 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: sanya
Date: 2006-05-27 14:44
I'm almost afraid to ask this question. I'm going away to university in a couple of months and if I don't find a clarinet I can afford, I will have to give up taking music lessons/classes. Currently, I rent from my high school. I have been looking around on eBay, although I'd much rather buy it from a local retailer, and I have found a Selmer Bundy Resonite 577, serial #1498577B. What do you think of this clarinet? Is it good? The person on eBay says there's nothing wrong with it, and I don't usually believe people on eBay, sadly enough, but I am willing to put in extra cash for repairs. I just can't afford to dish out $600+ for a used clarinet, which is the cheapest that I've found offline. So, what do you think?
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-05-27 15:17
They're not brilliant but they can play well if they've been well maintained, but it depends on how you want to further your clarinet playing - Bundys are alright as beginner clarinets though you will find limitations with it later on when you progress.
The plastic clarinets I'd recommend above the Bundy are the Yamaha YCL-26II and the Buffet B12.
Also the Artley/Armstrong plastic clarinets - even though the keywork is utilitarian, they do have a remarkable tone quality, and Vito plastic clarinets that have robust keywork.
Though as with all used clarinets they will need a certain amount of work done to them to ensure reliability.
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Author: Terry Stibal
Date: 2006-05-27 15:21
Quite frankly, for your particular case, you can do far better by purchasing a student horn like the Bundy or the Yamaha at a pawn shop. Prices there average in the $100.00 range here in Houston; buy one there and put a moderate overhaul into it, and you'll save a lot of money.
leader of Houston's Sounds Of The South Dance Orchestra
info@sotsdo.com
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Author: sanya
Date: 2006-05-27 15:28
I've actually looked around and there aren't too many pawn shops around here that sell them within an affordable price range. I sound so ridiculously poor now, but I love music and I love playing the clarinet and I don't want to give it up over something as menial as money.
What about the Evette and Schaeffer by Buffet? Is that any good?
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2006-05-27 15:35
"Bundy or the Yamaha at a pawn shop. Prices there average in the $100.00 range here in Houston; buy one there and put a moderate overhaul into it, and you'll save a lot of money."
I have a Bundy which I got for $35 (excluding shipping), and it is not even in such a terrible condition. It needs a couple of new corks, a few new pads, and some adjustments.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-05-27 15:43
The Evette&Schaeffer is a good clarinet that will last you much longer than a Bundy - nowadays it's called Buffet E13.
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2006-05-27 20:01
I got a used mix&match Vito (upper joint is a Resotone-3, lower joint is from a 7212, different serial numbers...) but it's sturdy and with a decent mouthpiece it sounds great, it is fun to play. Paid 25$. No overhaul necessary, just a new pad (which I happened to find in my rummage bin).
(Edit: I'm not into selling it. Just wanted to tell that with a bit of luck one can find the one or other gem in That Auction Site.)
--
Ben
Post Edited (2006-05-27 20:08)
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Author: musicnotes92
Date: 2006-05-27 20:12
I have a Selmer 1400 and its been pretty reliable since I was in the 7th grade. Of course I've only had it for four years but it's been maintained well and works great. Personally, I think its a good deal and you would be surprised what Selmers can do! But if you do get it, I'm sure you will do just fine. Good Luck!
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Author: Ralph G
Date: 2006-05-27 20:32
Don't forget to check the classifieds here on this site. Good deals frequently pop up there. And if I may, I'll recommend John Butler, who is listed under the "Service" section on the right hand side of this page. He's known for his maintenance, but the horns he occasionally has for sale are known to be very worthy buys -- and ready to play, to boot.
________________
Artistic talent is a gift from God and whoever discovers it in himself has a certain obligation: to know that he cannot waste this talent, but must develop it.
- Pope John Paul II
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Author: mtague
Date: 2006-05-28 01:26
I have a bundy resonite and it is ok. I played it for about 5 years. Later I bought a Signet 100 on ebay. You can find the signet 100 or the signet special on ebay pretty cheap. I would plan on spending about $200 for an overhaul, just in case it needs the work. I like both the clarinets, but the signet is the nicer of the two in many ways. The resonite is louder when I play, the signe sweeter, etc.
I did find a bigger improvement by buying a better mouthpiece though, and that would be cheaper than a used ebay clarinet + overhaul. Unless you luck out and get one that doesn't need much work or you do your own repair work.
Also, you can probably do a payment plan at a local store. It costs more, but you could get something nice, like the E13, and pay a small amount each month for it. The bonus here is that you get to try some instruments first, buy one that you know you like and it will be in good repair when you buy it and maybe even have warrentry if you buy new.
Post Edited (2006-05-28 01:30)
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Author: BassClarinetGirl
Date: 2006-05-28 04:44
I know you aren't looking to pay a lot of money, but you may want to look into the Forte clarinet. It has rave reviews from many players and posters to this bboard, and is a pretty reasonable/affordably priced clarinet.
I've played some Bundys and they can play well if they are kept well adjusted and the pads are good. I guess it all depends on the condition of the clarinet, I suppose, but if you were to buy a Bundy for $100 and then need to get it repadded or overhauled, you are looking at maybe $200. Plus, you may need to get a better mouthpiece than the one the clarinet comes with, if you don't have one already, while the Forte comes with a good mouthpiece.
