Author: clarinetguy ★2017
Date: 2010-09-16 03:36
You have some great questions, and there are no easy answers.
I know all about the cost of college and student loans since my own kids are in college (although not music majors). I can understand very well your reluctance to take on more debt to buy a $2,700 instrument. After all, you and your family are the ones paying the bills, not your professor.
There is no guarantee that a new R-13 would sound better than your current clarinet. It might, but then again, it might not. First, I think I'd see how well
the repair works. The clarinet might come back sounding like an amazing instrument. If the instrument plays in tune and the repair "holds," then I think you have your answer, at least for now.
Before you sink a dollar into a new clarinet, make sure that you really like being a music major. Many music students are filled with enthusiasm in the beginning, but after a few months, realize it isn't the major for them. If you decide to stick with it, great, but if you decide it isn't for you, there's no shame in that.
In the spring, if you're sure that music is really what you want to do--and I think you'll have a much better idea then--you can look at all your options. You might discover that a new mouthpiece and barrel (and possibly a new bell too) might transform your current clarinet into an amazing instrument. On the other hand, after a lot of serious playing on your current Leblanc, you might realize that it has serious limitations. You might discover that a new clarinet is really your best bet.
The Lyrique might be a good idea. I've never played one, but I know a lot of people really like them. How does your professor feel about it?
Another consideration--are you a performance major or an ed. major? If you're a performance major, I think I'd be a bit more likely to consider an upgrade in the future. "In the future" are the key words. Please don't let anyone pressure you into making an immediate decision.
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