 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: AshGaming
Date: 2015-12-17 04:41
See, this is only 30 bucks, so IDK but i wanna try a clarinet. Is it worth 30 dollars?
http://goo.gl/LV34nJ
Also, you can email me.
Thanks!
Post Edited (2015-12-17 04:42)
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Author: AshGaming
Date: 2015-12-17 04:45
Also, I am thinking of getting this used clarinet. Is it worth it?
Artley Used Clarinet 17s for roughly 90 bucks
Is the 17s a student model?
I need one for my son.
Thanks.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2015-12-17 04:59
The Artley is the better clarinet of the two, better built and will last much longer and play far better than the cheap Chinese one.
The 17S is plastic with a wood grain finish.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2015-12-17 05:04
Don't frustrate your son with something that won't give him a fighting chance of actually playing in tune. Being "in-tune" or close to this ideal is important when playing with one or more OTHER students which is what happens in band class. There is also the "in tune" that refers to giving you note to note that actually sounds like notes instead of gobbledeegook.
If you, and your son are the least bit serious, get a used Vito plastic clarinet that should sell for around $400.
You could easily rent a decent horn for cheap money for a short time until he decides it's a great idea or he is sick of it.
The "discount clarinets" are no better than the plastic toys at Toys R Us. Don't do it !!!!!!!!
............Paul Aviles
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Author: modernicus
Date: 2015-12-17 05:06
Likely a $30 clarinet will need substantial work, or be unusable, period. A $90 used Artley student clarinet might, MIGHT, work out. This is something very difficult to purchase without knowing what one is doing.
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2015-12-17 05:24
Don't frustrate your child. Short-term rent a good instrument, that way you can judge the direction to take from there. If he digs it, purchase a good instrument. Overly cheap clarinets (or anything for that matter) will prove themselves to be crap.
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2015-12-17 06:18
The $30 one is not worth looking at. Thinking about it, how could you possibly make something as complex as a clarinet for that price and make a profit. The $90 Artley is a better choice, but at that price it may need work to make it useable. You could be lucky, I've bought good used instruments for less than that, but mostly at that sort of money they need work. Can you get someone knowledgeable to look at it for you?
Tony F.
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Author: pewd
Date: 2015-12-17 18:35
Rent an E12F for a year, see how it goes.
Get your son a good private teacher.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2015-12-17 18:37
Just remember that cheap rarely ever means good.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Gunthos
Date: 2015-12-17 18:58
I'm going to disagree with the others, you can buy a decent beginner clarinet for $90. It just doesn't make sense to rent at that price.
Your child can have fun, play with a beginner band, all that good stuff. If they like the clarinet, you can get them a better one. Of course you could get a better mouthpiece first.
For $400, you can get a Mendini or a Legacy, plus a Wii U. Your child can play and participate, and do a solo 'Ode to Joy'. And still enjoy the Wii U to boot.
Post Edited (2015-12-17 19:02)
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Author: Lelia Loban ★2017
Date: 2015-12-17 19:27
If you do decide to rent, then please make sure to choose from a shop that provides an instrument in good condition, with a way of providing a loaner while getting repairs done in a reasonable period of time if they become necessary. Talk to the teachers about where to go for good rentals. A neighbor and friend had a frustrating experience this year with her daughter's rented saxophone that needed a simple fix. The store where she rented it sent it out to a repair shop that kept it for weeks. Meanwhile, the store provided a loaner that was a seriously inferior instrument to begin with and also in need of tweaking. The young woman recently earned first chair and also plays in a small ensemble, so she really needs her own sax, but what she definitely didn't need in the meantime was a broken-down sax-shaped object at the start of the holiday season!
Lelia
http://www.scoreexchange.com/profiles/Lelia_Loban
To hear the audio, click on the "Scorch Plug-In" box above the score.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2015-12-17 20:14
Buying cheap Chinese clarinets is a false economy. You end up with a crap instrument that will have far too many problems and that will only discourage anyone wanting to play it.
My local county music services has stupidly bought loads of cheap Chinese clarinets and the keywork is soft, they're poorly finished and none of them are staying in regulation which is a constant source of headache for the teachers.
So buying a good quality used clarinet and paying the bit extra for that will give you an instrument that will last for years as opposed to a few weeks.