I mention Forte because you can get a new, high quality student clarinet that is not likely to need any work when you get it, and will last you a long time. Ordering off that certain auction site can be dangerous, it is hard to ever know what exactly you will get. You can check out the Forte by going to the link on the instrument sponsers page.
BCG
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2006-05-28 07:44
if you were to buy a Bundy for $100
The average asking price for a Bundy seems to be at an all-time low - more than 30..50$ are rarely paid for (unless it's a mint/overhauled clarinet)
--
Ben
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Author: sherman
Date: 2006-05-28 19:09
In the world of affordability regarding the purchase of a clarinet, I cannot recommend more highly a newer clarinet designed by the respected Tom Ridenour and called the Arioso/Allora. They are the same clarinet, the latter being marketed by 123 and WWBW music. They are constructed of hard rubber and are not only not prone to cracking, they also have a darker, more centered tone. The tuning is as good as any clarinet with which I have had experience. I am reluctant to mention price, however that is a concern, especially for the originator of this thread and for most students.
Of all of the instruments mentioned in this thread, the Arioso/Allora plays better and gives much more in terms of tone and response, to say nothing of tuning. (I have played professionally for almost 60 years).
The price of the Bb, with 2 barrels and a lovely case is 399(currently at 123 Music and at WWBW) If you purchase an A, that will cost you 599 at both of these highly reputable music houses. The bonus on top of all of this is that they offer a 45 day trial period, after which the instrument is returnable for full price. The keywork is acceptable , but the tuning, sound and response are truly unique. This is written only out of my deep and lifelong concern for the price that students have to pay for their instruments.
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2006-05-28 19:15
darker, more centered tone
Sorry if I digress, but I hear that all the time. I can understand "dark tone". But what the ... is a "centered tone"? A buzzword that doesn't buzz?
--
Ben
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Author: sherman
Date: 2006-05-28 19:52
No digression at all. A bright sound is one that is rather edgy, almost strident in quality. Shrill would be the operative description. This kind of sound usually also has the characteristic of not being very concentrated.
A further qualifier would be that the darker more concentrated type of clarinet sound is the one favored by most students and teachers who are interested in the world of the symphony orchestra.
And you are very correct in stating that it is frequently used as a "buzz word" , never defined, just kind of "out there", as they say.
Great players can have either kind of sound. Benny Goodman is an idol of mine(and many many other clarinetists.) His sound can be described as being bright in quality. I think the most beautiful playing I have heard within the symphony orchestra were those of Robert Marcellus and Harold Wright, though Marcellus had the darker sound.
The problem with clarinetists is that they study with clarinetists who use these buzz words interminably ,sometimes without defining them or instructing their students as to their meaning in musical terms.
Frequently the words are used hand-in-hand with particular brands of clarinet, which is anathema for me. I hope this helps in some way.
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2006-05-28 20:20
Well, yes. I understand the difference between "bright" and "dark" tones. I still fail to envision a centered tone, though. (is it the opposite of an eccentric tone?)
--
Ben
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Author: sylvangale
Date: 2006-05-29 05:05
Check out Clarinuts:
http://www.clarinuts.com/clarinuts/pages/ClarinetItems.asp
They have a bunch of previously loved clarinets which should all be in playable condition starting at around one hundred.
I bought a Vito clarinet from them not too long ago which was in perfect playing condition.
Regards,
Stephen
Los Angeles, CA
♫ Stephen K.
Post Edited (2006-05-29 05:06)
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Author: C2thew
Date: 2006-06-05 06:33
You should definitely trust sherman's suggestion for an arioso clarinet. He has ALOT of background experience in playing with sophisticated high end clarinets. I mean he is a teacher, professional clarinetest, and has owned pretty much most of the high end clarinets including the opus, leblanc ll's, and has worked as a clarinet technician.
Technically you are in a stage where you should consider mitigating between buying a cheap clarinet that will probably shade you away from a professional and serious clarinet, or you can consider the arioso clarinet (i personally want to try one too). it's not out of a realistic price range, and it's a solid investment. i will say though that the keywork doesn't say sophistication all over it, but knowing the acoustical differences between hard rubber and grenadilla wood is quite baffling. how many people play with wood mouthpieces? Now ask yourself this, how many people play on rubber mouthpieces?
Rubber is a new technology and shouldn't be ignored.
If you have the time and effort, you can cruise ebay and salvage together a clarinet, gather the accessories and such, and you will feel quite glad. only problem is that the time you lose surfing the net will cut into your practicing time.
Don't dive into plastic. happiness isn't there. Avoid clarinet models: signet 100, special, buffet e11 (terrible throat A and B notes. it's stuffy) and those clarinets that are 49.99 bankrupt specials! it won't promote your "sophistication" when you're at a university, which will ultimately discourage playing.
i personally have had the selmer soloist recommended by sherman, and it is quite fullfilling for an intermediate clarinet. it has a modest projection, bigger than an e11, the keywork is solid and shaped correctly, friendlier than an e11, and is one of those rare clarinets that happen to come on ebay. i spent months searching for mine. i never regretted it.
be very wary about wood clarinets. you might feel burned when you receive something that doesn't live up to your expectations.
be a smart shopper and good luck with your skills. remember skills first.
Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention from serious things. they are but improved means to an unimproved end, an end which was already but too easy to arrive as railroads lead to Boston to New York
-Walden; Henry Thoreau
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