 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Clarinetboy***
Date: 2008-07-08 03:00
Hi, I play clarinet in my school band here in Albany, Oregon and I'm in the eighth grade. I would like to ask what clarinet I should upgrade to. I have read many posts on what to upgrade but everything is just making me confused. Right now I play an ABS plastic Jupiter Capital Edition clarinet and I think it is a fine clarinet, better than the Chinese junk you see on Ebay. I got my clarinet on Ebay for $85.21, that's a bargain isn't it? No one bidded on it much since most people assume that Jupiter is just a bad brand that makes bad instruments but I think they improved much from their past reputation. Now, I was thinking of upgrading either 1: my clarinet or 2: my mouthpiece and reeds. I want to upgrade to an intermediate model clarinet that's of a good quality, affordable and made of wood. I'm focused on getting a wood clarinet since it's easier to find. My budget is around $250.00. I would prefer to get it used on Ebay since I know what to look for but I need to know which is the best from what I'm choosing on my list. Here's what I was thinking of trying to get, Normandy 10, Noblet 45, Buffet E11, Evette and Shaeffer modele, Leblanc Rapsodie, Leblanc Sonata, Leblanc Cadenza, Selmer CL200, CL201, CL211, Selmer Signet Special or Selmer Signet Soloist both Elkhart Indiana version, and perhaps
Jupiter 931N series. Which one of these do you think I should get? I could also get them on WWBW but I don't know how to do a payment plan. I want to do like a monthly payment thing but I don't know if they accept that. Or do you think I should just get a new mouthpiece and reeds like the Vandoren M15 mouthpiece and Gonzalez FOF reeds? All of these options are confusing me and I would like to upgrade even though I don't need to since I'm doing this for my birthday gift to myself. My parents will pay for the clarinet but I don't want to spend over $300 unless it's a monthly payment plan. Thanks for reading.
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Author: Ryder
Date: 2008-07-08 04:07
You should definatly upgrade your instrument first, then worry anout mp and reed later since things can get very confusing. On your list my recomendations would be (in order) Buffet E11 then the Normandy 10. Those are the two I am most familliar with. The Buffet E-11 is a superb intermediate clarinet.
Look up Tom Ridenour clarinets. I don't have personal experience with is clarinets, but I've heard nothing but good comments on them. They are made of hard rubber, so outdoors is no issue for them. You will also be able to get more "bang for your buck" so to speak.
Another in the non-wooden options is The doctor's (L. Omar Henderson, a user of this board) Forte clarinet. Again, I have no personal experience with the Forte but have only heard good comments about it.
If you continue into high school marching band, a wood clarinet is not the best option, but properly cared for it will do a great job.
Some buying tips-
*To help you in your quest, I wouldn't suggest buying from an online retailer unless you are 100% sure you know what you want AFTER and only AFTER you've had the chance to try them. You may need to do some searching, but try as many of the clarinets on your list as possible in person. However, if you have no way to try these instruments it would be very hard to go wrong with the E11. The majority of the instruments on your list would probably be a great improvement over what your currently using (minus the Jupiter. They should just stick to sponsering Boston Brass)
*Also, bring a clarinet teacher, band instructor, or other qualified person to listen to you on these instruments.
*Bring a pocket tuner. The intonation of an instrument is very crucial. You can have the most beautiful sonding instrument, but if it's out of tune you'll be stuck playing rose etudes for the rest of your life
*(VERY, VERY IMPORTANT) Take YOUR mouthpiece and reeds that you normally play on with you to use on the instruments you try. Don't let the dealer try to make you use a different mouthpiece and new reed. You will not be able to fully evaluate the clarinet and it's sound on a mp that doesn't work for you.
*If at all possible, pay up-front for the instrument. IF you make payments or, "rent-to-own" you'll end up spending a hell of a lot more than the actual cost, but having the instrument and making payments with interest is better than nothing.
Good luck in your search. I believe there was a recent post about buying a new clarinet where lots of people chimed in with tips and advice. Click the "older post" button to scroll through the pages to search. You'll find good info there.
____________________
Ryder Naymik
San Antonio, Texas
"We pracice the way we want to perform, that way when we perform it's just like we practiced"
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Author: glin
Date: 2008-07-08 04:40
From what what you've written, I would opt to upgrade your mouthpiece rather than upgrading to a clarinet. For your budget of $250, you're not going to have enough to upgrade, I'm afraid. You might be able to buy used, but I don't think the fetching price would get to your budget number. If you do look for used, try looking at a Buffet E11, Noblet, or Yamaha 34.
There is strong consideration that a good mpc/reed/barrel setup can make all the difference. You should try Vandoren, Fobes Nova, Fobes Debut, + other mpc manufacturers. These are priced at $100 or less.
You may also want to consider a new barrel (synthetic types can be had for $100 or less). Total est cost = $200. You seem to be pretty satisfied with the Jupiter, so why not give it some more mileage with a good mpc?