Vito clarinets are indeed built like tanks, so look for a used one from a reputable dealer as that will be backed up by their warranty.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Gunthos
Date: 2015-12-17 20:46
The posters on this board do a great job giving advice, and mean well, but don't seem to want to help true beginners. If a person wants advice on a $30 clarinet, or a $90 clarinet, I don't think steering someone towards a $400 item is remotely in the ball park.
Is there anyone out there that can help us beginners?
From my perspective - I'm guessing at least 7 out of 10 people that get a clarinet will never even make it to the level of playing in a Middle School or High School Band. For me, clarinet is not an easy instrument from my son to have learned.
There needs to be something somewhere people can play and have fun, learn to read music, play Christmas carols with, do a duet with a sibling, etc.
Everyone that I have shown my son's Legacy clarinet is reasonably pleased with it. I got him a $80 mouthpiece. That extra $200 could be spent on lessons, etc. Of course he doesn't want to practice and wants to quit. This is NOT because of his clarinet. He has other easier interests.
Also, since I have asthma issues, and I know it's probably an unreasonable fear, but I wouldn't want to buy a used instrument that I don't know where it's been.
I certainly didn't want to buy my son, 8 at the time, anything with any value as I knew he wouldn't take care of it.
Mendini
LJ Hutcheon
Jean Paul
Legacy
Hisonic
These are all crap? Really? Nothing here anyone can help us out with?
Is there anyone out there that can be realistic and help out us beginners?
Everyone wants to know what clarinet to get a beginner. Please advise us on an instrument under $200, not used. Or be realistic and tell them pick a cheaper hobby.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2015-12-17 20:59
If you go to a reputable shop, then they often have a rental programme whereby you can rent a decent clarinet for a long enough period to see how you or your child takes to it.
Some offer brand new instruments with a rent-to-buy scheme or short term rental of either a new or used instrument which can either be returned once the rental period expires or can be rented out after that, but best to see what their policies are in any case.
This is not a cheap hobby by any means as it requires dedication and commitment on the learner's part, just as any other hobby or pastime where buying the right equipment and all the other gear to go with it is important.
Some schools may also have instruments they lend out either free of charge or for a fee to any student wanting to learn and play in the various school band programmes, but again it's down to the school as to what they do and if they offer this service.
Check all your local music shops as chances are they will have reconditioned beginner level clarinets for sale at very reasonable prices - you're far more likely to find them in the US, so it's worth making a few calls or visits to see what they all have on sale.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: gkern
Date: 2015-12-19 05:44
When I started playing again after a 53 year hiatus, I had good luck with an LJ Hutchen. You can't go wrong with a used Vito, preferably a 7214 or V40, although they may need some work like new pads and cork.
If you do buy a used one, take it to a tech and have it checked out first - trying to learn on a leaky or otherwise defective clarinet will not work well, and will discourage a beginner.
Gary K
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2015-12-19 16:54
Gunthos,
"These are all crap? Really? Nothing here anyone can help us out with? Is there anyone out there that can be realistic and help out us beginners? Everyone wants to know what clarinet to get a beginner. Please advise us on an instrument under $200, not used."
IMHO (I'm a long-time band director, professional musician, and woodwind teacher) you have gotten excellent advice from those who have posted above. Yes, those instruments you mention are not what you want to use for your child's beginning musical instruction.
I do not know of a new, under $200 clarinet that I would recommend. If $200 is all a family can afford, get a used Bundy, Vito, Yamaha or similar instrument that is in good playing condition.
HRL
PS All those people you showed your son's Legacy clarinet to, are they musicians, teachers, or repair technicians? Looks can be deceiving.
Post Edited (2015-12-19 17:32)
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2015-12-19 17:10
"Also, since I have asthma issues, and I know it's probably an unreasonable fear, but I wouldn't want to buy a used instrument that I don't know where it's been."
When you eat at a restaurant, do you ever wonder who used your plate, cup, knife, fork, spoon last? Just think what you could catch! But wait! They've been cleaned before they came to you. Just like the used clarinet you might buy. Anyway, you don't suck a clarinet, you blow it.
Tony F.
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2015-12-19 19:37
Hi!
My daughter wants to start driving, and I want some advice. I have $198 and found an old Rambler on e-Bay. It has 4 tires and a motor. Is there anything cheaper you can recommend I buy, as I want to give it to my daughter to drive across the country to see grandma.
Sounds silly, but that is what we get.
Hello - I know nothing about clarinets, I say that I want my child to have a wonderful experience in music, but I want to purchase them a total piece of turd. I know this may frustrate them, but then they'll quit playing and they can concentrate on important things like soccer.
