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Which do you suggest for a returning player???

Author: Maria P
Date: 2011-09-28 00:16

I recently returned to playing the clarinet after a gap of around 20+ years. Before that I was at grade3/4 level.

At the moment I'm playing a cheap Bb clarinet which tbh isn't great . My husband wants to buy me a new clarinet for my next birthday, and I've been looking around a little bit. I would like to move onto a wooden instrument - and seem to be veering between the Buffet E-11 and Yamaha YCL450.

Can anyone advise which one might be better for a returning player? I'm also considering joining a small orchestra (at my music school) when I'm feeling more confident, so want something that will see me through this as well.

Thanks.

Maria

Post Edited (2012-01-31 00:18)

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Re: Which do you suggest for a returning player???

Author: SteveG_CT
Date: 2011-09-28 00:44

Maria,

Are you looking at new or used instruments? Personally I don't think new intermediate-level clarinets like the E-11 or the YCL-450 are a wise investment. You are probably better off buying a used instrument and playing while saving for a better instrument if you decide you need one. Since you're in the UK you could likely find a used Boosey & Hawkes Emperor, Imperial 926, or Symphony 1010 that would play as well or (likely) better than the E-11 or YCL-450 for half the price or less.

If you are determined to buy a new instrument I would recommend considering the YCL-650. It's usually about the same price as the E-11 and in my opinion is a much better instrument and probably the best value among the entry-level professional clarinets.

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Re: Which do you suggest for a returning player???

Author: Ursa
Date: 2011-09-28 03:30

Maria:

I think you should consult the clarinetists of the orchestra you plan on someday joining--it's possible they'll have suggestions for instruments and other equipment that have proven to work well within the ensemble.

I'll also second SteveG's suggestion of skipping intermediate instruments. The price premium of an entry-level pro Yamaha over an intermediate Buffet E-11 isn't all that much. And used Boosey & Hawkes professional clarinets are a great bargain these days--with a really good rebuild a Boosey can play superbly. I have an 8-10 that's amazing.

Cheers,
Greg

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Re: Which do you suggest for a returning player???

Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2011-09-28 03:52

In the U.S., at least based on published prices, the Buffet E11 and Yamaha YCL-650 sell for about the same price. But, if Howarth's prices are representative of the U.K., I see that the YCL-650 is considerably more expensive there than the E11. If you can find a Yamaha YCL-650 for about the same price as the Buffet E11, and you can afford the E11, I'd recommend the YCL-650 hands down. But, if you have about £800 to spend, for your level and what you want to do, either of the instruments you're looking at should serve you just fine.

Best regards,
jnk

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Re: Which do you suggest for a returning player???

Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2011-09-30 02:08

A bit of advice here. Whatever you decide to buy have someone with a lot of talent pick out a clarinet for you. Horns are like reeds, some are better then others.

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