 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Charley
Date: 2005-03-08 20:28
Hi All,
I have recently moved to Canberra, Australia. My daughter is 14 and plays the clarinet fairly well. Until recently she played on a clarinet that we had borrowed from a neighbor who no longer plays. Unfortunately, when we moved we had to return the instrument. Now, I would like to buy (or rent?) her an instrument. But I don't know what kind of instrument is appropriate for a student and don't know where to look. I don't have a lot of money to spend, but want to get something that will sound good and not discourage her from playing. I would really appreciate any advice you may have on:
1. What is a good instrument for a student? Are there some brands I should avoid?
2. Does anybody know where to go for resources in Canberra, Australia?
3. Should I look to internet sources to buy an instrument?
I really appreciate any advice you may have. Thanks in advance.
[ Post retitled for clarity - GBK ]
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Author: Tom A
Date: 2005-03-08 23:07
Hello Charley, are you from OS, or elsewhere in Australia?
In haste, a search of this board will find dozens of threads dealing with instruments for students at various levels, but I find that at this end of the world we have a bit less choice and a bit more price. The emphasis in schools is very different from the USA, also. I could do with a little more info about your daughter's history and standard. I'm in Sydney and do have contacts in Canberra, so you can email me by clicking on my bulletin baord name. Other BBoard users down under will certainly help you as well.
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Author: Simon
Date: 2005-03-09 00:33
Hi Charley,
I am from Wollongong NSW. Here is my opinion.
I would suggest that you consider some of the new plastic studen clarinets that are available such as Yamaha, Artley, Vito etc. I am sure you will get heaps of replys from the other pros on this board.
The good thing with the plastic clarinets is that you don't have to worry about the problems associated with wood clarinets such as cracking, warming up etc.
I would not be comfortable buying a clarinet over the web unless you are professional your self, because you may end up paying more for repairs later than what is going to cost you to buy new plastic clarinet.
I don't know about Canberra, but if there aren't many shops in the Capital I would search around Sydney via internet phone etc first and then perhaps take a trip to Sydney one day and have your daughter try some clarinets befor you buy.
Good luck and let us know how you go.
Simon
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Author: Simon
Date: 2005-03-09 00:40
One other thing I forgot to mention, you can have a look at Frank Fordhams web page he has many new instruments for sale via the web. I got myne from him many years ago however, not over the web, personally from him, I went and tried it before I bought it. There are a number of other shops in Sydney, just do some search on the Internet.
Simon
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Author: Simon
Date: 2005-03-09 00:55
Charley yet another thing.
Mouth piece VERY IMPORTANT, make sure you get a good student MP. There has been a lot of discussion on student MP's of late on the BB. Just do a search.
Simon
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Author: GBK
Date: 2005-03-09 04:17
The Forté clarinet is a well thought out, high quality instrument which comes complete with an excellent mouthpiece, ligature and durable, plush case with accessory pocket.
It has gotten many fine reviews and is quickly becoming a formidable alternative to the other traditional choices.
Many band directors and music teachers are making it their clarinet of choice for students.
http://www.forteclarinet.com/ ...GBK
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Author: Tom A
Date: 2005-03-09 07:53
I've been meaning to ask, when does the Southern hemisphere get the Forte? I'd have suggested at least trying one based on the rave reviews on the BB, but I don't know if we have a supplier.
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