 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Don Jacobson
Date: 2005-04-28 18:36
My daughter, a seventh-grader and a good player, recently had her Vito plastic clarinet at the shop to be serviced. Her "loaner" was a wood clarinet (Buescher, I think). She sounds much better on that clarinet.
So we were thinking it may be time to move her up to a better horn. Would you agree? And what would you recommend?
I am thinking of an intermediate-level model because of the cost. (I am a trumpet player, and trumpet players usually move straight from a beginner horn to a pro horn because you can get a stupendous trumpet for less than $2,000. I didn't know trumpet players had it so good--our instruments are so much cheaper!)
Thanks for your help,
DJ
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Author: gmofclarinet
Date: 2005-04-28 18:49
I like putting even beginners on wood clarinets.... It would probably be good to get a wood clarinet for your daughter. I like buffet. But it depends on what your daughters likes... good luck!!
--Mindy
www.lochwoodacademy.com
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Author: gmofclarinet
Date: 2005-04-28 18:49
I like putting even beginners on wood clarinets.... It would probably be good to get a wood clarinet for your daughter. I like buffet. But it depends on what your daughters likes... good luck!!
--Mindy
www.lochwoodacademy.com
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Author: Clarinetgirl06
Date: 2005-04-28 19:23
To be honest with you, I moved from a plastic Bundy to an intermediate Yamaha, and I WISH I would have just gone ahead and got a professional model clarinet in the first place.
If your daughter is really committed to the clarinet, I would buy a professional line horn.
Think about it: If she buys an intermediate model clarinet now for $1,000 (which is probably what you'll have to pay) and in 5 years you have to buy a professional model clarinet (2,000 minimum) then in the long run you'll be out $3,000+.
I bought my intermediate 5 years ago for $1,000 and now I have to buy a professional grade clarinet which will probably cost me at the very least $2,200. So now my family is out $3,200 minimum when we could have paid $1,800 in the first place (because the price increases/inflation hadn't occured and new clarinets cost less 5 years ago-at least in my area.)
But do whatever YOU and YOUR DAUGHTER see fit. This is just my humble view. Good luck!
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Author: ron b
Date: 2005-04-28 19:24
You don't mention what model (Vito 2, 3, V-40,... ?) your daughter's Vito is, Don. The loaner horn, whatever make it is, probably sounds better because it's properly "tuned up", in comparison to your daughter's instrument -- which is in the shop because it isn't
No real matter though. In my opinion there's nothing 'wrong' with a well maintained [any model] Vito clarinet. When serviced properly and adjusted right, and with suitable mouthpiece/reed setup, the intonation is good and they're a pretty free-blowing instrument. The Vito is generally an all 'round pretty good horn.
However, if you really feel a wood clarinet would improve her sound and playing technique, by all means do what you can for her and look first at the Top Four -- Buffet, LeBlanc, Selmer, Yamaha [no particular order of preference]. As a brass instrument musician yourself, Don, you know the routine:
Let your daughter try 'em all, as many she can, to discover which one(s) "feel(s) best". Just as with brass, there are subtle differences that make one brand a little more suitable than another brand to the individual musician.
Many clarinet players will probably recommed that you keep the Vito for outdoor use and reserve the wood instrument for more serious indoor events. Also not a bad idea, in my opinion.
- r![[cool]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/cool.gif) n b -
P.S. Last time I checked, Don, good professional model trumpets weren't exactly what I would consider 'inexpensive'
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Author: jmsa
Date: 2005-04-28 19:32
You could also get a nice overhauled intermediate Leblanc Noblet on E-bay for between $200.00 and $300.00 dollars.
jmsa
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Author: jblock
Date: 2005-04-28 19:39
I am also of the opinion that there is nothing inherently wrong with plastic-body clarinets. But since they are the lower-end models of a vendor's line, the workmanship usually is poorer than wooden horns, but not always. Leblanc's new 7250 seemingly replicates their Rapsodie horn as far as workmanship; it just has a plastic body. I, for one, think a professional-grade plastic horn would be successful.
I would check out the intermediate horns the other posters have recommended. I'd hold off on a more-expensive horn for a while - give the kid something to work toward.
Regards,
Jonathan
www.synthblock.com
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Author: jmsa
Date: 2005-04-28 20:19
I recently saw an advertisement for a new, Vito V40 plastic clarinet and the description stated that this is the only professional plastic clarinet made today. Is this true?
jmsa
Post Edited (2005-04-28 20:20)
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2005-04-28 20:40
I recommend a good mouthpiece and barrel instead of a new clarinet.
