 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Mike
Date: 2000-12-15 15:07
My son wants to play the clarinet. I've found a store in the area that stocks them, but I can't find out anything about the brand name... the clarinet is an "Eva Clarinet".... I was told it was foreign made, but tuned in the US?
Where can I learn more about this maker? Is this a good maker? My son's eight years old and just thinks the clarinet is the best sounding instrument he's ever heard....
Thanks....
PS: he wants it for Xmas
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Author: Dave Spiegelthal
Date: 2000-12-15 15:14
I've never heard of this brand, myself. I would practice "caveat emptor" here --- unless you can get information to the contrary, assume that this "Eva" clarinet is Chinese-made trash, and don't buy it! For student clarinets, you'd be best to stick with one of the reputable "big 4" brands: Buffet, Selmer, Leblanc, and Yamaha.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2000-12-15 15:35
I dont know of Eva either, could it be an Evette? [ Buffet-sponsored clarinets] which are usually very good, similar to the Pro-level R 13. It may be that the full name is worn off or removed , ask a skillfur repair-person, use a magnifying glass with a bright light. It does sound likely. Don
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Author: Jodi
Date: 2000-12-15 16:37
Eva has just shown up on the market. I am under the impression that they are made here in Vermont (Jericho, I think) I have tried them and have been quite impressed. They are good for a student instrument. One of the ones that I saw said Jericho, Vermont on it. I am happy to see that they seem to expanding out of this state. They are well priced also... the ones that I tried were actually better than some of the Vitos and Bundy's I have tried. Good response in the high register and a nice sound overall.
I would say disregard the message from Dave- I have looked at a couple and have seen them well made and sounding pretty good- I don't think they are trash at all.
Good luck and happy playing!
Jodi
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Author: Dave Spiegelthal
Date: 2000-12-15 17:07
I would love to be proven wrong on this one! But if you look at recent brand introductions in the saxophone world (e.g. LA Sax, VESPRO, etc.), you'd find that these are U.S.-run companies buying parts made in China and "assembling" them into instruments in the States. The results are typically not very good. I hope that Jodi is right (in which case by all means ignore my warning), but it wouldn't hurt to make sure first.
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Author: Jodi
Date: 2000-12-15 17:25
Definitely play the instrument or have someone else pay it and compare with another before purchase... I think that's a given on ANY instrument.
Best of luck,
Jo
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Author: Jodi
Date: 2000-12-15 17:29
OK. I just got the 'skinny' on these bad boys...
They are DESIGNED by a guy here in Jericho Vermont. He sends out to Japan to have them made and they are then sent back here. There are also flutes that he has made up and everything seems to play quite well.
So there it is!! If I find out more, I will let you know!!
Jodi
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Author: ron b
Date: 2000-12-15 17:31
Mike...
Hmmm -
You need something this week. You've seen an 'Eva' that may be 'foreign made' but tuned in the US. "Tuned in the US" is sales pitch jargon that means nothing at all. I think Dave's right on, Mike; I'd get outa that store in a hurry. If there's any doubt at all, don't buy it! Assume, imagine, determine that it's junk with zero trade-in or re-sale value.
Ask around, find a *reputable* brand at a *reputable* music store. Ask specifically about those brands. [Selmer makes Bundy, Leblanc makes Vito and so on (they're different 'grades' by those makers) - and that in itself is very confusing].
Can you contact a local clarinet teacher to help you out? I'd recommend this as your BEST recourse at this time. Tell the teacher what (brands) you're interested in and ask which local stores can best help you (offering to pay for his/her time to accompany you to the store wouldn't be a bad idea  . If you can't get someone familiar with clarinets to help you, look for one of those names (that Dave listed for you) on the instrument. Write 'em down, take the list with you.
I hope some of these suggestions will make it easier for you to make up your mind. It's a lot of info to sort out. I hope someone can help you on a more personal basis to do that. Keep in touch here, too, though - I'm sure there'll be more comments directed your way.
ron b
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Author: ron b
Date: 2000-12-15 17:41
Mike -
Just goes to show that none of us knows it all (but we're all willing to learn. Jodi has first hand info that these horns may be quite all right at a good price. Jodi's also right on the beam about playing the instrument before buying. You may still want to enlist the services of a local teacher or a clarinet player you know before you purchase the instrument.
And, I want to wish you a Happy Holiday season too!
ron b
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Author: Anji
Date: 2000-12-15 22:00
Hey Mike,
Herr Spiegelthal really knows his stuff, disregard his advice at your peril.
I would consider three things when buying a student horn;
1) Money is always a consideration. The first horn will be dropped, its only a matter of time... the plastic horns made by Vito are nearly bullet proof.
2) Residual value... I recommend finding a nice second hand horn for under $200 and get a nice new Hite mouthpiece, unless the teacher suggests a different one.
These things will be very hard to resell when the time comes to step up, put very little money into the first horn!
3) Beginners may have a great deal of trouble dealing with natural reeds.
As an adult beginner I still have occassion to use the Legere synthetic reed when humidity or temperature radically changes. It plays reasonably well and should prove nearly indestructable. If the school provides reeds, fantastic! Otherwise one of these at $15 USD should last a LONG time.
I applaud your enthusiasm in support of your son, even if your neighbors will soon come to question your motives.
Lastly,
When he does begin to play, put the cat outside. Pet psychiatry is expensive.
anji
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Author: Matt Locker
Date: 2000-12-19 12:15
Jodi:
Can you give me more info on the Eva Clarinet. I live in Williston and would love to see them made and try one for myself.
Matt
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