craig,
I have followed the responses to your post and must throw in my opinion. Concerning "It doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught..." if you are in doubt as to whether it is right or wrong, error on the conservative side and do not do it. Ask yourself, would you do this if your parents or minister/rabbi/priest were standing right there.
With respect to your post on a drug thread which said "I'm just saying drugs have helped music, even though those people die
after awhile.. but a soft drug like weed has never killed anyone, and that
really enhances music. People like bob marley or louis armstrong just
wouldn't be the same without it" you are really niave about the effects of drugs be they perscription or not. Drugs do not mix well with a rational life in any way, shape, or form.
My comments are based on being a teacher/professor (HS and university) for over 40 years and a working musician for over 50 years. You also have gotten terrific advice from musicians of all parts of the music scene; heed their words.
I have seen a whole lot of people really screwed up. I am not one of them!
HRL
BTW Take the Sears clarinet back ASAP.
Post Edited (2004-10-26 03:08)
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Author: hans
Date: 2004-10-25 23:59
I want to add my support to the two posts above, which give all the reasons anyone should need to avoid illicit drugs.
Hans
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Author: bunny.stewart
Date: 2004-10-27 17:06
Get off the drug thing. What someone does or does not do is none of your business, and their cannot be one defintive opinion. Besides, it definitely has nothing to do with this forum.
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Author: hans
Date: 2004-10-27 17:46
"What someone does or does not do is none of your business"... actually, it is. In Canada our taxes pay for health care and when someone ends up needing a liver transplant because they destroyed their first one with drugs, or in the hospital emergency room after an overdose, we all have to pay for it.
One of the things this forum is very good at is helping people. That sometimes extends beyond clarinet equipment, technique, etc.
The moderators are the final arbiters of what is appropriate, not the participants, and you will notice that threads which stray too far are closed down.
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2004-10-27 18:09
That's quite a handsome high horse, bunny, but it doesn't look good under you.
Sure, if someone wants to zonk themselves by self-medication with controlled substances, I shouldn't care, right? Well, how about the druggies who burglarized my house a few years ago, causing a few thousand dollars worth of damage to the house, and stealing a lot more value than that in miscellaneous trinkets?
Quite frankly, I've thought several times that they would have been much better off performing an F50 study to completion using the pharmaceutical of their choice.
Cash value is one thing, but some of the irreplaceable memorabilia was just too much for me to feel the warmth of forgiveness coursing pleasantly through my veins. And if you think I will EVER believe that what they did was none of my business, well, your perception of my belief-structure is utterly incorrect.
Nothing to do with this forum? the discussion pertained to the "improvement" of music through use of certain drugs (presumably psychoactive?) by some musicians. This grew from a thread regarding suggestions to visit a physician for prescription of drugs which might assist in relaxation of a performer. Not especially pertinent to this thread, however, so I close now.
Regards,
John
Opinions are like noses. Everybody has one, and some smell better than others.
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-10-27 18:18
E off Bunny.
It was good advice he got and he needed it badly.
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2004-10-27 18:18
We've already a pretty well-thought-out and polite thread on drugs & the musician - let's keep all the discussion there, shall we?
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Author: bunny.stewart
Date: 2004-10-27 21:35
My apologies. I thought this discussion was about Sears clarinets.
Also, I don't think I'm the only one here on a high horse.
But hey, no offense, think what you will.
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-10-27 21:47
Here's my high horse 
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Author: TimeGuardian
Date: 2004-10-27 23:34
[ Deleted - As previously stated, please keep this thread on topic. - GBK ]
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Author: TimeGuardian
Date: 2004-10-28 01:20
I'm going to return it after awhile.. I already talked to my mom about it.
Sears is really good for taking things back as said before, so I'm just going to use this for awhile because I'm not trying to sound perfect right now.
I'm able to actually play little songs and stuff now, and am having a great time with this clarinet.
I'm going to start looking for some good used ones around the same price range. Anyways, thanks for the help.
Peace.
EDIT: lol this moderator loves me..
My choice is what I choose to do, and if I'm causin no harm it shoudln't bother you.. Your choice is who you choose to be, and if you're causin no harm then you're alright with me.. - Ben harper
Post Edited (2004-10-28 01:28)
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Author: TimeGuardian
Date: 2004-11-08 22:19
Hey, I haven't posted in awhile.. but anywho..