The closer to your body, the more important. Thus, the most important part of the clarinet is you, followed by the reed, the mouthpiece and the barrel.
I've put my setup, down through the barrel, on a Vito and had a hard time telling it from my Buffet.
Greg Smith and Guy Chadash both sell high quality matched mouthpiece/barrel combinations. They will cost as much as a new intermediate level instrument, but will make a much bigger difference.
Ken Shaw
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Author: leonardA
Date: 2005-04-28 21:54
I have a Leblanc Noblet purchased on ebay for $115 and am very happy with it. Prior to that I used a plastic Vito which was also very good. I have a hard time telling much difference in them. I just like the idea of playing on a wood clarinet.
Leonard
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Author: Ken Mills
Date: 2005-04-28 23:05
Dear Mr. Jacobson; If she uses a soft reed now then she should have a higher pitched clarinet, a hard reed then a clarinet with the mechanism down further on the body. I think that the Selmer USA clarinets, plastic or wood, are higher pitched than Vitos. Don't get the Selmer USA B1400 because the bore is molded while their CL301-311 are reamed. I have the instinct that a person her age should have a higher pitched instrument. Both of these clarinets get a real good dark tone, in plastic. Don't buy the wood until you are ready to buy the pro-horn; even then, how about the Buffet Greenline nonwood? It could be the best material. Don't tell her that the clarinet is the king of solo instrments, it's the monarch. PC, huh.
The Best, Ken
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Author: pewd
Date: 2005-04-28 23:25
ask 50 folks on this board, get 50 answers
i put beginners on buffet E11's, Vandoren 5Rv-lyre mouthpieces, rovner dark ligatures, and start them on vandoren #3 reeds. works well for most of them.
when they hit high school, dump the high pitched (a442) e11 and upgrade to a R13.
carries got a good point - call up woodwind and brasswind ( wwbw.com ) - e11's are about $600 new, r13's under 1800 the last time i called. phone prices are cheaper than whats posted on the web. e.g, as of a few weeks ago, a pro horn (r13) was under $1800.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: Contra
Date: 2005-04-29 03:04
I personally never upgraded from my Vito and do not plan to. A little work on it can make it sound just as good as a pro horn.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2005-04-29 07:13
"Greg Smith and Guy Chadash both sell high quality matched mouthpiece/barrel combinations. They will cost as much as a new intermediate level instrument, but will make a much bigger difference."
Actually an intermediate clarinet will cost much more than this, but I think it's better to just buy a professional clarinet and skip the intermediate. It couldl last for the rest of her life. If you buy an intermediate clarinet, she will probably want a pro clarinet later anyway.
I'm against buying the matching smith/chadash barrel and mouthpiece. If you want a new mouthpiece or barrel, it's best your daughter go to a store with a big selection, and try an many as she can, better if her teacher comes with her too.
I don't know if a new Buffet R13 costs $1,800 anymore, but it will be a good investment. The WW&BW list it at $2,200 for nickel and $2,400 for silver but like someone already said, the prices might be cheaper if you call or if you come to the store (ordering it online is a bad idea).
Another very good option is a used professional clarinet. You can find excellent used clarinets for $1,000-$1,500.
Whatever way you choose, make sure she and her teacher try the clarinet before you buy.
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Author: Tom W
Date: 2006-01-12 15:26
Ken Shaw,
Which model Vito do you play? My son is an eighth grader who currently plays a Selmer 1400B. I don’t know if I want to (or should) invest a lot of money for a better mouthpiece and barrel for this clarinet or get him a better clarinet first.
When do you really know when it’s time get a different (better) clarinet?
Thanks,
Tom W.
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Author: Gandalfe
Date: 2006-01-12 15:55
I purchased my granddaughter's clarinet last year and isn't even two yet. :o)
She watches my wife and me play when she visits. The instrument is a like-new plastic Buffet B12 that cost us ~$250. It really sounds nice and outplays any vito or signet that I've seen. If my granddaughter is as interested in music as it sounds like your daughter is by seventh grade, then we would indeed purchase her a professional horn. We would also encourage her to keep the plastic instrument for marching and pep band.
We would probably purchase a used Buffet R-13 or a Leblanc LL and we would not expect it to cost over $600 plus the cost of a tech tweaking it. There are sooo many used instruments out there that really didn't get used. You just have to know where to look. I'd much rather purchase a music instrument for my kids than a new TV or game playing device.
