 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: 800xcrunner
Date: 2020-01-25 13:52
Hi everyone. New to the forum. A bit of an interesting question. I have wanted to play a “low pitched” reed instrument since I played the trumpet in high school. Having played the trumpet, pretty much anything that’s not a soprano is lower pitched than it 😂 Anyways, I have been researching different instruments that may help me “satisfy” my music cravings, and I care across the alto clarinet. I had never really heard of it during my years in high school band or college orchestra. I’m leaning towards the alto clarinet for price reasons, but also because I do love how it sounds/it’s range. My question: I found a refinished student level alto clarinet from Taylor Music Inc, for $375. Would a student instrument be ok for my purpose of just starting out and wanting to play casually? Does anyone have any experience dealing with Taylor Music? Does $375 seem too cheap to anyone else?? I would really appreciate the help anyone can give!!
Also, aside from playing Trumpet, I played Bassoon a little my freshman year, and fell in LOVE with the bass clarinet as well. I have experience playing the “bigger” single reed instruments (tenor sax, alto sax, bass clarinet,) but as far as I can tell, a bass clarinet would be out of my budget range.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2020-01-26 00:30
What make is it? A lot of plastic alto clarinets can be found for considerably low prices, but you will have to check them to see if they are playable or spend the money on having them repaired.
I know someone who played a Buescher (same as a Bundy, Selmer USA and B&H "78") alto in a concert band I used to play in and she sounded great on that (we used to tackle some hefty stuff in that band).
As long as it's in top playing condition and everything is well regulated, vented and balanced, it shouldn't be a problem.
The most popular plastic alto clarinets are Bundy/Buescher/Selmer USA/B&H "78" and also Vito/Normandy/Yamaha USA. Above that are the wooden Noblet altos and the pro level altos are made by the big names of Buffet, Leblanc, Selmer (Paris) and Yamaha. There are other makers such as Malerne (they went by loads of different names) and Kolhert
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: 800xcrunner
Date: 2020-01-26 01:45
Thank you for the quick response and input! Supposedly the make of the instrument is “Major Brand” I guess? It’s supposed to be a student brand that the company uses, but I’ve never heard of it and can’t find any information on it online. My assumption is that it may just be a “cheap” student brand, but the MSRP is supposed to be $2000+. So I’m just not sure how to feel about that!
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2020-01-26 02:40
http://www.1800usaband.com/products/view/96
That looks like they're reconditioned Bundy/Buescher/Selmer USA altos as the description reads:
Refinished, Major Brand Student Model Alto Clarinets
(Our choice of brand)
Open hole models
Plastic body, nickel plated keys
Range to low Eb
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: 800xcrunner
Date: 2020-01-26 03:08
Oh my gosh, I think I was reading the description wrong! Does it show I’m not a woodwind guy? 😂 When it read “our choice of brand,” I thought it meant that “Major Brand” was the NAME of the brand 🤭. Well thank you very much for that clarification! So then I guess at this point, does that sound like it would be a good deal? My use of the instrument would be solely for personal use, no gigs or concert work or anything. I would just want to make sure that the instrument plays relatively well. I could always put money aside for repairs if needed.
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Author: Kalashnikirby
Date: 2020-01-26 11:50
If that means the instrument seals well and has a good key action, then sure, it‘s a good price! Granted, you can’t check an instrument you buy online beforehand, but for just 375$, I wouldn’t exactly expect brand new pads in all places. Servicing an alto is a little more complex, even if it’s „just“ a Bundy. For reference, a repair guy would charge 400-600€ for a complete service here in Germany.
Other than that, they’re great instruments.
Best regards
Christian
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Author: Selmerpriv67
Date: 2020-01-27 08:32
I bought a Selmer contra-alto off of them on a whim last year that was "econo-overhauled" by them. All the keys were buffed, pads and corks were all replaced, (the usual stuff in any overhaul) and the case and mouthpiece were brand new. They have different tiers of overhauls, apparently "econo overhaul" is second from the best or whatever which includes a new case and mouthpiece, instead of just a standard pad replacement/regulation with the original case (their website explains it more).
All-in-all, I'm a pretty satisfied customer. The workmanship was top-notch, and the instrument was packaged securely... just wish they were closer to NY!
Post Edited (2020-01-27 08:37)
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Author: 800xcrunner
Date: 2020-01-27 10:34
Selmerpriv67 wrote:
> I bought a Selmer contra-alto off of them on a whim last year
> that was "econo-overhauled" by them. All the keys were buffed,
> pads and corks were all replaced, (the usual stuff in any
> overhaul) and the case and mouthpiece were brand new. They
> have different tiers of overhauls, apparently "econo overhaul"
> is second from the best or whatever which includes a new case
> and mouthpiece, instead of just a standard pad
> replacement/regulation with the original case (their website
> explains it more).
>
> All-in-all, I'm a pretty satisfied customer. The workmanship
> was top-notch, and the instrument was packaged securely... just
> wish they were closer to NY!
>
>
> Post Edited (2020-01-27 08:37)
I guess a better question would have been does anyone have any experience with this company. It sounds like you had a pretty good experience! The price almost seemed “too good to be true” so I’m glad to hear that someone has purchased from them with success. I saw the econo overhaul ones, the alto I want is just refinished, but is supposed to include new pads and cleaning and the like. It’s sounding like a good option at this point! I’m thinking of either saving up and going with this, or trying to find a place that I could rent a bass clarinet from. Thank you for your input!
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Author: 800xcrunner
Date: 2020-01-27 10:39
Kalashnikirby, it does seem like it could be a relatively expensive instrument in the long run at times! I do wish I would be able to test it out. But for the price, I feel it is a chance I’d be willing to take! I really just want an instrument to be able to satisfy my cravings for music, and that’s worth $375 to me! Thank you for your input!
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Author: donald
Date: 2020-01-27 11:44
I have a friend who trained making bassoons and bass clarinets so can do all his own repairs. He has in his quiver of clarinets a Vito alto clarinet (I believe the Vito and Yamaha are the same instrument) that he bought and overhauled. While he had the keys off he had them silver plated (as he makes instruments he's often sending in batches of keys etc for plating) before repadding.
Now he has a plastic student instrument with silver keys, and frequently fools other players into thinking it's a pro instrument. It sounds GREAT (probably helps that he can keep the pads sealing himself). I've played it several times and it compares just fine next to the Selmer and Leblanc wooden horns I can compare it to.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2020-01-28 00:20
That's the best part of being able to do your own repair and modification work is you can see the potential in otherwise derelict instruments and turn them back into top notch players. As well as only having to pay for the parts.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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