Here's what I've been up too. I'm now able to read music and play a few beginner songs. My teacher said I was progressing at lightning speed.. and we talked about me getting a new clarinet. I'm going to get one soon, and return my sears one that sucked. Sears will take it back for sure because it is a good store.. just has bad musical instuments lol.
I called digital world and got a few options to get. A new clarinet called an Allen for 249, and a used one called a king tempo for 129. Can someone tell me if either of these options would be a good buy?
Thanks.
My choice is what I choose to do, and if I'm causin no harm it shoudln't bother you.. Your choice is who you choose to be, and if you're causin no harm then you're alright with me.. - Ben harper
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Author: GBK
Date: 2004-11-08 23:02
TimeGuardian wrote:
> Can someone tell me if either of these options
> would be a good buy?
Neither one....
Reread the thread - you were already given some very sound advice and suggestions...GBK
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Author: Igloo Bob
Date: 2004-11-08 23:11
Why did you call digital world? Wouldn't it make a bit more sense to call a music store?
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-11-08 23:16
Ben, you are close to spending $400 already. Save up the $$ and get something decent that you won't have to service and be concerned that it isn't any good. It will make a world of difference in ease of playability.
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Author: hans
Date: 2004-11-08 23:58
Will "digital world" give you a refund like Sears will?
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Author: TimeGuardian
Date: 2004-11-09 00:10
Digital world basicly is a music store.. The whole place is filled with expensive guitars and other instruments that are of decent to very good quality names..(guitars anyway).
And no, Digital world probably wouldn't give refunds like sears would, but not to many places do...
My choice is what I choose to do, and if I'm causin no harm it shoudln't bother you.. Your choice is who you choose to be, and if you're causin no harm then you're alright with me.. - Ben harper
Post Edited (2004-11-09 00:18)
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Author: Ralph G
Date: 2004-11-09 13:09
Ben,
This is a great example of a good quality student clarinet you can buy for less that what your parents paid Sears:
http://www.wwbw.com/Selmer-Signet-Bb-Clarinet-i130015.music
It's used, and Selmer doesn't make the Signet line of clarinets anymore. But I started out on a Signet as a beginner in 1979, and I still use that horn as my primary outdoor clarinet. They are wonderful horns.
(This isn't an endorsement of Woodwind and Brasswind, but an example of a good, inexpensive clarinet you can find online)
________________
Artistic talent is a gift from God and whoever discovers it in himself has a certain obligation: to know that he cannot waste this talent, but must develop it.
- Pope John Paul II
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Author: TimeGuardian
Date: 2004-11-13 16:59
There's new clarinet called a roy benson at tony's music box for 200 bucks. That's a music store.. just listing off some options I find, if any are good tell me.
Thanks.
My choice is what I choose to do, and if I'm causin no harm it shoudln't bother you.. Your choice is who you choose to be, and if you're causin no harm then you're alright with me.. - Ben harper
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Author: GBK
Date: 2004-11-13 17:19
TimeGuardian wrote:
> There's new clarinet called a roy benson at tony's music box
> for 200 bucks.
Roy Benson® clarinets are routinely sold new for about $150.
How do you think the quality is going to be? ...GBK
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Author: Stepan
Date: 2004-11-13 18:21
Why not to buy plastic Amati ACL201 clarinet from WWBW, it costs just 280 with free shipping.
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2004-11-13 18:52
Stepan wrote:
> Why not to buy plastic Amati ACL201 clarinet from WWBW, it
> costs just 280 with free shipping.
Because it's not very good ...
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Author: Stepan
Date: 2004-11-13 18:56
Have you played it?
I have not so it can be not very good, I do not know...
Post Edited (2004-11-13 18:57)
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2004-11-13 19:05
I would not comment if I had not examined it physically & played it.
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Author: hans
Date: 2004-11-13 19:07
Craig,
You appear to be asking what is essentially the same question and expecting a different response, which is not very rational.
There is advice above from people with many years of professional experience and they have tried to help you - it would be wise to take their comments seriously and try the 5 brands recommended by Ralph G and others.
You may also want to consider that whatever you buy is likely to become your trade-in at some point. A CSO would be virtually worthless in that case.
Hans
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2004-11-13 19:13
hans wrote:
> There is advice above from people with many years of
> professional experience and they have tried to help you - it
> would be wise to take their comments seriously and try the 5
> brands recommended by Ralph G and others.
Amen. This thread is now closed. If people have some new information regarding good beginner clarinets that have not appeared in this thread, please let me know & I'll re-open it.
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