 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: lkeeble
Date: 2007-02-19 14:43
Hello, I am new to this board so here is my first post...
I am looking for a 2nd clarinet because I am thinking of taking the plunge and returning to the clarinet after many, many years. My daughter plays in a band and I can also join in if I want but since she is playing my old clarinet I will need a 2nd clarinet to do that.
So...I was looking around and saw one (new) for $200 online, which seems VERY (almost too) cheap, but is it any good for a beginner/returning player? I was never a "great" player, just OK. I always had a problem with playing very fast where my fingers wouldn't quite cooperate and play in an even rhythm. But I did enjoy it. I have no idea if this sudden craze on my part to re-play the clarinet will last or is just a temporary mania... Also I haven't decided whether the new instrument should go to my daughter or myself. She will probably want the new one because that's how kids are, eh?
Anyway I should get to the point, the clarinet is:
Kohlert 430E Clarinet
price: $200
web URL: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Kohlert-430E-Clarinet-?sku=463132
It does seem too cheap to be true (i.e. to be any good) but it had "5 stars" so I thought I'd check here to see if anyone else has tried it and what the scoop is with it. I am not a broke student any more so could pay more if needed ($500 would be alright I suppose) but I am very frugal, so of course I am trying to get away without paying that much. But then again, "you get what you pay for" might apply here, for all I know.
Thanks for reading and for any help or advice you can provide.
Yours truly,
-Lou
PS - if this particular model is, in fact, no good, what would be a better buy given my budget of around $500? Apologies if this has been asked before, if it has please point me to the previous thread or whatever you have. Thanks.
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Author: D
Date: 2007-02-19 15:59
If there is a good music shop near you see if they have any second hand student clarinets that HAVE been serviced and checked properly in your price range.
The advantage of this would be that if you decide you are not going to keep playing you should be able to dispose of it for not a lot.
Or
rent a student clarinet if you are really really unsure.
Or
the community workshop I play with has some instruments which people can borrow. They are quite battered but work ok and people borrow them for a couple of months if needed. You could ask this band you may go to if they do the same thing, or perhaps rent old instruments for a small fee until you see if you are going to be hooked again.
Or
If you know of any starving students who are studying music see if any have a second/third instrument they might be willing to hire out for a month or so. They might get a change from eating beans on toast and you might be able to decide you hate it now and would rather play bass trombone.
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Author: Tony Beck
Date: 2007-02-19 15:59
It is too cheap! Beware of new instruments using the names of old respected makers that are no longer with us.
A few years ago, I was in your position and wound up buying an inexpensive refurbished instrument from David Speigelthal (who advertises on this board). Since then I have bought several more.
My daughter is gradually moving on to other interests, although she is still first chair in the school band (have to brag a little). However, I am enjoying playing more than ever, and and wondering why I didn't get back into music a long time ago.
There are quite a few techs that offer rebuilt instruments here, any of which will be far better than a cheap new horn.
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Author: lkeeble
Date: 2007-02-19 16:18
Thanks for all the replies. I will stay away from that clarinet!
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Author: stevensfo
Date: 2007-02-19 17:35
-- "Thanks for all the replies. I will stay away from that clarinet!" --
But be aware that there's an absolute glut of clarinets on the market. Prices of second hand clarinets are at an all time low. Stick to the well known brands.
Steve
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Author: lkeeble
Date: 2007-02-19 18:38
Glut of clarinets, eh? That's good for me, I suppose
By the way, is there a good list of "well known brands" i.e. reputable brands around here somewhere? Here's a short list of "beginner" (and some intermediate) clarinets that I have put together so far, have I left any out?
My own old clarinet is an Artley (don't know type offhand and it's currently in for repair after 30 yrs so I can't check it right now). It has served me well. The only problem was that when I first got it new I lived in the UK (where I grew up) and it said in the instructions "clean with a lint-free cloth", for the life of us we couldn't figure out what the heck "lint" was (and no internet to look it up, either, back then!). Well I since moved to the USA so I finally figured it out It is plastic (or resin?), but "brushed" somehow so it sort of looks like wood. Poor-man's wood? My guess is it's an Artley 17S or similar like I have listed below.
The prices are new, mostly from musiciansfriend.com (unless otherwise noted). I only included ones below $1000, since
"Not wood"
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Artley 17S $399 (musiciansbuy.com)
Yamaha YCL-250 Standard Clarinet - $760
Yamaha YCL-250CA Standard Clarinet - $848
Amati ACL 311 Clarinet Outfit $429.99
Amati ACL 314 Intermediate Clarinet $604.99
Amati ACL-201 Bb Student Clarinet - $290.99 -
Buffet B-10 $499 musicstoreinc.com
Buffet B-12 student clarinet $507
Wood
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Buffet E-11 (intermediate) $782.60
Jupiter 731NT Intermediate Clarinet - $609
Thanks,
-Lou
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Author: Sylvain
Date: 2007-02-19 21:24
I recommend the forte clarinet.
