 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Mary
Date: 2000-05-29 04:28
The people in my music store by my house don't seem to know much about the difference between brands on the horns, so I'm asking you, what brand name of clarinets do you recommend for my 14 year old daughter, and also wood or plastic? And, which is better, a metal ligature or a fabric one?
I would appreciate your responces.
Thanks,
Mary.
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Author: Mike Irish
Date: 2000-05-29 11:23
if she is going to do the marching band thing, would not recommend wood....
if this is first year and not sure if she will stay with it, would concider rent to own plan....
if your music store does not have the rent to own plan, you may be able to find it thru another either on line or by phone, our stores in this area have that option....
as far as brand, or modle of brand, I do not have a good opinion there.... others will have to help you there..
Mike
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2000-05-29 13:40
Mary,
Go to the "Equipment" section and look for a page on buying a beginner's clarinet.
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Author: Fred
Date: 2000-05-29 17:56
Mary -
As crazy as this may sound to a Mom who doesn't know clarinets, the most important equipment for a beginner to have is a decent mouthpiece. Thousands of used clarinets are on the market, indicating that most of the students quit playing after a while. The vast majority of them have mouthpieces that aren't fit to wedge a door open. The mouthpieces on those horns may well be the reason that the student ultimately gave up. Please don't make that mistake.
You will get good guidance about Selmers, Buffets, Yamahas, and Leblancs, but save a little ($25-30 entry level; mid level about $50 mail order) of your investment dollars to get a decent entry-level mouthpiece. Even better if you find a used horn with one already on it. Once you've selected your clarinet, check back with the board about the mouthpiece that came with it (if any). You'll get guidance whether or not the mouthpiece is suitable. I know it seems crazy to buy a used horn for $150 and then pay $50 for just a mouthpiece, but believe me, it can make or break the student. It's that important. Good Luck.
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Author: Allen Cole
Date: 2000-05-29 18:54
I generally try to steer my students towards the Buffet B-12. I think it's a great beginner's instrument because 1)It plays very well (I use one myself when playing outdoors) and 2)The tone holes are a little smaller than some other horns and this can be particularly helpful with younger girls.
And there's no particular need to get a brand new instrument. I think it's a good deal to get a horn that's been rented once or twice already. It significantly drops your purchase price (giving you extra $$$ for a nice mouthpiece if you like) and it generally assures you that the horn has passed through the hands of the store's repairman at least once. It may actually be in better adjustment than a new one.
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Author: Stephen
Date: 2000-05-30 01:51
My honest opinion is to get a Normandy 4, if she is going to be n marching band I request you get a Selmer 300, you can get a great deal through the woodwind catolog. You can get a catolog by calling 1-800-348-5003, or by requesting a catolog or view their selection on-line at www.wwandbw.com
Sincerely,
Stephen
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2000-05-30 02:52
Stephen wrote:
-------------------------------
My honest opinion is to get a Normandy 4, if she is going to be n marching band I request you get a Selmer 300, you can get a great deal through the woodwind catolog. You can get a catolog by calling 1-800-348-5003, or by requesting a catolog or view their selection on-line at www.wwandbw.com
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There are quite a few reputable mail order places; check the Resources/Retail section.
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Author: Willie
Date: 2000-05-30 04:07
I agree with Mike on the plastic clarinet for marching band. They are also a little easier maintainance wise for the bigginer. I also agree with Fred on the mouthpiece issue. Most clarinets, even expencive ones, do not come equiped with a mouthpiece thats up to par for that horn. A good student mouthpiece can be had fairly cheaply from just about any of the sponcers on sneezy. I just got a Pyne poly crystal foy MY daughter and she and I both like it. However keep in mind that what works for us my differ for your youngster. Everybody has a different set of "chops" and clarinets, reeds, mouthpieces all vary. A "supersquawk" mouthoiece may work great on a brand "Z" horn but be almost imposible on a brand "Y". So If you can, try more than one.
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Author: Ginny
Date: 2000-05-30 05:48
I got my son a Vito and a Vandoren M13 mouthpiece (I had about the house), random lig.
We played about six used clarinets and this was the 'pick of the litter.' Actually he now sounds nearly as good as I do, and is trying to talk me out of my Festival and into getting him a Clark Fobes mouthpiece.
Vitos are usually good for beginners, but consider a decent mouthpiece and get good reeds. If you can get a clarinetist to try instruments out for you do it.
Maybe Benny Goodman could play on a Bundy with a popsicle stick for a reed, but most of us do better with good equipment.
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Author: paul
Date: 2000-05-30 14:54
Stick with the "big 4" brands of Buffet, Yamaha, Selmer, and LeBlanc. These brands of horn are well worth the money, even slightly used. Ditto on the mouthpiece advice. Even the Hite Premier mouthpiece (around $25 or so retail) is worth the investment to make the horn and the player work well as a team. A simple standard metal ligature should work fine.
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