 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: janlynn
Date: 2009-11-18 19:07
if you had a new, excited young student who showed up to his first lesson with a First Act Clarinet or another CSO - how do you respectfully tell him (parents) it is not the best choice?
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2009-11-18 19:51
You wait for the second or third lesson, when your abilities as a teacher have been proven.
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2009-11-18 20:07
...and when the instrument starts to show its weaknesses.
Keep a Bundy or a Vito within reach should the unthinkable happen.
--
Ben
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Author: janlynn
Date: 2009-11-18 20:09
ohhh - so you wouldnt mention it until the thing malfunctions?
then they will say, why didnt you tell me sooner?
has anyone experienced this?
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2009-11-18 20:25
"malfunction" is a harsh word - I'd say when it becomes apparent that the child is not going to be happy with it.
You can't just go and tell the parents what a POS they've bought, unless you can actually "show and tell" what's wrong. Else they just might think you're prejudiced or suffered from brand snobbery.
Of course it would make sense to find out what the return period (if any) of such an instrument typically is.
(This is not limited to musical instrument - basically all cheap apparatuses given to children potentially suffer from shortcomings)
--
Ben
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Author: GBK
Date: 2009-11-18 20:58
Don't forget that First Act sued the former Brooks Mays Music and was awarded $16.7 million.
(from Wikipedia)
"...According to First Act, Brook Mays discouraged patrons from buying First Act's very inexpensive instruments. This claim was based on a flyer that Brook Mays sent out to band directors and consumers.
In 2006, a judge awarded First Act the full amount of their claim.
In July 2006, Brook Mays Music Group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy..."
http://dallas.bizjournals.com/dallas/stories/2006/07/03/daily18.html
...GBK
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2009-11-18 21:24
I wouldn't wait until the thing breaks...Just wait until you know the kids/parents better.
Usually the instrument will hold out for a few months, so you actually can get some good music instruction in there. Then mention that a used Bundy/Vito/whatever else might be a good plan if the kid wants to keep playing.
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Author: pewd
Date: 2009-11-18 21:44
I don't wait - I tell them to bring me $800 for a new E11, or go to a music store and rent or buy a better instrument, or find a different teacher. I suggest several stores, and several different brands/models.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2009-11-18 23:50
A couple of years ago, I rented a student tenor sax from the company that supplies "all" of the kids in town. It was awful. I had it serviced 2x, and it was still awful.
I think it is really, really important that a new student's instrument be completely functional --so that all the problems that come up can be corrected by the teacher --not by solving the mystery of a malfunctioning instrument --particularly one that will not stay repaired.
I'd tell the student and his/er parents that story: its about the student learning to play the instrument, not about worrying about its reliability.
Bob Phillips
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Author: OldClarinetGuy
Date: 2009-11-19 00:04
I would tell them right away..There is nothing, and I mean nothing, more frustrating to a young student and the parents than a lousy clarinet.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2009-11-19 01:55
Before telling them, I would show some prospective good used student instruments. Either the parents couldn't afford a better clarinet (doubtful if they can afford weekly lessons), or they were just afraid of the student losing interest and didn't want to spend a lot on an instrument that the kid may not continue.
Also demonstrate/explain that a quality used clarinet will retain its value better should the child not continue after a year or two and they'll be able to recoup most of the what they paid (or maybe more if they lucked out and found one VERY well-priced)
Alexi
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2009-11-19 05:25
Have you actually checked that the clarinet is very bad or are you just assuming based on its name? I've never tried a First Act but even a name sometimes doesn't mean much since they can change factories, etc. Some Chinese clarinet are only very bad because they come with a ridiculously short barrel that is about 4mm-5mm too short causing terrible intonation. Maybe to say you suspect the clarinet would have problems, then try it as thoroughly as you can, and tell them your conclusion.
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Author: kathryn777
Date: 2009-11-19 19:41
As someone who worked for BMMG then... and now for H&H years later, i would definately have to say be careful how you say this
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Author: Bluesparkle
Date: 2009-11-20 00:20
Does the First Act play? Have you tried it and been able to play it without a struggle? My youngest son had a First Act drumset, and it was certainly a step up from a toy set. Lasted him a couple of years until he was ready for a better quality name brand. We actually kept the set so he could remember his "first drum set" when he makes the big time!
Since the holidays are coming up, you could pull the parents off to the side, discreetly hand them a list of student clarinets you recommend and where to find them, and suggest that, if they were interested in a gift for their child, they might investigate a "step up" clarinet.
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