 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: d ralph
Date: 2004-12-09 03:52
hello, i came across this site through google. my wife played the clarinet over over 10 years ago. she wants to begin playing again and take lessons. how serious will she be? i do not know. but with the holidays coming up...a clarinet would make a nice gift. I thought getting her a nice student instrument would be a good start.
I have no experience with instruments. Can anyone recommend some "buying guide pages" or "tip sheet" location to help me get started before I head down to the local shops.
I picked up a lot of good pointers from the message board but I would like to do a lot of research.
Thanks a lot
D Ralph
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Author: ohsuzan
Date: 2004-12-09 13:02
If you can spend about $400, you might want to look into the "Forte" clarinet (advertised here on this board, and available from a variety of sellers, including one on Ebay).
I already have WAY too many clarinets, but I'm very tempted to get one of these -- it's a player, and it comes really well-equipped.
Susan
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Author: BobD
Date: 2004-12-09 13:21
Look for used Yamaha 20 rentals at those stores....
Bob Draznik
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Author: quilter_gal
Date: 2004-12-09 13:48
I don't know much about clarinets, but I do know that you've come to the right place for advice - the regulars here are wonderful!
I just completed the search for an instrument for my daughter, see http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=164523&t=164523
I've ordered the Forte' - and we are anxiously awaiting its arrival. It is available on Ebay for slightly less, but we opted to go to "the Doctor" to have the 21 day return policy - just in case.
Our band director has sent other teachers to www.wwbw.com to get instruments for their own children. You could check that site out, too.
Good luck!
Janet
Janet
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Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2004-12-09 14:38
(Disclaimer - I am a maker of the Forte' clarinet)
In the process of bringing a new clarinet to market I did a lot of testing of student horns. If Yamaha is a contender I would go with the newer YCL 250 rather than the 20 because they have adapted the SEV series barrel to this model and it gives it a much better tone IMHO. They have also improved some of the intonation problems with the 20 in the YCL 250 model. These are just my personal observations from testing the two horns.
The Doctor
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2004-12-09 15:06
I would recommend the Forte as well, or if your wife prefers a wooden clarinet you might go with the Buffet E-11. You can get the Forte from The Doctor (above post) and there's a reputable seller on eBay who sells new Buffet E-11s for under $600.00.
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Author: Rick Williams
Date: 2004-12-09 17:01
My recomendation would be a personal gift certificate to your wife and let her choose her own instrument. Clarinet players are by nature an odd lot and "we" have certain bias's for and against certain instruments. Plus there is so much variation within instruments that your lovingly choosen clarinet may make her absolutely miserable. I good comparison would be having someone buy you shoes, they may look nice, be priced right but just not quite fit you...g
Really nice thought and feel free to adopt me and buy me a clarinet...LOL!
Best
Rick
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Author: hans
Date: 2004-12-09 20:12
d ralph,
Nearly 35 years ago my wife bought me a clarinet for my birthday to replace my old one. I hated the way it played and, fortunately, was able to exchange it for a better instrument.
Rick's suggestion above is excellent (the shoe analogy is great!). You could include the results of your research with the gift certificate.
Regards,
Hans
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2004-12-09 20:20
Actually, as a wife and a clarinettist, I would agree with Rick and Hans. I would never trust my husband to purchase a musical instrument of any kind--let alone a clarinet. Even if I'm returning after a long span of time from playing--I need to purchase my own.
Get the gift certificate--or just give her cash--lots and lots of cash!
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Author: BobD
Date: 2004-12-09 21:31
I question if the eBay forte was less than what you can get it for at the source....I know the source you're mentioning and it is reputable but I don't think he undercuts the price....
Bob Draznik
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Author: joeclarinet
Date: 2004-12-09 22:34
Wait, wait.
Get her the lessons that you mentioned and have the teacher help you with the choice!
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Author: d ralph
Date: 2004-12-10 00:05
I think I am just going to plunge right in and get her an instrument. If she doesn't like it well we will try a different instrument. She ain't big on gift certificates. I found that out a couple years back.
The pointers here are terrific. I have a couple different choices in the price range and a lot of good insight from this board.
I have one question regarding the body of the item. Some instruments have an ABS resin body while others have a grenadilla wood. Does an instrument like the E11 Wood really have much more to offer than a slightly lower priced plastic product? I am curious. I know it is a very subjective question.
Thank you.
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Author: ohsuzan
Date: 2004-12-10 01:39
In my opinion, the material (resin vs. wood) is not as important as the quality of the construction, keywork, etc. of the instrument. There are bad wood instruments, and good resin ones, and vice-versa.
There has been endless discussion on this board and the Klarinet list about the effects of materials on sound. Maybe somebody can point you to one of those threads -- if you are really into this. It's pretty academic.
Susan
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Author: d ralph
Date: 2004-12-10 01:57
I've searched and read. I have made up my mind. I appreciate the help. This is an excellent board.
-Dan
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Author: Alseg
Date: 2004-12-10 03:57
Print a picture of a clarinet
Gift wrap it
Include a note....."Here is a virtual clarinet and carte blanche (up to your comfortable limit) to exchange it for a real one. "
OR.....get a reed....gift wrap it......"Here is a reed...you pick out the horn."
OR....get earplugs.....for yourself...and hope she has sense of humor.
Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-
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