 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ebrasic001
Date: 2012-03-21 02:04
My 14 year old is looking to upgrade to a little nicer clarinet than the $100 ebay special she started on a few years ago. I have a very tight budget ($600 and under) and she is pushing for wood. I looked at a couple of Buffet e11 on ebay, but I don't feel comfortable spending all of that budget on a private seller with no returns or quality guarantees. I found on Fred Weiner a used Noblet 40 for $610, a Normandy 4 for $550, and a Buffet Crampton B12 (at W&B for $600). There is just so much to choose from that it seems a little overwhelming. I don't see her playing much beyond high school, but I think she could be a much better player if she has a quality instrument to work with. What do you guys think?
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Author: michael13162
Date: 2012-03-21 02:19
What mouthpiece is your daughter using? If it's still the stock one that came with the 100$ horn, a mouthpiece upgrade might be the better choice. IMO, 600$ can't buy much in terms of a good quality instrument. Is there anything wrong with that 100$ clarinet?
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Author: Hummingbird
Date: 2012-03-21 02:21
Maybe consider the ridenour lyrique rcp-146? http://www.ridenourclarinetproducts.com/146Bb.html
Even though not wood, it may barely fit into your budget if you stretch a little bit. A quick search can net you the positives and negatives (but overall positive) feedback people have to say about these clarinets.
Otherwise, your best bet is getting something used, however if you're uncomfortable dealing with private sellers then it may be better just to wait and save up for something better in the long run.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2012-03-21 12:15
If you're considering a good used instrument, I've had good dealings with these people. I have no connection with them other than as a satisfied customer. They may have something good within your budget.
usedinstrumentwarehouse.com
Tony F.
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Author: Pastor Rob
Date: 2012-03-21 13:20
You could probably find a good Yamaha 52 for around $400 (I have seen them go for as little as 250), then you would have some left over for repairs and/or a quality mouthpiece. I would also agree the Ridenour is a great value but only if it was set up by Tom himself.
Pastor Rob Oetman
Leblanc LL (today)
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Author: clarinetguy ★2017
Date: 2012-03-21 23:56
You might be able to find a used Yamaha 450 in your price range, and they're nice instruments. If you buy one, it might be necessary to spend a little extra and get a good hard rubber mouthpiece (make sure your daughter tries them before purchasing).
I've also been impressed with the Leblanc Bliss. The all wood version is probably out of your price range, but the composite horns, especially the ones with wood barrels, are very nice instruments. You can probably find a used one in your price range. There are some music stores that will let you do a rent-to-purchase plan with a Bliss.
If you go the Bliss route, it might be wise to purchase one that has been made in the last couple years. I seem to remember reading somewhere that the early ones had intonation issues which have since been corrected. Can anyone verify this?
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Author: MartyMagnini
Date: 2012-03-22 00:09
I had a very good experience buying a brand new Leblanc "Bliss" clarinet from Kessler Music just a few months ago. I got the model that is composite material, but with an upgraded wooden barrel. I think it was either $599 or $699. I bought it for my son who just started this fall, and I must say - it's a VERY decent clarinet. In a pinch, I would play it myself, even in a concert. It came with a decent mouthpiece as well. The Kessler folks were great to deal with, and the owner selected the clarinet and play tested it before he sent it out to me.
I am not affiliated with Kessler in any way, and this is my first experience dealing with them, but I was very pleased with the service and the clarinet. They are easy to find online and are very reputable. Much better clarinet than a Yamaha 450 IMO (although I think that's a reasonable clarinet for the price as well).
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Author: feadog79
Date: 2012-03-22 13:57
Definitely do not undervalue the importance of a good mouthpiece when upgrading equipment. It is THE most important part of the instrument. A good clarinet will sound lousy with a poor mouthpiece. What mouthpiece is your daughter currently using?
You are right to be cautious when purchasing instruments from the online auction site. Prices can be attractive, but you would need to plan on at least a couple hundred dollars more in repairs when getting a used instrument.
The above mentioned instruments (Yamaha, Leblanc, Ridenour) are all of good quality, and I would recommend any to students of mine. Well-made hard rubber or composite clarinets can sound very good; you should not rule them out simply because they aren't wood.
Again, though...the mouthpiece is most important. If your budget does not allow room for getting both a new instrument and a mouthpiece, get a mouthpiece first. Then, save for the clarinet!
Does your daughter have a private instructor? An instructor would be greatly helpful in finding the right mouthpiece. Your daughter could try some out, but she wouldn't really know what she's looking for!
Joe W.
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Author: Joe Bloke
Date: 2012-03-22 14:31
@clarinetguy
"If you go the Bliss route, it might be wise to purchase one that has been made in the last couple years. I seem to remember reading somewhere that the early ones had intonation issues which have since been corrected. Can anyone verify this?"
The story I got from a Leblanc dealer is: The bore on the early wood model (LB 210) had issues that created intonation problems. According to the dealer, it's since been corrected but, beware if you're buying used.
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Author: stuper1
Date: 2012-03-22 20:50
I agree about the mouthpiece being very important, and I can personally recommend the Fobes Nova which comes in two different facings to suit various needs. They run about $75 from WWBW.
On the topic of a wood clarinet, I think you should have no trouble finding something good in your price range. I have purchased three wood clarinets between $200 and $300, all of which are good performers and in good shape. You do have to be careful to not get a beat up model, but there are a lot of good deals available. In fact, I'm in the process of picking which of the three I like best for me, and then I'll be selling the other two, both of which are in good shape. If you're interested in buying, let me know. I'll be happy to give you a 14-day trial period.
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