 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: BFLATBAZZA
Date: 2011-03-23 12:46
Hi,
I also have had no reply via e-mail to Hanson. My question was- Do/Have, Hanson ever made the SONATA brand Clarinet, as I was told that these instruments are made from the same rubber material that Hanson use?
Gear for Music, are also advertising a rubber material Clarinet. Do Hanson manufacture these also?
Let's have a straight reply!
Cheers,
Bazza.
Post Edited (2011-03-23 16:37)
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2011-03-23 12:51
There is nothing unique about using hard rubber to make clarinets.manufacturers have been using hard rubber for ages. Tom Ridenour's Lyriqueclarinets, just to name one other,are all hard rubber.
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."
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Author: BFLATBAZZA
Date: 2011-03-28 16:25
Thanks. All I need to know, is,: Is a SONATA CLARINET made from HARD RUBBER?
Thanks,
Bazza.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2011-03-29 05:32
Yes, the Sonata is made by Hanson. There was one on a certain auction site in the UK in February.
Tony F.
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Author: BFLATBAZZA
Date: 2011-03-29 07:39
Hi Tony,
Thanks for the info, my SONATA could well be made from hard rubber then?
Would the weight of a hard rubber Clarinet, be more than say a plastic/ABS model?
Baz.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2011-03-29 14:54
My hard rubber horns weigh more than my plastic ones, and probably slightly more than wood. Note that Leblanc also make a wood clarinet called Sonata, and I'd be surprised if there weren't a few others over the years, but as far as I know the Hanson is hard rubber, and is reckoned to be a respectable student instrument.
Tony F.
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Author: BFLATBAZZA
Date: 2011-03-29 15:42
Thanks Tony, as a beginner, I need to ask lots of questions to gain experience.
Another question: Where are BEL CANTO de PAYER Clarinets made, are they any good??
Cheers,
Baz.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2011-03-30 01:24
I'm not familiar with the make. There is currently one on a certain auction site, but that is the only one I've ever heard of. I would suggest that if it was any good there would be more of them around. Personally I would avoid it. If you research this forum there are several lists of clarinets to avoid. This make doesn't appear on the list that I have, but I'd still avoid it until I know more about it. There are some very strange instrument coming out of Asia these days, some good and some of very dubious quality. They're made to order, and they can be stamped with whatever name the customer wants, so many sellers can be offering the same instrument, each with their own name on it. Stay with known brands and you'll be on safer ground. Even then there are traps for the unwary. Fake Buffets, Selmers and Yamahas crop up from time to time.
Tony F.
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Author: BFLATBAZZA
Date: 2011-03-30 07:45
Thanks Tony, I will take your advice, and only look at well known makes of clarinet.
Cheers,
Baz.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2011-03-30 12:29
Baz,
What sort of clarinet are you looking for? Student or pro, wood or plastic, low budget or no limit?
Tony F.
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Author: BFLATBAZZA
Date: 2011-03-30 13:36
Tony,
Beginner model, low budget. An " easy blow."
Baz.
Post Edited (2011-03-30 13:37)
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2011-03-30 14:49
In a post above, I think someone is mistaking he Leblanc Sonata for the clarinets in question. I don't believe Leblanc outsources construction of the clarinets to others. Two entirely different clarinets could have similar model names, unless one company trademarked the name.
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."
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2011-03-30 15:41
Baz,
A few suggestions. Some good low-cost student instruments are:
Leblanc Vito
Yamaha YCL20 or 23
Selmer Bundy
Buescher Aristocrat
Boosey and Hawkes Regent
Buffet B12
Hanson Sonata
Any of these, in good condition, will give good value for a low outlay. Some will work better for you than others. Things to check. Pads, joint corks, springs, evidence of prior repairs (glued tenons,) good mouthpiece that works for you. Suggest possibly Selmer Goldentone 3, Yamaha C4, Rico A5* or Hite Premier as beginner mouthpieces. Start with Rico 1.5 reeds. Anything you have to spend on it will push your costs up, so be selective. Good luck.
