 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Yash
Date: 2014-10-21 09:33
Hello mates,
I'm Yash from India & looking forward to buy my first clarinet! I'm not that sure of myself, which one to go for! Here we have 13 keyed local made clarinets which have lost their dignity & value; and in some stores I'm getting Limbao, Yamaha & Rivertone.
Since my first investment, it is pretty limited. The local ones cost about 35-40 dollars & that of Limbao, Limbao DCBL 520 costs 1800 dollars. So their differences in cost are high! The Yamaha & Rivertone are too costlier. So shall I go for this one, Limbao? Is it right for entry level? Since a Chinese company, how does it sound? Anyone from you using it?
P. S. - I'm a total mnew to clarinets & have never learned before! Also, I'll be learning online since there are no players in India adjoining.
TThanking you in advance!
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Author: Mike Blinn
Date: 2014-10-21 23:56
Hi Yash,
I am not familiar with Limbao or Rivertone, but Yamaha is a fine brand and I would recommend their plastic horns for a beginner. I play a Yamaha 221-II bass clarinet, also plastic, and I have been playing for decades. Plastic or hard rubber makes more sense in hot, humid climates like the US or India. Wood warps and cracks.
If I were you, I would look on the auction site eBay for a used plastic clarinet like Bundy (Selmer), Vito (Leblanc), Buffet E-12, or Yamaha. Lots of American students start on one of these, then give up for lack of interest. You might be able to find a good sample for about $100. I think this might make more sense than buying a Chinese clarinet, though the Chinese products are becoming better all the time.
Mike Blinn
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2014-10-22 02:02
Hi Yash,
I can find no reference to Limbao on the net, so I suspect they may be a small batch from one of the numerous Chinese makers. These vary enormously in quality from excellent to rubbish. I've no idea which fits here. Unless they are the only option, I would avoid the locally made 13 key instruments. The Albert key system is rarely found today except among some jazz players, and the Boehm key system is pretty much the world standard (except in Germany and Austria, where they do their own thing).
Of the makes you mention I would go for the Yamaha. They make excellent instruments. Mike Blinn has given you good advice with regard to selection, and I would echo his comments about wood instruments in hot and humid climates. Hard rubber or plastic make more sense.
Good luck.
Tony F.
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Author: Yash
Date: 2014-10-22 06:49
Thank you again for your kind reply! However, here in India I am not getting any used pieces. Firstly the stock is too limited & the Yamaha ones are too costlier for me right now so thought of this one!
Let's see what I could do, maybe if you can tell me what all I've to check out for it to be my first 'RIGHT' clarinet?
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2014-10-22 19:05
Yash,
I found the Jinbao clarinets, I presume these are the ones you meant. The models you mention, which are the only ones advertised by Rivertone, are both German system instruments. Due to the number of Albert system instruments in India this is understandable, as the German system is closely related to the Albert system and it would be a fairly simple matter for an Albert system player to convert to the German system.
There are other Jinbao clarinets which are Boehm system, such as the models JBCL 500, 510, 520, 530, 540 and 570. These may not be available from Rivertone, but may be available from other dealers. This url offers an alternative supplier, shipping direct from China.
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Jinbao-musical-jbcl-510-17-bb-key-clarinet/1152924803.html
I have heard conflicting reports on the quality of these instruments. Can you contact a local music teacher, or perhaps the woodwind teacher of a college to advise you on the best course of action for your local conditions? If I can help you with your choice you could contact me off this bboard. Click on my name at the top of the post and you'll get my email address.
Tony F.
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Author: Eina Kari Rajesh
Date: 2014-10-23 22:45
Hi Yash, may I know which state are you in India. My first advice is if you are very serious about clarinet better wait until you can save some money for Yamaha 250 it's such a nice instrument to start with.
Secondly, Jinbao and Pearlriver clarinet costs only about ₹12000 ie roughly about $200. Depending on the model it varies between 8500 to 12000.
The next good option to Yamaha is Jupiter clarinet which costs about ₹24000.
I can understand that it's a bit annoying and difficult to get proper guidance here. But, lately once you gain some acquaintance with musicians you will get to know some fine woodwind players.
I would suggest you to contact a neary by Fireservice or police band to get to know about some used instruments details or contact person details. Please mind most of these bands are based out of state capitals.
Also, if you wish to go for some used intermediate wooden clarinet mail me, I shall provide you the details of a person in Bombay dealing with these used clarinets.
Keep reading older threads here to educate yourself on clarinet and general musicianship.
Good luck!
EKR
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