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 Arbiter Bb Pro Sound
Author: Clari-Netty 
Date:   2009-11-08 01:58

Has anyone heard of this Clarinet???? the more i look into it the less i find and i am starting to think i have jsut baught a dud. i am returning to playing after a 15 year absence and i just wanted a cheap second hand model while i get back in the swing and stick with it, in 6 months or so i will upgrade to a decent model, prob a buffet R13 i was looking for a buffet B12 and found this arbiter, its seems to be in good working order but i have been out of the loop for so long i dont think i'd really know whats what.

any thoughts are very welcome

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 Re: Arbiter Bb Pro Sound
Author: tictactux 2017
Date:   2009-11-08 08:40

I *think* that this is a "store brand" instrument, of either a store chain or an importer. The number of hits against "Arbiter Pro Sound" lets me believe that it is more than just a one-off product line, but of course I have no idea about the quality or longevity of these products.

Be sure you get a decent mouthpiece. IMO that's more important than the brand on the instrument (as long as it is in good working order, of course).

--
Ben

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 Re: Arbiter Bb Pro Sound
Author: Chris P 
Date:   2009-11-08 14:30

Arbiter was the UK Leblanc agent in the '90s based in north London (not that far up the Edgware Rd. from the B&H factory, as well as Vincent Bach) and they had a line of Taiwanese-sourced student brass and woodwind instruments under the 'Pro Sound' label.

I think the most recent Arbiter clarinets (and other instruments) were most likely Chinese sourced as the ones I've seen were ebonite-bodied, and some even carried the Hanson logo on them as well (these ones had yellow pads).

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010

The opinions I express are my own.

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 Re: Arbiter Bb Pro Sound
Author: Clari-Netty 
Date:   2009-11-08 17:20

Thanks ben, chris. i think i am a little more at ease with my purchase now and am just eager to get my hands on it and see what its really like. i knew it wasnt a top quality brand, but hoped it wasnt a total dud. i just wanted something to get me back in the swing.

a few months down the line i'm going to trade up for a better model anyway so i dont know if its worth buying a new mouth piece, what are your thoughts?

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 Re: Arbiter Bb Pro Sound
Author: Chris P 
Date:   2009-11-08 22:27

Get a decent mouthpiece in the meantime to get the most out of it - something like a Vandoren 5RV Lyre as they won't break the bank, and should work with anything.

The stock mouthpieces you get with Buffets are only cheap plastic ones (no point in makers supplying an expensive one if people tend to use their own), so if you do chose to go for a Buffet (or any other make/model) later on, you'll at least have a good mouthpiece and one you'll already be used to playing on for the time you upgrade.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010

The opinions I express are my own.

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 Re: Arbiter Bb Pro Sound
Author: Clari-Netty 
Date:   2009-11-09 00:59

thanks Chris, when you say it like that about keeping the mouth peice for the upgrade as well it makes perfect sense and its defo a good investment. i'll shop around and ask my tutor what size would best suite my embouchure as i dont have a clue what to buy. i'm looking through the forum for opinions on brands etc

thanks all for the advice everyone

:)

back to playing after 15 years....*big gulp*

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