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Student grade worth restoration?

Author: T Webb
Date: 2010-09-10 09:16

I played clarinet in high school band many, many years ago. Started playing alto sax about two years ago, but thought I might try clarinet again.

Bought a Yamaha 20 and Vito Reso-tone off e-bay. Both playable, but needed to have Yamaha serviced. Vito in much worse condition (but still playable).

As one might expect had trouble going over the break, tried various mpc and reed combination. Some improvement but not as much as hoped. So I tried the Vito with bad tenon corks and questionable pads. Getting over the break much, much easier. Tone with Vito not as good as Yamaha however (old worn pads?), but easier to play all round in. Now I'm wondering, is the Vito a better horn or is the Yamaha just not set up properly?

So now I'm considering having one of the two serviced. The Yamaha can probably get away with a minor service, but I expect the Vito will need an overhaul or restoration.

Logic has it that most people would not put that kind of money in either of the two. If I were in my teens (or younger) I would agree!

But I'm 68 and not near as talented as most contributors this forum. I'm wondering if a properly serviced student grade would be all I need for the remainder of my 'clarinet playing' years? OR Is an intermediate grade horn that much better and that is what I should be considering?

I'm old school, I want a horn that is reliable, robust, and does not have to continually go to the shop.

So your thoughts on -

Get the Yamaha serviced, get the Vito overhauled or get an intermediate grade clarinet?

Should I get an intermediate grade, it would probably be a Yamaha because any emergency service work could be carried out in Australia.

I live in Australia, but travel to Texas at least annually so I can have John Butler do any routine service work and would ask him to do the initial work on the Vito or Yamaha as well.

I appreciate any and all input.

Thank you,

T Webb
Queensland

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Re: Student grade worth restoration?

Author: GLHopkins
Date: 2010-09-10 13:41

You can have either repadded. They will both make a nice clarinet for you. If money is an issue have the better of the two put in good playing condition and not worry about having all of the pads replaced.

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Re: Student grade worth restoration?

Author: pewd
Date: 2010-09-10 15:04

Both are decent horns if overhauled.

In my experience, where people fail, is they have the instruments 'serviced' or put into 'playing condition' , instead of full overhauls. Then you have a lot of little issues keep popping up over time.

2 solutions - either a full overhaul, all pads, tenon, and key corks replaced. Springs tightened, replaced as needed, etc.

or, buy a brand new intermediate instrument - E11' s for one example can be had for $800.

will talk to you more offline in a day or 2 when i have more free time

regards
Paul

- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas

Post Edited (2010-09-10 15:10)

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