 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ben Shaffer
Date: 2014-03-07 20:01
Well, I'm a 63 year old and am going to take up the Clarinet.
I don't have one, but I do have the opportunity to buy one of several and would love to some opinions as to which might be the best choice
. As I understand it both of the Vitos have been totally refurbished
Vito7112 for $199
Vito 7214 with VanDoren Mouthpiece for $199
Yamaha YCL25 about 4 years old and in very good condition for $395..... I went ahead and made an offer of $230
Thanks for any suggestions
Ben
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Author: fskelley
Date: 2014-03-07 20:21
Hi Ben,
Wow, there must be a big market for clarinets for us older gents. I got going a few years ago at 57. I went through a few clarinets and can offer some opinions.
Vitos I think may be the best values out there. They are plentiful, condition varies, good examples can be had dirt cheap. I know there are several models of differing desirability, I can't speak to which is which. I had a Vito for a while that acoustically was super. My only complaint was that the keywork was clunky (though secure), that's why I didn't keep it. A Vito could be a great starter.
The student level Yamahas, if in good shape, are excellent but will command top $. I think there are few bargains here, so if you go that route make sure it's guaranteed to be in top condition.
The Vandoren mouthpiece could be worth $40 if a proper model and in good shape. If not the right one for you, you could possibly resell and recoup $20-40.
Good luck and keep us posted!
Stan in Orlando
EWI 4000S with modifications
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2014-03-07 21:14
The Vito is probably the best value in plastic clarinets today. They play well, mechanically they are about as close to bulletproof that you'll find, they're rugged and will go on for ever. I'd probably look at the Vito with the Vandoren mouthpiece. As has been suggested, even if it doesn't suit you personally you can probably recoup some of your investment if you sell it.
The Yamaha will also serve you well as long as it is in good condition. Personally I find that having large hands the Vito suits me best, whereas the Yamahas seem to work well for people with small hands.
Tony F.
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Author: jparrette
Date: 2014-03-07 21:59
Hi Ben,
The Vitos are fine if they're in good shape. The price seems high for the Yamaha.
If you're buying used, condition is FAR more important than which model you get. A cheap Chinese clarinet that seals perfectly is better than a Buffet with a huge leak in the upper joint. You should try any instrument you're considering buying. I like the Yamaha YCL-250 (plastic) and YCL-450 (wood). They're built great and sound terrific for the money.
If your playing isn't far enough along yet to judge yourself, bring someone along to play them.
If I were you, I'd send a note to Kelly Burke, who teaches clarinet at UNCG (google UNCG music faculty) and ask for a recommendation for a good local dealer and repair tech.
I'd stay away from that auction site too. Good luck!
John Parrette
CLARION MUSICAL SERVICES
john@clarionmusical.com
914-805-3388
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Author: cyclopathic
Date: 2014-03-08 03:43
IMHO 199$ price for Vitos is high; unless locally and they had been freshly serviced/checked/re-padded.
there are tons of plastic Vitos & Normandies which go for <40$ on"that site". The last one I picked for friend's son needed some cleaning but was in good playable condition otherwise. Also key oiling and minor adjustment
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Author: fskelley
Date: 2014-03-08 04:40
cyclopathic wrote:
>
> there are tons of plastic Vitos & Normandies which go for <40$
> on"that site".
That's what I recall from a couple yr ago. Yes you can get burned on eBay and Craigslist, as I have on a couple of occasions*. But there are good deals to be had. Mainly you just want a fair price for a good instrument.
My suggestion is that you budget a trip to your local music store with your new purchase, no matter what its pedigree. And be prepared for them to scold you (hard to blame them with the junk they must get asked to service), and you'll pay $40-ish for a checkout that could include some adjustments and maybe even a pad or 2. Then you'll really know how good a deal it was and whether you need to keep looking.
Your downside risk with this approach is pretty low, and upside you will very likely get a lot more clarinet for your $$$.
*I got burned on a student Yamaha YCL-26 that was purported to be in perfect playing condition but needed $150 in repairs. It happens. After repair it still wasn't as good as the Vito I'd already sold cheap.
Stan in Orlando
EWI 4000S with modifications
Post Edited (2014-03-08 04:43)
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Author: Funfly
Date: 2014-03-08 16:38
Ben,
Like you I started at a late age (75) so you are in good company here.
I would like to comment how important the mouthpiece is, especially to a new player. It can make all the difference from struggling to easy playing.
Also I use Vandoren Signature synthetic reeds, they do cost to buy but, as a beginner, this avoids you getting into all the mysteries and practices associated with cane reeds, you just put one on and play and they last a long time.
Just my own views.
Mart
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Author: CarlT
Date: 2014-03-09 03:23
Ben, I started at age 70. I rented a Bundy for a few lessons until I was sure I'd stick with it. I think I only paid $30 for 3 month's rental. I started lessons, and my teacher recommended I buy a Selmer Signet Special that his repairman had just worked on. I paid (I found out later) too much for it ($500), as I could have bought one online for probably $300, or less, but live and learn, right?
At any rate, if you're smart, you'll definitely get lessons to get you started out right; otherwise, you'll learn some bad habits fast, and they'll be hard to let go of later.
Three years after I started, I began playing 2nd clarinet in our community band. Learning to play the clarinet is one of the best things I ever did for myself.
Have fun,
Carl
CarlT
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Author: wanabe
Date: 2014-03-09 04:15
I'll be 68 in July and am working on getting a clarinet to learn to play on. I'm doing it the hard way though. I'm building mine. I have bought up about a half dozen plastic no name and over the hill respectable named clarinets. I am in the process of learning how to take them apart, put them back together and make them play again. I figure that I'll have it figured out enough to get one of my "old and tired, but not yet ready to cash it in" clarinets (I have two or three) up to playing condition. Well, it's a plan. It may not be a great plan, but it's the inly one I've got. If it does work out, I'll have a steady supply of pro grade, inexpensive clarinets.
Post Edited (2014-03-09 04:23)
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Author: Bruno
Date: 2014-03-09 14:51
There's an anecdote about Benny Goodman, whose wife complained that he spent all his time practicing.
"You need soma diversion. Why don't you go next door and visit John?" she said. "He has a good hobby. He does woodwork. Maybe you'll learn something."
So Benny walked across the Westchester lawns to his neighbor's work shop where his friend was building a picnic table. Benny leaned against a bench for a while and watched his friend lugging big planks around and pushing them through the saw and the planer, wood chips flying everywhere.
After a while he said,
"Why don't you make a clarinet, John?"
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Author: BobD
Date: 2014-03-11 03:26
Benny complained to his wife about her spending a lot of time gardening too. I am currently reading his Bio. I thought I knew a lot about him but I find out that I didn't. There are multiple reports from many people that he did practice his scales EVERY day. He died with his clarinet in his hands.
Bob Draznik
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