 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: clarinetsweetheart
Date: 2004-09-06 16:25
Hey everyone. I'm an obsessed 15-year-old H.S. Sophomore who wants to study clarinet performance at University. As such, my father's debating buying me a wood clarinet now as opposed to later, and I have a few questions to all of you.
1. Should I buy one 3 years before college?
2. I was thinking an R13, as it will probably last for an extremely long time - is there something else you'd say to get instead (as long as it can be used once I get to college so I won't have to purchase another)?
3. Is there anywhere you trust where I could possibly get a used one (online) so I don't have to pay the full God-knows-what (my dad's a bit of a cheapskate sometimes :-P).
~*Charlotte*~
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: contragirl
Date: 2004-09-06 17:19
I got my R13 when I turned 16. My dad basically gave me a choice: car or clarinet. And, well, I chose clarinet. Then I got a crappy car (a dodge cargovan), but hey, I had a nice clarinet!
Anyway, I say getting an R13 around your age isn't too bad of an idea. When I got mine, I took such good care of it that it still looks new now, even tho it's 6 yrs old! And if you plan on keeping with it, it's a good investment.
Places to check out for used instruments can be places like Weiner music, Woodwind and Brasswind (which sometimes could rip you off), and in the rare case, ebay. What ppl don't like about on-line sites is that you cannot really try out the instrument before you buy. I know I tried only 2 clarinets at the store before I decided on mine and I love it.
Also, the common problem with ebay is that you will get junkers or not-so-great clarinets if you don't look carefully. If you know what you're looking for and the person has a return policy etc etc, then it could be a good way to go.
Where are you from? We have a (kinda) great music store in the DC area that has some good deals.
Good luck with the hunt!
Contragirl
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: clarinetsweetheart
Date: 2004-09-06 17:31
I'm from Michigan, and the Upper Peninsula at that (most people seem to think we're from Canada :-P Oh, the woe of this place) so there are few music shops.
I'm glad you agree about the R13. I don't believe they even have on at WW & BW, and if they did it was really uberexpensive (which is why I can't remember cause I probably was like, no...)
Anyway, thank you, and I'll check out WWBW and whatever other one you mentioned (I really don't trust clarinets off of Ebay. They sell those crappy colored ones for $100 and people actually buy them O_o).
Thank you
~*Charlotte*~
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2004-09-06 18:08
clarinetsweetheart wrote:
> 1. Should I buy one 3 years before college?
My son got his 1st professional level clarinet (a Selmer 10G) when he was 13. He switched to Buffet Festivals at 15 and has played the same ones now for 8 years.
> 2. I was thinking an R13, as it will probably last for an
> extremely long time - is there something else you'd say to get
> instead (as long as it can be used once I get to college so I
> won't have to purchase another)?
Any professional clarinet will last a long time as long as you take care of it. Remember, at a major music university or conservatory they're going to expect that you already have an A clarinet, so expect to buy another in a few years, too.
> 3. Is there anywhere you trust where I could possibly get a
> used one (online) so I don't have to pay the full
> God-knows-what (my dad's a bit of a cheapskate sometimes :-P).
Problem is ... the chances are that you're going to have to try quite a few clarinets to find the one you'll be most comfortable with, has a sweet sound, and has good intonation! You probably are going to spend a significantly longer period of time checking used ones since the chances of trying 4 or 5 at a time are slim.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Don Berger
Date: 2004-09-06 18:14
Why dont you look in the "classified" section right here? Our people are very reliable in description and pricing [competing with EBAY] AND more knowledgable about the several makes of pro wood cls, and not limit yourself to Buffet. I personally prefer LeBlancs and older Selmers, as others who post here do. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2004-09-08 14:11
Charlotte,
If you're a serious student you probably have a clarinet teacher. He/she will be a valuable aid in helping you find a better instrument. Whether or not you can afford a new R-13, or other professional clarinet, your teacher can help you with the decision. Some teachers have access to a music store or someone through whom they purchase instruments for students. So if you don't have a private teacher, that would be the first thing to do--get one. Then, ask about a good clarinet choice and ask them to help you find a good one.
It is possible to find good instruments from reliable sellers online. Check references and make sure they will let you try the instrument for a few days with the option to return it if it isn't suitable for you.
I agree with Mark's comments above. Having a good instrument can make a huge difference in your early performance skills and training your ear to "hear in tune."
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: clarinetsweetheart
Date: 2004-09-08 21:07
Only thing is I'm from a small-ish town and private clarinet teachers just don't exist. Other instruments are fine, but there just isn't anyone around here who plays the clarinet. Which is uberannoying >.< But thank you, because most of what you said makes a lot of sense.
~*Charlotte*~
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2004-09-08 21:49
My next advise would be to begin setting aside the money for a professional instrument. If you purchase a new Buffet R-13, you'll probably be looking at around $2,000.00. You could probably get a good used one for around $1,000.00 that wouldn't have to be overhauled. Then, if the money is on hand and you are ready to buy, get someone here on the board to recommend a seller. Muncy winds, International Musical Suppliers, etc. are just a few good ones to check with if you're going to purchase a new professional instrument.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
