 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ClariSax217
Date: 2003-07-10 17:12
I'm a junior in HS, looking for a decent used plastic clarinet on ebay that I can march with for the next 2 seasons. (I don't want to march my wooden Boosey & Hawkes Edgware!) Any suggestions on brands to look for? It doesn't have to be an awesome instrument, just something that I can play for marching season. Any suggestions are appreciated!
*~*Malaya*~*
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Author: GBK
Date: 2003-07-10 17:23
The Vito V40 is a good solid plastic clarinet that actually tunes very well ...GBK
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Author: Ralph G
Date: 2003-07-10 17:25
You can usually get a Bundy for under $100 that'll treat you just fine for marching, though some may need some work. In previous discussions, though, many here have felt that Vitos are the best overall buy.
Either choice will treat you right, as will others (Buffet B-12, several Yamahas, etc.).e
________________
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- Pope John Paul II
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Author: Fred
Date: 2003-07-10 17:52
The Vito V40 is a great choice, but somewhat hard to find. A Yamaha would be easier to find and my second choice; Bundy and lesser Vitos would be third. Any of these would do a great job for you. Warning: you might like the V40 better than your Edgeware. It really is the premium plastic clarinet on the market.
However, the option that I really recommend (and I wouldn't have taken this advice when I was in HS) is to get a Yamaha YAS-23 or Selmer Bundy II alto sax and learn to double on sax. You just never know what you might want to do years from now, and being able to double is a HUGE benefit. Altos are louder than clarinets, so you're likely to please your director. And there's usually not that much pressure to play "beautifully" in marching band, so your lack of experience would be less damaging there than in other playing venues.
I didn't want to do it in HS, but now $#%&$ years later I'm learning to play alto and tenor. It's fun. and you'd be surprised how easy the transition is.
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2003-07-10 18:15
Most better-brand plastic Clarinets are okay Clarinets. They could be excellent, but most suppliers seem to think no one needs a plastic Clarinet that's above the ordinary. Some, however, are awful. Stay away from those with unknown names. Some of us call them CSOs (larinet-shaped objects). The Vito V-40 is almost universally believed to be the best of the plastics. Vito claims it to be an "intermediate" instrument, and we who play them think they're quite good.
I have two, both bought through eBay. The one I prefer cost me all of fifty bux plus shipping, a real bargain. Most will run more than that.
Regards,
John
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Author: ClariSax217
Date: 2003-07-10 19:29
Just a note... I do double on sax. I picked up tenor about 2 1/2 years ago, and I now play 1st alto in our "Superior Jazz Ensemble." Our Marching Band is looking at almost 20 saxophones next year, so I doubt my director would appreciate the addition. I play on a friend's Conn alto (not sure the model) right now, but I'm looking for one of my own. I've played alto one year, tenor the next, and even bari, so it's hard for me to purchase the "right" saxophone. I love them all! Thanks for the advice though.
*~*Malaya*~*
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Author: leonardA
Date: 2003-07-11 00:44
I have a Vito Resotone (plastic), which I like very much, and you can find them for under $100 almost anytime on Ebay. The tone is very good for a plastic clarinet.
Leonard
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Author: pgporto
Date: 2003-07-11 03:52
The Yamaha YCL-20 is really great. It was my first instrument, and it has lasted seven years (three of them were marching years), and I'll be using it this coming marching season. I've never had any major problems with it, just a pad lost once or twice. Also, I've played it in 100 degree heat and while it was snowing, and still it's ok.
To tell you the truth, it's hard for me to tell a significant difference between the Yamaha and my new Concerto II.
Good luck finding a new clarinet,
Paul
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Author: BobD
Date: 2003-07-11 14:16
I have owned and played most of the above named clarinets. My opinions based on my personal experience:
1. The "standard" Bundy and Vito are essentially equivalent but I prefer the Vito
2. The Vito V40 is probably better than the other Vitos....it does have some better design features but generally you can get a good standard Vito for around $75 whereas the V40 is hard to come by for under $100 minimum.
3. The Yamaha is very good but try to get one for less than $275
4. Conclusion: The standard Vito is the Best Buy.....standard means used Resotone, Resotone 3 etc
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Author: Bob A
Date: 2003-07-12 01:03
I know y'all are going to laugh, but my R. Malerne (Standard) plastic plays very well indeed. Not as well as my wood R. Malerne but ok for stomping around in "the cornfields of Iowa."
Bob A
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Author: Fred
Date: 2003-07-12 04:41
Wouldn't laugh at all, Bob. The Malernes seem to be one of yesteryear's really decent contenders. I think we owe David S. a big "Thank You" for leading the effort to re-introduce these and several other nice clarinets to today's players.
![[toast]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smiley15.gif)
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Author: Bob A
Date: 2003-07-12 17:42
Yep Fred, like my R. Malerne Alto and my R.Malerne (Conn Stencil) Bass. ![[rotate]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smiley25.gif) All Dave S...' "children".Bob A
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2003-07-14 09:34
i have a vito Eb clainet (i don't use it) and its sound is awfull comparing to my buffets. i think all plastic clarinets are terible at best but if you compare them i gues some are even worse.
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Author: Fred
Date: 2003-07-14 13:12
clarnibass, do you have broad enough experience to draw that kind of conclusion about all plastic clarinets? I currently own four Buffets and an SML, but the V40 still commands my respect. As a matter of fact, I soon plan to have it set up to be the tray pak companion to my alto sax.
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Author: diz
Date: 2003-07-14 22:11
Really - you're making a wise decision ... it really matters not the brand (though I'd personally go with the bigger name instruments) and as to tuning ... good luck getting heard over the brass and drums.
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