--
Sylvain Bouix <sbouix@gmail.com>
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2007-02-19 22:07
lkeeble wrote:
> "Not wood"
> --------------
> <snip>
> Amati ACL 311 Clarinet Outfit $429.99
> Amati ACL 314 Intermediate Clarinet $604.99
> Amati ACL-201 Bb Student Clarinet - $290.99 -
> <snip>
The Amati 300 series are wood. (In fact the ACL-201 is their only all-plastic model)
--
Ben
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Author: Erik713
Date: 2007-02-19 23:21
I've never had any complaints about the Artley's. When I was a band director, kids would come in with them regularly, and they held up very well!
The Leblanc L7214PC is good, I've heard. I've never played one. Anyone have any thoughts?
http://www.wwbw.com/Leblanc-L7214PC-Bb-Clarinet-i153176.music
If you can swing it, the E-11 is a pretty decent intermediate clarinet, and will pay you back in enjoyment!
tictactux wrote:
> lkeeble wrote:
>
> > "Not wood"
> > --------------
> > <snip>
> > Amati ACL 311 Clarinet Outfit $429.99
> > Amati ACL 314 Intermediate Clarinet $604.99
> > Amati ACL-201 Bb Student Clarinet - $290.99 -
> > <snip>
>
> The Amati 300 series are wood. (In fact the ACL-201 is their
> only all-plastic model)
>
~~~~~~~
~Woodwind doubler - sop./alto/tenor saxes, clarinet, oboe, English horn, flute/picc.
~Woodwind Teacher
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2007-02-19 23:27
Yep, the Artley 17S is definitely a great player for the money.
While I'm here, what's the difference between the Yamaha 250 and the 250CA?
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2007-02-19 23:34
> what's the difference between the Yamaha 250 and the 250CA?
The case (Carry All), AFAIK.
(fixed embarrassing typo)
--
Ben
Post Edited (2007-02-19 23:35)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2007-02-20 00:45
Oh right - I thought it was a special model for the US.
There used to be a YCL-26IIMSUK model for the UK market which differed from the usual YCL-26II in that it had an adjustable thumbrest, matt plastic body and silver plated keys - though all these features have now become the norm.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: beantown_Bb
Date: 2007-02-20 01:15
Hi there,
If I can throw in two cents, if budget is a major issue and you even have a bit of hesitation about wether you'll stick with it, you can find a used Vito for very short money -- perhaps 100-150. There also are quite a lot of them for sale NOT via that auction site (e.g., by parents whose kids have quit band), which may give you the opportunity to visit the seller and check the instrument before your purchase.
This is a plastic clarinet made by Leblanc and is a highly regarded student-level instrument. Holds up like a tank and generally has pretty good sound and intonation, all things considered! Cheap to repair, too, just in case you happen upon a used one that needs a little TLC.
If you're looking for one that won't cost much up front but will possibly stand up to extended usage and last you a while (presuming you enjoy getting back to clarinet), then I think this is the horn for you!
P.S. I would recommend any of the student-level Yamahas just as heartily.
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Author: Saxismyaxe
Date: 2007-02-20 03:41
I'm a working semi-pro saxophonist who doubles on clarinet, and there are many gigs where I STILL use my Artley plastic when my wood Leblanc, Buffet, and vintage Conn and Selmer horns would be safer left at home.
It is a dependable, easy to play horn that is also bright, bold, and projects well, which is just perfect for Jazz work.
Mike S/Saxismyaxe
Administrator:
Saxontheweb.net
Vintagehorn.com
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Author: lkeeble
Date: 2007-02-26 19:34
Quick update to this thread for those interested in seeing how it all ended.
In the end I went with a used Buffet B12 that I found on eBay for $200 + $20 postage from a person who regularly sells clarinets and other wind instruments and who had excellent reviews.
It arrived over the weekend and I am very happy with it. Only minor problem was a broken ligature (small piece of metal came off near the bottom screw) but the eBay seller is sending me a new one.
If anyone wants the profile of the seller here is a link to the clarinet that I purchased, you can get the seller's ID from that:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=004&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&viewitem=&item=140085962324&rd=1&rd=1
I was a bit apprehensive about using eBay (have been burnt before) but this time I was pleasantly surprised.
Thanks for all the help,
-Lou
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Author: johnnymo0829
Date: 2007-02-27 16:06
i'd go with either a selmer or buffet student horn. They should both be in your range. The other thing is you may find a used intermediate at a good music store for the same price. Good news with that is if your daughter keeps playing you already have a good step up clarinet for her any you can go back to your old clarinet
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Author: Dee
Date: 2007-03-02 01:51
Leblanc Vitos are quite a good student instrument and should be in your budget.
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