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Re: CSO -vs- student models

Author: William
Date: 2004-11-16 14:50

"Quality" does not matter much at the beginning level. What is more important is the condition or playability of the equipement, not its "professional" level. A reconditioned Bundy clarinet with the $9.00 mouthpiece and a medium soft reed (Ricos work just fine) will provide any beginning clarineist (who has the desire to learn) with a good beginning level setup to get started on. However, after a certain level of performance is attained (3d yr or high school) and it becomes evident that the student is serious about "sticking with it" or expresses a desire for that "better" sound and improved technique, then it is time to upgrade. But for those first few years of middle school band, all that is really needed is a mouthpiece and clarinet that is in good playing condition, cheap reeds (in beginning band, they all "break" anyhow) and a teacher to introduce the correct rudimentary techniques and musical concepts.

As for the Wall-Mart clarinet, I have been told that one of the things which makes these instruments inferior is the keywork. On most of these clarinets, the "metal" is really nickel plated plastic that will break if adjustment is needed or melt if heated. On the Selmer Bundy clarinets, the keywork is metal and can be bent and sodered as needed, but that may not be true with the "bargain basement" MegaStore models. I would avoid these clarinets and go with student models from the "Big Four"--Buffett, LeBlanc, Selmer and Yamaha--everytime (even though a bit more expensive). They are all durable in the hands of beginners, provide an adequate entry level playing experiance. And, if they are inadvertantly damaged--or if simply, "it broke"--they can be easily repaired.

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