Does this sound cruel? But dig deep and it is true. I've been dealing with these people for a very long time.
To succeed - you need the best tools you can afford. Sure, not everybody can drop 5 grand on a horn. But even if you have $30 or the $90, there is one to three months rent on a good horn - not a purchase of a pretty piece of crap.
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2015-12-19 20:37
Gunthos,
"Is there anyone out there that can be realistic and help out us beginners?"
I believe we have been realistic and probably did not tell you what you wanted to hear. Also, when I see your comment that "I certainly didn't want to buy my son, 8 at the time, anything with any value as I knew he wouldn't take care of it" perhaps he is not ready to have a musical instrument of any kind.
Good luck with your son and his Legacy clarinet.
HRL
Post Edited (2015-12-20 02:36)
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2015-12-20 23:42
I remember like it was yesterday - getting my first clarinet. I was 5, so to those who don't know me, that's 55 years ago.
With the instructor on my left, and my mother on my right, I remember opening the case for the first time. I remember the smell, it was wonderful! The instructor introduced me to my beautiful Bundy, piece by piece, as he taught me the correct way to handle the pieces, and assemble it. Then the first lesson, the first sounds, and the proper way to disassemble and clean the clarinet.
My wonderful mom followed through by standing behind me while I would put it together, and also while practicing. She had a long "swizzle stick" that she would keep time with, and tap me on the noggin when I'd blow a clam.
So, as a 5 year old, I learned how to take care of my horn, how to play it, and certain habits still stick with me today! I am very careful with my horns, and enjoy the care and maintenance - as well as the playing and performance!
My folks were not wealthy, they bought an inexpensive but very reliable clarinet, at that time for around $45. That took some doing for them, but Thank God they did!
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
Post Edited (2015-12-20 23:47)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2015-12-21 02:18
Attachment: buescher-aristocrat 001.JPG (165k)
A used Bundy or Vito brought back into playing condition is a much better instrument than any new Chinese clarinet. I just fully overhauled one (a '70s Buescher Aristocrat) for a new customer and gave it the same level of overhaul I give pro level clarinets. While that may seem excessive to many, it will give this clarinet a very long life and it's already around forty years old.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Gunthos
Date: 2015-12-21 20:38
Curious if anyone here has actually played the Legacy clarinet.
We like it, and am glad we bought it. I guess the consensus here is don't try to get into playing clarinet unless you want to start with a $400 used instrument.
By the way, dirty dishes and forks get cleaned, that's a lot different than a clarinet that someone says may be 40 years old. You will blow out all that mold and breathe it back in, and perhaps that old clarinet has not been cleaned.
Ken, I'm not following your car analogy. This is clarinet. This is making nice music, while deciding which instrument to play. Apparently I was wrong to choose clarinet for my son, I wish you guys could have steered me away sooner. He can make nice music with a cheap guitar, or a $10 Tin whistle, or his Native American Flute, what was I thinking! He started on a $30 clarinet, we didn't realize he couldn't play in the band that way (although both homeschool bands never complained about the $30 clarinet).
I will see if I can get him to record a song, then you can all put us down for the big mistake we made.
I'm going to take a gamble and make an risky guess - that Ken, Tony, Chris, and Hank do not play hockey very well.
This is my guess - my 12 year old son can beat all 4 of you, 4 on 1 in hockey.
This is if I gave my son a cheap, used $30 pair of beat up skates. You guys each get the best $800 skates.
Unless some of you achieved high school hockey level, you will have no chance against him. He's been playing for 9 years.
At least you've made it clear, every child should spend $200 on hockey gear, and not a clarinet.
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2015-12-21 20:56
Thanks!
I stand amused and amazed.
I hope your child has much success with the Legacy clarinet. Let us know how it tunes in the section in band.
I've also never been to a hockey game, but somehow I've lived a fulfilled life, so far! I have toured the planet, however, backing many artists, and in many performance groups. I have been in countless Theater Pits, playing more shows than I can remember. And - as stated - it all started on a good, trustworthy $45 horn.
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2015-12-21 20:59
Gunthos wrote:
> Curious if anyone here has actually played the Legacy clarinet.
>
> We like it, and am glad we bought it. I guess the consensus
> here is don't try to get into playing clarinet unless you want
> to start with a $400 used instrument.
