 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: band nerd again
Date: 2010-01-22 01:28
Hey all, I played clarinet for over 8 years, however, it's been 12 years since I have played.
I recently joined a concert band in my area. I would like to buy a new clarinet, but I do not want to spend a lot of money. I know the best brands out there, and they are expensive. And I don't want to spend that much so maybe a little help on some cheaper brands.
I would like to know if anyone has heard of or used the following brands:
Portland
Laval
Bartok
If you have what do you think about them.
Thanks
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2010-01-22 01:51
Welcome!
Look at this page:
http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=20&i=357&t=357
At least two of the brands you mentioned are what we not so affectionately refer to around here as "CSOs" or Clarinet-Shaped Objects.
Try this clarinet instead: the Ridenour Lyrique. I bought one about 18 months ago, and it's a real steal for the quality vs price ratios. Tom Ridenour was the head clarinet designer at Leblanc for a number of years, and came up with the designs for the Opus and Concerto professional clarinets for them. He now has his own company and sells direct. His site is http://www.ridenourclarinetproducts.com/
Can't come close to the quality of these for less than a grand almost anywhere else! YOu would have to spend a great deal more to get the same or better clarinet from one of the Big Four (looking over my shoulder to make sure Guido from the Buffet Mafia didn't hear that!)
Tom's clarinets are made from hard rubber or ABS (depending on the model) so you don't have to worry about them cracking. They sound very nice and intonation on my Lyrique 576 BC is just about as close to perfect as you could want.
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
Post Edited (2010-01-22 01:54)
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2010-01-22 01:56
I forgot to mention... if the price for the Lyrique is too high, look at the classifieds over on the right of this page for some "for sale" ads, where you can get a good buy on a restored clarinet.
Jeff
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2010-01-22 03:21
A good used clarinet may be your best bet. The ones you mentioned, I've never even heard of. Remember, you get what you pay for so don't buy junk, you'll regret it. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com
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