 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: luisrrobles
Date: 2009-01-02 21:59
im looking to pick up clarinet and i want to buy a beginning one to start off with. i have a 300 dollar budget (christmas money)
i found these four clarinets off musicians friend. now fellow clarinet players which one is best for the money?
http://band-orchestra.musiciansfriend.com/product/ Etude-ECL100-Clarinet-Outfit?sku=463674
http://band-orchestra.musiciansfriend.com/product/ Kohlert-430E-Clarinet-?sku=463132
http://band-orchestra.musiciansfriend.com/product/ Barrington-Model-336-Student-Bb-Clarinet?sku=46376 1
http://band-orchestra.musiciansfriend.com/product/ Prelude-Clarinet-Outfit?sku=465026
and i do have woodwind experience i play saxophone and bassoon so picking up another woodwind wouldnt be a new experience
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Author: GBK
Date: 2009-01-02 22:33
None of the above.
Entry level clarinets (Bundy, Vito, Yamaha, Buffet) have a better track record over time for quality of construction, intonation, repairs, ease of service/parts and holding their adjustments...GBK
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Author: luisrrobles
Date: 2009-01-02 22:46
what about this selmer?
http://www.samash.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_CL701%20Prelude%20Student%20Clarinet_-1_10052_10002_-49974364_cmCategorySA181341
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Author: cxgreen48
Date: 2009-01-02 22:56
You're better off buying a well-known used clarinet in good playing condition.
I've personally tried a Conn-Selmer Prelude and it was very out of tune, the mouthpiece was asymmetrical, and the barrel was WAY too short.
clarinuts.com is a sponsor of this this website and they have many good used instruments under $300.
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Author: Rob Vitale
Date: 2009-01-03 03:41
I've played many many student model clarinets. I'm always looking for my young students. In my findings, the very best student clarinets on the market for your budget (which is the typical budget for a first clarinet) are made by Yamaha. They have the best key work, sound, intonation, and just overall feel when compared to the student selmers, and vito. I would argue that buffet does make a better student clarinet however they will raise your budget. Not to mention the yamaha's are buffet copies already, and darn good ones too.
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Author: D
Date: 2009-01-03 18:44
I'd vote for the second hand instrument recommendations above. One of the big 4 mentioned is safest in terms of servicing and resale - although there are other makers around with good products, for your purposes these will make it simpler. If you possibly can, find someone who plays clarinet reasonably (as you already play instruments you probably know convenient people) and get them to play something you are considering to check it works properly. As you already have the musical background you need to keep in mind resale value as you will probably want to upgrade in the next couple of years if you start getting serious about clarinet. A good name used instrument, well maintained, won't loose you as much money as selling on a new one. But you will need to make sure the thing works before you buy it! Decent reeds and mouthpiece will make your life much easier and sweeter sounding as well. As a sax player you know these things! Better to spend 40 quid on a decent mouthpiece (big difference) than 40 quid more on a clarinet (no difference).
Embouchure is a bit different for sax and clarinet. If you can possibly manage a couple of lessons with a decent teacher to look at the breathing and embouchure differences you'll be doing yourself a huge favour. Also, the way which you support the instrument with your thumb is vital so working with someone to get a good hand position and avoid damaging yourself will be really worthwhile. And the mass of alternate fingerings certainly deserves some attention. If you do decide to have lessons, make sure though that you and a teacher agree about what you want to get from them. It can be tricky going in with some knowledge to a new instrument. Many tutor books spend ages telling you what a G looks like and which fingers you should put down. Borrow one from a public library!
Enjoy your new toy and happy shopping!
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Author: Sambo 933
Date: 2009-01-03 22:30
I can vouch for vito, bundy, and buffet.
try to find a used one thats in good condition in your price range.
I made the mistake of starting on a clarinet that no one has heard of.
It was a pain and my teacher absolutely HATED it.
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