I love it when someone stands up a strawman and then knocks it down.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2015-12-21 21:08
Plastic clarinets can be washed thoroughly once all the keys, screws, springs and tenon corks are removed which is normally done when they're fully overhauled, so any dirt, dust, oil, grease, mould, bacteria, spit, phlegm, snot, plaque and other forms of paranoia are washed away.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2015-12-21 22:14
Gunthos,
I guess I've been told and I also stand "amused and amazed."
But let me see if I have this correct. If we do not agree with your choice on a clarinet purchase, we need to play your son in hockey? Why can't Lelia play? And how did we go from giving you advice on a clarinet to playing hockey. You lost me with that cognitive leap.
Also, what is a "home-school" band? Are you saying that someone without any musical training/education is teaching a lot of 12 year old children to play instruments? That must really be something. Can you post a recording of that group playing some music similar to what a typical 6th grade band would be performing, please.
I think I'm done here but best of luck with the Legacy clarinet. I hope you can get someone to work on it if it should need any adjustment or repair.
Hank
PS I just checked and scholastic hockey equipment has a high price "Equipment will set you back about $2,000; and remember, kids are always growing, so you'll have to buy new gear every few years. And skate sharpening will run you about $5 every two weeks." Gounthos, maybe if a good clarinet is too much for the family budget, your son should stick with hockey since you have indicated he already is very good.
Post Edited (2015-12-22 03:08)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2015-12-21 22:23
I'm struggling with the whole 'Legacy' part here.
What legacy can something have if it has no significant past nor any definite future?
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Lelia Loban ★2017
Date: 2015-12-21 22:41
>If we do not agree with your choice on a clarinet purchase, we need to play your son in hockey? Why can't Lelia play?>
What, you want to get me killed? ![[whoa]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie10.gif)
Put me in goal and any self-respecting grammar school kids could slap-shot me into oblivion in a whole lot less time than it took the Washington Capitals to welcome the New York Rangers' replacement goalie to the big leagues last night.
But seriously . . . I'm an old bag who knows enough to watch hockey from the stands or on TV. On my way to old baghood, I've known people who started music lessons but quit early, good amateur musicians, not-so-good amateur musicians and successful professional musicians. I can't pronounce a general rule about who started out playing on what. My friends and acquaintances have started on everything from rental instruments, wrecked used instruments, granny's obsolete instruments, good used instruments, good student instruments, the worst new instruments and top quality professional instruments in perfect condition.
I do hope parents will provide children with the best instruments possible, to get lessons off to a good start, but what's best and what's possible aren't always the same. Someone with music in the DNA won't quit even when quitting makes more sense than carrying on.
Lelia
http://www.scoreexchange.com/profiles/Lelia_Loban
To hear the audio, click on the "Scorch Plug-In" box above the score.
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2015-12-21 22:56
Unless directed by Providence, here goes the last post from me on this particular thread.
I have a very good friend, his BM is in Instrument Repair from Indiana University in the mid-1970's. Not a slouch music school. He has helped my instruments many times, and we have a strong relationship. His shop has quite the following, all the professionals and the school districts in the area use him. He is at the point of refusing to work on Legacy Clarinets, due to their inferior metal in keywork, and the almost impossible job of tuning/regulating them.
I notice that these sell in the $250 and up range. I stand by my earlier statements.
One of the joys of the long-career I've enjoyed, is seeing kids taking up music. I love helping them, I do clinics and masterclasses, and spend many hours nudging up the next generation.
There is really nothing more heartbreaking than a promising young player having to sit-it-out because his instrument doesn't work, or plays almost a half-tone out of tune. It would have been kinder to gift them with a new shiny toaster than an ill-made instrument. Now - maybe a good horn does pop out of this brand, anything is possible! If so - Wonderful!
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2015-12-22 01:43
These so-called "Legacy" clarinets (with no real legacy to speak of) are exactly the same as the cheap "Notus" ones that have been bought by my local county music services and the teachers are going spare due to them not being able to stay in regulation and all manner of other problems with fit and finish, added to the fact most repairers refuse to work on them - myself included, as it's a futile exercise.
You may get a few months of playing at most with such an instrument until its shortcomings become apparent, so that will only cause frustration for the learner and could even put them off playing if they're struggling with a clarinet that's unreliable.
The bottom line is cheap is rarely ever to never good. Cheap is cheap and good is good, but never the twain shall meet.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
Post Edited (2015-12-22 02:27)
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