Tony F.
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Author: BFLATBAZZA
Date: 2011-03-31 17:47
Thanks again for the info Tony.
Would you mind having a look on a certain well known internet site, and giving your opinion on these Clarinets:
280650745774.
270719187477.
160427517112- KENOSHA BRAND??? (BUESCHER)?
Baz.
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2011-03-31 21:44
I am always wary of auction listings that contain the phrase, "I don't know much about clarinets, but...."
Ya gotta ask yourself a question: "Do I feel lucky today??"
Deal with a reputable shop that offers a liberal return policy. Even better: if you can, try out the instrument (or have an expert try it!) before you spend the money.
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 (2011-03-31 21:45)
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2011-04-01 08:33
Hi Baz,
The first number is a Buescher Aristocrat that hasn't seen any use for 15 years. Assume the pads are shot and cost this into the price.
The second one is supposedly a Selmer Bundy, but note that Selmer is spelt wrong. This may be an accident, or it may be deliberate, as Selmar is one of the names that come up on "iffy" fakes. On that basis I'd avoid it. A Selmer Bundy that is known to be so would be a good novice horn.
The third one is also a Buescher Aristocrat. The photos are not very good, so I can't see any detail. As far as can be seen, it doesn't look too bad, but you must always assume the worst as far as pads, corks & springs are concerned and allow for some possibility of work being needed. If you're in a position to do this yourself then you can save a bit here, but if it is to be done by a technician then expect to pay for it. If work is needed, repair costs can easily take the gloss off what seemed like a bargain.
Have a word with your teacher, they often know of instruments for sale locally, and they probably know about their condition as well.
Where are you located? The first 2 are in the UK, the third is in the US. Don't forget to include the postage costs in your reckoning. This can also turn a bargain into a dead loss.
Tony F.
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Author: BFLATBAZZA
Date: 2011-04-01 16:50
Hi Tony,
Location- UK, STAFFS.
Thanks again for the tips, as you say, at first sight these items may look good, but I,ve seen £50 asked for a full service, and £120 for a re-pad.
This needs to be taken into consideration before buying!
Lessons here are £20 per hour. At the moment, I am unable to afford £80 per month, ( 1 lesson per week).
I have some basic teach yourself books, which I am looking through, before buying an instrument.
Baz.
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2011-04-02 20:27
I would suggest that you do try and take at least a few lessons.
The very start is when you need help and advice of a good teacher most, before bad habits get developed and ingrained.
Once you have the basics straight there is reasonable scope for teaching yourself.
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Author: Clare-net
Date: 2011-04-03 07:32
Baz,
Couple of thoughts - you could see whether you could get a teacher to do you a half hour lesson each week, which would cut the costs - I strongly agree that you're better to get some lessons even just to get your started - will make a HUGE difference. And when you're beginning, half an hour may be enough to get by.
On instruments, you've had some wise advice here about avoiding auction site awfulnesses. Another option might be to look at second-hand instruments sold by reputable dealers, which have often been repadded and checked for playability so you're more likely to get a decent product; also most will allow you to try and return and will post to you.
Try www.dawkes.co.uk (based in Surrey), www.myatt.co.uk (in Hitchin) or www.howarth.uk.com (in London) or, of course, Hansons, which is where you started the thread. I've had good experience of the first three myself, all are happy to do mail order - haven't (yet) tried Hansons but they seem happy to have visitors to their factory which isn't THAT far away from you so might be worth a visit in person.
Good luck & enjoy clarinetting.
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Author: BFLATBAZZA
Date: 2011-04-03 17:52
Hi Clare,
Thanks for your reply. You are right in saying that I,ve had some very good advice, from members of this Forum. It is great to get help from people, who are far more experienced in Clarinet playing than I am.
Have tried the three sites you mentioned, plenty of good secondhand instruments from a reputable source. Food for thought!
Cheers,
Baz.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2011-05-21 16:12
Barry, steer clear - it's a CSO (clarinet-shaped object).
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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