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Author: fernan
Date: 2008-07-08 06:47
I kind of agree with glin. Just stick with what you have, but just change your m/p, reed and barrel combination. Back in my high school days (ten years ago), Jupiters were actually improving their line, which helped a lot.
If you are going to spring for an intermediate clarinet, I agree with those who suggested the E11--they really are worth it.
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Author: Clarinetboy***
Date: 2008-07-08 20:27
Thank you so much for all of your help! Unfortunately, I'm not the richest person in the world so I cannot afford to make a big payment right away. I would have to stick with a monthly payment plan if I were to purchase a new wood clarinet. Also, I don't think I'll be able to get an E11 since EVERYONE on Ebay is bidding on every E11 that comes up like crazy. One day the bid will be 99 cents the next day it'll be $125.22! I can't catch up to that much bidding. An E11 would be nice but it's so over rated that everybody tries to get one right away if it's around $400. None of Tom Ridenour's clarinets come up on Ebay just the bad ones. Noblet clarinets seem to be one of my best bets though since no one really bids on them unless the seller makes it look extra fancy.
[ Snipped -GBK ]
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Author: D
Date: 2008-07-08 21:35
I would tend to agree with the above posters who say stick to a mouthpiece upgrade. Also, a good service. You'd be amazed what a good tech can do with some new pads and a couple of screwdrivers! much more efficient. In school you want to really use an instrument which can take anything the band director can throw at it, rain/shine/snow....and you have that. worry about upgrading later when you have a better budget and can get something that will last you a good long while. If you upgrade on your current budget you run the risk of needing to do it again in very few years.
Best of luck.
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Author: Clarinetboy***
Date: 2008-07-09 00:47
What you're saying is true but I won't have clarinet as my major in college since I'm going to be a professional chef. I mean yeah, it would be nice to have a Buffet R13 but I'll never be able to afford that until I'm an adult. All I want is an intermediate clarinet that will last me through college and the rest of my life. I don't need a top dollar clarinet. The only clarinet I would be able to afford would be a vintage clarinet such as the selmer signet special or soloist. If I can't do that then I'll just get a Vandoren M15 mouthpiece, Gonzalez FOF reeds, and maybe a new clarinet barrel.
[ Snipped - GBK ]
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Author: fernan
Date: 2008-07-09 03:53
Yeah, that plan sounds good (upgrading the MP, barrel, and reeds). I didn't upgrade until I was a junior in high school (after years of begging my parents for an E11...I'm glad I waited), but it was well worth the wait. You can do well on a plastic instrument. Which plastic model do you currently have?
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Author: Clarinetboy***
Date: 2008-07-09 09:31
I have a Jupiter Capital Edition ABS plastic clarinet. It's better than average, even though it doesn't get much respect in terms of brand recognition.
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Author: Brenda ★2017
Date: 2008-07-09 11:18
If you were prepared to pay on a monthly plan, then why don't you just save that same money you were prepared to spend each month? Set those funds aside and in a year or two you'll be surprised how much you have available for a great clarinet - cash!
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2008-07-09 13:34
Just want to pile on the "buy a mouthpiece" bandwagon. Many good suggestions above.
I don't remember reading that you study privately? If you do not then the best investment by far is taking lessons.
I would also dissent on the E11...I don't really find those horns to be significant upgrades (unless you get them on the extreme cheap).
If you find yourself deadset on a new wooden clarinet then key your eye on the Selmer Signets that are available on eBay. They're student wood clarinets that can often be bought (with trial period) around $250.
(BTW...I am not suggesting the Signet is better than the E11...just better priced for what you get).
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: rtmyth
Date: 2008-07-09 16:08
I got two hard rubber Ridenour TR147s for about $50 each, some years ago. They are excellent . Better intonation than my Concertos. But, try before buy, or get a generous refund policy.
richard smith
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Author: Alfred
Date: 2008-07-09 23:26
Yeah, you'd definitely be better off upgrading your mouthpiece, because if you're going to buy used, and you find one for $250, its condition may be a tad bit questionable.
You can find some excellent mouthpieces for $250, though.
Brenda's suggestion is probably the best. I'd save those funds.
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Author: Clarinetboy***
Date: 2008-07-10 20:10
Hey Brenda, thanks for the suggestion but, even if I do save my funds for next year my parents will either buy something they want with it and forget that I want a clarinet. Right now, it seems the selmer signet special and the soloist are my best bets besides a normandy 10 that needs a few pads and polishing on the auction site. Besides, it would be nice to get a Selmer Signet Special for $230.00, with cork pads right? The Buffet E11 is really over rated and I think there are more things besides that. I could always stretch my budget to $310.00 though but anything more than that is pushing it. Do you think it would be a good idea to get a clarinet from clarinuts.com? It seems they have clarinet that I could afford if I stretch my budget a bit more. Anyway, if I really can't get an intermediate wood clarinet, I'll just get a Vandoren M15 mouthpiece, Gonzalez FOF reeds, and a Muncy clarinet barrel. Thanks for all of the advice.
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