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Re: New Clarinet--need help with models

Author: AllesonWonderland
Date: 2010-06-04 03:43

Jack Kissinger wrote:

> >
> Two comments, Alleson... (1) IMO, if it's still available and
> truly in like-new condition from a local seller,
> I think the YCL-52 is probably your best option. Yamaha is the
> one "Big-4" company that is really willing to compete on price.
> At any given price point, the Yamaha will generally be 1/2
> step to a whole step higher in the company's line than the
> competition. Ask the seller to run it through their shop to
> make sure it's in good playing condition. They'll probably be
> willing to do that to make the sale. If the YCL-52 isn't
> local, it may still be the best deal from a financial
> standpoint (after all, used YCL-52s in "like new" condition are
> bringing around $500 on eBay so even if your daughter doesn't
> stick with the clarinet, you'll be out less than you would be
> if you rented a lesser instrument). On the other hand, there's
> more risk involved -- perhaps more than a parent looking for
> his child's first instrument ought to take. (2) Never
> underestimate the importance of "shiny new looking" to most
> kids starting on an instrument . Of course, you know best how
> your child is on this issue.
>
> Best regards,
> jnk
>
Thanks for your input! I did go ahead and get the YCL-52, after many emails back and forth with the person selling it and the promise of a money back guarantee if I wasn't totally pleased. Took it to a tech yesterday who didn't think it had ever been played. There are 2 pads that are leaking a little air that he will fix (and the seller will reimburse me for.) The guy who looked at it pulled out the catalog that said a new YCL-450 with silver keys would cost me at least $1200...so he thought me getting a basically new, like model for less than half the price was a great deal.

And you're right--"shiny new looking" is a factor. My husband first threw out that his sister had a clarinet...25 years ago. My daughter looked slightly horrified. LOL I know she'll play at least a year, the cost of this instrument is less than what we would have paid for a rental for the year.

Now, to find a case or case cover so my daughter can be 'unique.' Oh, and the required mouthpiece, which the clarinet guy evidently disagreed with the band director's choice...but that's a whole different topic.

Thanks again all!! I certainly appreciate all the advice and opinions.
>
> Post Edited (2010-06-01 18:30)

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