 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Chalumeau
Date: 2015-07-02 23:40
Hi, I just graduated from college and am looking to apply to graduate school for clarinet performance. However, I don't currently own an A clarinet and money is a big issue. I am looking for a professional level A clarinet, preferably used, for cost issues. I would want to try the clarinet before purchasing, so it would probably need to come from the Wisconsin/Minnesota area. Does anyone have any idea where I could start to look? I am hoping for under $4,000, if that is even possible. Thanks!
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Author: JHowell
Date: 2015-07-03 00:42
You can get a new R13 for right about 4K, so you should be well within your budget if you stay used.
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Author: Ed Lowry
Date: 2015-07-03 00:54
There's extensive discussion on this list about Ridenour clarinets. I own one of his C clarinets, and like it a lot. I know he's very generous about accommodating tryouts of his clarinets as well as follow up service. And his top of the line A is a lot less than $4k.
Some people love 'em; but not everyone. And not everyone is willing to forgo grenadilla wood.
If you search on his name, and it piques your interest, there's little risk in trying one out.
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Author: BbMajorBoy
Date: 2015-07-03 14:11
I would steer clear of the Ridenour A clarinet. I found it to be very inflexible and bland.
Leonard Bernstein: "To achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan, and not quite enough time."
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Author: pewd
Date: 2015-07-03 19:51
Appleton - Lawrence Univ.? My nephew is a senior there.
Did you ask your undergrad clarinet professor?
Call Lisa's Clarinet shop - they list a used A
http://www.lisasclarinetshop.com/
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: kthln.hnsn
Date: 2015-07-03 21:31
I would second the Ridenour. I have a Lyrique Bb and it plays beautifully. I can only imagine the A would play just as well if not better and they are very affordable. Tom's reputation on here is very good and if you needed a payment plan I don't doubt he'd try hard to work one out for you.
I found my A on an auction site for only $700. An old Boosey and Hawkes completely overhauled, plays great. Just do your research before buying a used one you can't physically look at/test at that moment.
Just remember that just because it's expensive doesn't mean it's going to be a better instrument. I have an obscure Sears catalogue brand Bb from the '20s that I bought online for $60 and it plays better than the clarinet one of my old stand mates bought for $2,600.
Post Edited (2015-07-03 21:38)
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Author: bill28099
Date: 2015-07-03 22:17
My Leblanc Symphonie II is a great A clarinet once you find a good barrel for it. The stock barrel plays flat and has stuffy throat notes. Best barrel found is one from my Ridenour basset clarinet. Which, by the way, after some special work by Tom is also a great A clarinet. If you hunt you should be able to buy a Leblanc needing an overhaul for 500-700 off the "site".
A great teacher gives you answers to questions
you don't even know you should ask.
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