 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Roxann
Date: 2012-08-25 21:21
I live in Boise and there are only 2 music stores in town that I would go to to buy a new intermediate clarinet. Neither one has much of a selection. Different people on bboards have suggested I try out a variety of clarinets to find the one that I enjoy playing the most. Is there a way to do that short of traveling to a big city and visiting various music stores? If I DO need to travel to a "big" city, is there a city that would be better than others? Are there particular music stores in that city that you would HIGHLY recommend? I live in the Pacific Northwest. Thank you!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2012-08-25 21:44
There are various options in that case...first, you may want to elaborate a bit on your motivation to buy a different clarinet - is the current one holding you back, is it broken, does it need to be a new (as in factory mint condition) one, where's your musical hangout, etc.
I ask this because some in here might have an instrument for sale that just fits your need and let you try it for just the forth/back shipping, or can praise online shop XYZ's return policies or come up with a completely different suggestion.
The better people understand your needs, the better they can help you.
(Just a year or two ago I learned that I have (very very distant) relatives in Boise)
--
Ben
Post Edited (2012-08-26 15:28)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: dtiegs
Date: 2012-08-26 15:19
I live in this area as well, Nampa. Almost a year ago I bought a pro-grade clarinet, with the presence of my private lessons teacher. Know what you want, and if you cant find what you want, don't buy. But i suggest that you take someone (sometimes it takes money) who is not payed by the store. One that can give you insights on technicalities, prices, and if youre like me, need another set of ears. My teacher and I asked certain stores via email to try their products. They complied, and one store even offered me to take a clarinet home to try! They brought out the clarinets for my teacher and i to try. Luckily I found a gem, without having to travel too far.
I guess you're going to have to ask yourself, how much time and money do i have to spend.
DTiegs
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Roxann
Date: 2012-08-27 03:33
The clarinet I'm playing is a student grade Bundy which is over 50 years old. It plays in tune but is hard to blow (this was confirmed by my instructor). Three years ago, I started playing my clarinet again after a 40+ year hiatus and would like to upgrade from my student model. I want an instrument that will help me grow as a clarinetist, is a pleasure to play, and has good tone quality to take me into "old age." I didn't realize people sold instruments on BBoards but I suppose that's an option. I hesitate buying a used instrument for fear of getting stuck with a lemon, but am not totally opposed to the idea.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: gwie
Date: 2012-08-27 04:53
What is your budget for a new clarinet?
If you don't want to spend a ton of money, but want something that plays very well and is only $625, I'd recommend looking at Tom Ridenour's Lyrique:
http://www.ridenourclarinetproducts.com/146Bb.html
I've heard many good things about them, and I'm about to purchase one of their A clarinets to loan to advanced high school students in my orchestra program.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Shostakovich
Date: 2012-08-27 06:10
I've been wanting to try these Lyrique clarinets as well (after reading all the postive feedback on them on this forum). Unfortunately I'm even more isolated than Roxann. Do you think they'll be willing to ship trial instruments to New Zealand (I imagine the shipping costs will be almost as expensive as the instrument itself).
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Roxann
Date: 2012-08-27 18:55
I just received word from Ridenour's that these clarinets are made in China.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2012-08-27 20:45
I've had a favourable experience with Hanson Clarinets. Not only do they ship it for free, but they also offer an upgrade protection where you can upgrade to a higher end instrument for the mere price difference, should you outgrow your current instrument.
Not sure about their return policy - you may want to check their web site:
http://www.hansonclarinets.com/
(no affiliation with the company except from being a happy customer)
--
Ben
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ttay1122
Date: 2012-10-08 08:48
Not sure if you've found a new clarinet yet, but I also live in the Boise area. From what I recall, Dorsey Music has a wide variety of clarinets. I think they have a store in Meridian or Nampa also? I would have to check on that. Back when I was in the market for a new clarinet, one of the employees drove all the way from their store in the treasure valley, to my home in Mountain Home just to bring my clarinets (and saxes!) to try! Unfortunately I ended up buying my clarinet from a different retailer, but their salesmanship was outstanding to me.
Hope this helps.
Taylor.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Phurster
Date: 2012-10-08 12:43
The other option is to buy without trying.
Kessler or Backun will send you an excellent instrument. Don't waste time with a plastic thing...life is too short.
In fact just go for the pro thing. Buy an R13, Festival, Tosca, Selmer Privilege, Moba whatever...At this level it's not the instrument, it's how you play it.
The instruments last over twenty years, why muck around with the intermediate models?
I await the screams of derision!
All the best,
Chris.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: William
Date: 2012-10-08 14:44
Google Lisa's Clarinet Shop. She is my "go to" person for quality Buffet clarinets, new or used.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: interd0g
Date: 2012-10-08 16:34
I am also isolated ( Antigua West Indies ) No stores. After my vintage Buffet was pronounced unworthy of repair, I decided that my kind of music future could not justify another 3 or 4 k$ plus duty etc,.. I researched and decided to try a Bliss, untried and unseen.
Good move. The ease of blowing and crisp action amazed me and there are several innovations in the mechanism. Good!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
