 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-03-21 06:09
Now that I have my old job back and have some income coming into my pocket, I am determined to save for a GREAT clarinet. Since I will be playing the clarinet for the rest of (hopefully) long-lived life, I want to have the best. As something that is a one-time purchase, I don't want to have to worry about upgrading again unless a new revelation in clarinets appears years down the road. So here's some scenarios I found.
I could save up for a brand new, top of the line clarinet from (for instance) the big four. An advantage would be a quick and easy purchase. Also will probably a lesser price than other ideas I have. Disadvantange would be that finding a "great" one would be a little dificult (due to the fact that they are mass produced) and I'd more than likely need a repair tech to fine-tune it.
I could save up for a handmade clarinet from a very reputable company (think Rossi, Patricola, Peter Eaton, etc). An advantage would be that it (hopefully) would be carefully made and will have as great of a sound as the above scenario. Also, since the makers stand behind their products, there would be very few adjustments to make. Disadvantage would be a very high price and I may be on a "waiting list" of some sort. I know Chadash has a HUGE waiting list and I think others may also.
I could buy a used clarinet of a top model and have that further tweaked. Advantage would be that this would probably be the best price. Disadvantage would be that it's used. I don't know how it's been treated, I don't know what, if anything, KEEPS going wrong with it. Also, it'd be even MORE time consuming if I wanted a specific make/model to find a used one, and get it, and try it, and decided whether I like it or not.
Of these, which seems like the best for a recreational player like myself? I don't aim to go pro (if I have the chance, I will take it, but it's not my goal in life, I just play for fun). However I do want to make a great purchase and have great equipment. I don't hold myself to lesser standards than pros do in anything I do. Also, it's a one-time investment in something that I truly love.
Alexi
PS - Sorry about all these questions and comments lately. Sometimes my mind just gets flooded and I need to release it all.
US Army Japan Band
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Author: msloss
Date: 2003-03-21 12:28
Don't put so much pressure on yourself. If you want the confidence that you have a world-class horn, there are many excellent professionals (like Bil Jackson) who will select an instrument to your spec for a fee. Completely worth the extra cost if you don't have the experience or time to sniff out the best one yourself.
Also, don't think of it as the last instrument you'll ever buy. In the grand scheme of things, clarinets are not all that expensive, and you may have the inclination and the means down the road to go shopping again. Get something that satisfies you today and gives you the headroom to grow as a player.
Relish the hunt and enjoy your new horn!
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Author: Fred
Date: 2003-03-21 22:50
Don't for get that a world class clarinet means little without a world class mouthpiece and barrel. I'd get the best mouthpiece I could first.
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2003-03-22 12:37
A decent mouthpiece should only come after you have purchased the clarinet. Always match the mouthpiece to the clarinet, not the other way around, and choose a mouthpiece that plays with ease and flexibility with a good sound throughout all registers....
David Dow
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-03-22 18:54
Thanks David. I never thought of it that way (the mouthpiece matching the clarinet). I always figure that if a mouthpiece played well and comfortably on one clarinet that it should be the same for another. Now that I think about it I can however see some fairly obvious times when this wouldn't work (such as when the bore of the new clarinet is different than the old and there may be tuning problems, etc.).
Anyways, I do have quite a bit of time before I start my clarinet shopping and all these new posts about people getting new instruments is helping me out tremendously. Thanks all. And I'll post again in a few months when, hopefully, I'll have a new instrument in my possession.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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