 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Linda Craig
Date: 2000-07-12 22:19
When my daughter started junior high, I bought her a used Selmer Signet clarinet with the promise that if she was still playing in high school, I'd buy her a new clarinet. Well, she's entering 9th grade, and remembers the promise. While she's done well in junior high (district band), she is not a music major.
The local music store showed me a Signet Omega as a step up. But surely there must be something between a $100 used clarinet and a $900 Omega? The band director is out for the summer and not answering his voice mail, and I'd like to fulfill my promise before school starts. Any recommendations?
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Author: Dee
Date: 2000-07-12 23:07
Check the retail sections of this site. Order the catalogs from International Music Suppliers, Weiner's, and the Woodwind & Brasswind. Check the prices of new instruments there for the four major brands (check Leblanc, Buffet, and Yamaha in addition to Selmer) and use this information to help plan out what to test. If you find an instrument that you like, you can use the catalog information to negotiate a better price from your local dealer. If you go with a used instrument, this is still useful information and you can still use the catalog price data to negotiate better prices on the used one too.
There are lots of choices available. If you are looking for new intermediates for example, here is a limited list of some options.
Leblanc Noblet 40 and Noblet 45
Buffet E-11 and E-13
Selmer - several models to choose from but don't know the names
Yamaha - several models to choose from but don't know the names
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Author: Nicole Y.
Date: 2000-07-12 23:40
I test played the Omega at camp. One of the girls had one. (There was only one boy in the section...but he was GOOD!) I liked it even better than the E-13 I test played. And I liked both for their ease of playing (at least for me) better than my Leblanc! You need to have her test play it and other models from different makers and have her make the choice. She needs to love it. It's a big investment. Oh, and follow Dee's advice. That's what I'm doing. I'm getting a Buffet.
Sophmores foreva,
Nicole Y.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2000-07-13 01:17
The thread and posts under "Used Clarinet" [below] apply to your questions also, see Dee's comments in particular. Don
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Author: The Dad
Date: 2000-07-13 03:45
I went through this with my middle school daughter not long ago. Do not focus on a "new" clarinet. Look at your budget and try to find the "best" clarinet that you can for your budget. I was lucky and found my daughter a 25 yr.old R-13 for around $1000, and it is fabulous. Look at some of the used Selmers like the 10G or 10S. If you have to buy a new instrument, I think that the Leblanc Esprit is a very good value.
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Author: Eoin McAuley
Date: 2000-07-13 08:21
I presume from your post that you were thinking about spending about $500.
I'm not familiar with the Selmer Signet. Is it a wooden clarinet? Is it considered student or intermediate grade? If it is an intermediate grade clarinet, you may already have quite a decent clarinet. A well looked after used clarinet is worth just as much to you as a new one, although prices do not reflect this. There are so many used clarinets available that prices are kept very low.
With a new mouthpiece and ligature and a servicing by a technician, you could get away with $250 spent on the clarinet and you could then offer your daughter another $250 to spend on anything she likes. This may keep her happy.
If the clarinet she has is definitely not good, you probably want to buy an intermediate wooden clarinet. Yes, you are talking $900 to $1300 for a new one. Or go for a used professional model such as the Buffet R13. This would last a lifetime.
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Author: drew
Date: 2000-07-13 15:32
From the tone of the post I'm guessing that the budget is quite critical.
I recently purchased a new Buffet E-11. YOu should be able to find these at the major mail order firms for around $600. They are great values, certainly not of the caliber of a professional instrument, but more than adequate for a high school student.
A used instrument is another possibility, but there are many more variables, meaning that the amount spent on instrument initially is only the beginning, a used horn might need work, potentially costing $200 or more additional. A new horn will come with a warranty, and shouldn't have additional cost for at least several years.
Email me if you want contact information at the major mail order firms.
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Author: Graham Elliott
Date: 2000-07-13 15:34
Wait.
It's best to consult her teacher. That is more important than fulfilling a specific promise.
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Author: ann marie
Date: 2000-07-17 17:20
i would suggest a buffet e-11 it should run no more than 700, and would suit her purpose
it is best to have a private teacher to play it before you buy it
you should also have more than two to play
this is an excellent instrument for her purpose and will last for many many years
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Author: kelly
Date: 2000-07-20 22:00
While I agree with most of what you have already received, there is a few points I need to make. Do not buy any instrument without having the individual who will be using it test it first. A retailer may have someone test it at the store, but each person has different needs. While an instrument may work fine for one it may not for another.
I agree that a private teacher or director should also test play it, however don't leave your daughter out in the decision making. It is important that it suits her or playing may not be as fun anymore, and that is the most important aspect of music in my opinion. If you have any other questions please contact me. I also know of of a few individuals who's profession is the clarinet, if you would like I could put you in contact with them.
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