Jim and Suzy
Pacifica Big Band
Seattle, Washington
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2006-01-12 16:06
Your daughter is a seventh grader and her interests could change many times before she reaches high school. But, you are correct to encourage her clarinet playing by investing in a good intermediate instrument. She should keep the plastic one for outdoor uses such as marching, etc. I highly recommend the Buffet E-11 as a good choice for her and for your pocketbook. I wouldn't recommend moving to a pro horn at this time because the E-11 will work just as well for her level of skills until she is in the upper levels of playing--say senior year in High School. Until then a good mouthpiece/tuning barrel combo with the E-11 will suffice.
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2006-01-12 16:31
An orchestra colleague just replaced his Vito with an old Buffet R13. The improvement in his sound was stupendous.
Many of the Vitos are excellent-playing horns, but (WOW) this fellow's improvement was amazing.
You can get a really good Buffet R13 for less than $2000. That price will buy you a refurbished instrument. If you don't trust the seller's claim that the Buffet plays perfectly, find a sub $1000 R-13 and send it away to Muncy winds for a complete, professional overhaul (intonation improvement, cork upper joint pads, ... )and have their technician select a $50 plastic barrel for THAT instrument. You'll be flying for about $1500. You can sell it for a couple grand if your daughter doesn't stick with it.
Good luck.
Bob Phillips
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Author: Ron Jr.
Date: 2006-01-12 17:58
ClarinetGirl06 wrote:
"I bought my intermediate 5 years ago for $1,000 and now I have to buy a professional grade clarinet which will probably cost me at the very least $2,200. So now my family is out $3,200 minimum when we could have paid $1,800 in the first place (because the price increases/inflation hadn't occured and new clarinets cost less 5 years ago-at least in my area.) "
You have an excellent grasp of "Present Value". Perhaps a career in business awaits.
Post Edited (2006-03-06 17:07)
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Author: Tony Beck
Date: 2006-01-12 21:02
If you are near a good woodwind tech, pay them a visit and try whatever they have. If you aren't near, most shops will "interview" you and your daughter on the phone or by e-mail, and send instruments for her (and her teacher) to try. You are only out the postage, and you could find a really nice older Selmer, Leblanc, Buffet etc. or lesser known horn (I love my Kohlert!) for less than a new E-11. There are several folks who haunt this BB and do outstanding work. Trying the intruments first greatly reduces the risks in buying a used horn.
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2006-01-12 22:35
Get a nice secondhand, overhauled Buffet R13 for less than $1200 USD.
(Kids tend to quit in the Spring, there will be LOADS at auction...)
Make sure that the instrument has no cracks.
Pay with a credit card, to protect your interests.
If she eventually gives up the clarinet, this model will be the easiest to resell.
I don't play the R13, but it has such cachet among advancing players, that the second hand market seems constant.
******
I'm a huge fan of the Ridenour TR147, and other LeBlanc derivatives.
It is, however, a hard-rubber body, and younger players often presume that wooden instruments sound better. SOME do, but not all.
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Author: pewd
Date: 2006-01-13 01:03
>You can get a really good Buffet R13 for less than $2000. That price will buy you a refurbished instrument.
as of yesterday, that price would get you a brand new one
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: Mandy
Date: 2006-08-10 19:51
I think that it depends how much money you want to pay about 2,000 for proffesonals and ( i been researching) about 300 for yamaha intemedaites i would go with how much money you would spend
kitten4844@yahoo.com
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Author: Orlando Natty
Date: 2006-08-10 23:55
I wouldn't buy her a new instrument right now. I would wait until she is in high school at least. If she is truly serious, you will figure that out by the time she is in high school. If she figures out she really likes playing when she reaches 9th or 10th grade, then you can just save your money and buy a pro model.
I bought an intermediate in 11th grade and just ended up needing a pro one later because I wanted to go on to college. I never got the pro because I couldn't afford it, but wish I would have just saved up longer and gotten one instead of an intermediate.
A student model Vito is just fine for the next year or two, then buy her a pro model once she gets into high school (if she's still serious). So many kids get into high school and decide to quit. Plus she is too young right now to even know the difference between a good horn and a not so good one. Heck, I didn't even know when I bought my intermediate what was good and what was not and I was in 11th grade!
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Author: DressedToKill
Date: 2006-08-11 13:20
I wholeheartedly agree with ohsuzan. At the very least, you should TRY a Forté. It's a wonderful instrument, it sounds absolutely marvelous, and comes with a mouthpiece that will actually *help* her playing.
And it won't crack...OR break your bank.
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Author: Sylvain
Date: 2006-08-11 13:43
This thread dates back from april 2005 I certainly hope a decision has been made by now...
--
Sylvain Bouix <sbouix@gmail.com>
Post Edited (2006-08-11 13:44)
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