 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Vaeloron
Date: 2016-01-09 05:27
I am returning to the clarinet after 12 years and am looking for some help on picking up a new clarinet. I don't really have a lot of money to spend and I am concerned that I may not have much time to play so I am looking to keep it relatively cheap. In truth a large part of the reason I am wanting to get back into it is because I know my parents spent what was for them a lot of money on my clarinet and I sold it when I was in my early 20's because I needed some quick cash. Had I known at the time what they actually cost I would never have done it. I am looking at picking up a new Yamaha YCL-200AD as I may never need a higher end one. I am thinking of buying it rent to own but I am not sure if I am getting hosed on it by making payments. It works out to about 895 dollars total if I buy it as a rent to own but I can't seem to find what a reasonable cost is for one of these purchased outright no matter how hard I look as the only ones I can find sold online are used. Any help on the value and any other feedback would be appreciated.
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Author: fskelley
Date: 2016-01-09 06:11
A brand new Ridenour 576BC at under $1000 is 50 times the clarinet of a YCL-200AD. The Ridenours will work out a payment plan for you. If later you decide to sell it will not be difficult to recoup $400+ on it via eBay, sounds to me equivalent to having paid rent for a year or 2. That's how I see the economics.
If they still have Ariosos (like mine) remaining at around $700- essentially the same as the 576BC in most respects- the argument swings even further that way.
There are many other options in this price range. I would be shocked if anyone here suggested the 200AD route, though that is an OK student horn.
Best of luck- many of us here have returned to clarinet after years off- 38 years in my case, I'm 6 years back on at this point.
Stan in Orlando
EWI 4000S with modifications
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2016-01-09 16:09
I would not bother renting to own a Yamaha 200AD. The market is FLOODED with good used synthetic-bodied clarinets. The music store you're considering renting-to-own from may very well have some almost-new rental instruments, in perfect functional condition, that they would sell to you for $300-$400. Something with a little more wear could be bought for even less. Ask and see what all your options are, and don't hesitate to check with more than one store.
Whatever you do, get yourself a good mouthpiece to get restarted on. The Clark W. Fobes "Debut" and the Ridenour "Encore" are two wonderful choices that cost less than $50.
Don't consider a good mouthpiece optional. It's absolutely essential that you have one.
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2016-01-09 19:36
First off, welcome back to the clarinet! Fabulous decision!
I second the advice to go with a Ridenour Clarinet. The quality, playability, and intonation will far outpace any student line instrument. For a wee bit more, you can get the clarinet with a good mouthpiece, or even a professional mouthpiece. They really do offer easy payment plans.
http://www.ridenourclarinetproducts.com/lyrique-576-bb-clarinet.html
You will not regret the choice of a Ridenour.
Regards, and good fortune on your quest!
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
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Author: Vaeloron
Date: 2016-01-09 20:48
Thanks for the advice everybody. I will fight my constant need for instant gratification and contact Ridenour. I like what I have been reading about them. Does anybody know if their payment plans are layaway type or do they ship immediately?
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Author: WhitePlainsDave
Date: 2016-01-09 20:54
Their payment plans are such that you receive the instrument upon order, and pay as you play and enjoy the instrument: one of the best values in clarinets today, IMHO, even without the generous financing.
(I own some Ridenour stuff and like it very much, but I am not financially tied to them.)
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2016-01-10 01:16
Glad to hear you're putting Ridenour on your shopping list. Owning a 576BC, I can tell you this: It's the easiest playing clarinet I've ever experienced. If you're having a problem with tuning or playing a certain passage, there's something wrong with your reed or your technique--the Ridenour clarinet is not the likely culprit.
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Author: Steven Ocone
Date: 2016-01-10 19:18
Yamaha has a MAP (minimum advertised price). To get a lower price you will need to call some stores with a reputation for low prices. Also check out prices for a Jupiter student clarinet.
Some stores sell refurbished instruments and may offer a warranty on the instrument. Expect to pay $200-$500 for a decent used instrument at a reputable store. There are also many people (and some stores) selling refurbished instruments that are barely playable. Always make sure it is easy and inexpensive to return for any reason. Have an experienced player check it out.
Steve Ocone
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Author: Vaeloron
Date: 2016-01-11 12:30
I am still going to try for the Ridenour but I am going to put this out for anyone else in the future. It seems the reason I can't find anyone selling the YCL-200AD is because the AD line stands for advantage and its Yamaha's line of student instruments. They are only sold to music stores for rental fleets and they are not allowed to offer them for outright sell. The other useful bit of information that I learned is that the YCL-200AD and the YCL-250 are the same instrument with the only differences being that the 200 comes with different markings and a heavy duty case that supposedly costs around 200 dollars by itself. Based on that it seems there asking price at my local music stores is actually reasonable if someone wanted to buy a Yamaha.
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Author: Vaeloron
Date: 2016-01-13 00:38
Well I got my bonus yesterday and it was much larger than I expected so I picked up a Yamaha YCL-200 that someone had bought and never even played (the accessories and the included Clark w Fobes Debut MP were still sealed) and I got a great deal but I am going to order a Ridenour as well once I can arrange a place to have it delivered. The bonus was so much larger than expected that I am actually looking to order a flute as well since I always wanted to learn. Thanks everyone for the feedback. On a side note I am super rusty but I can still play something resembling music.
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2016-01-13 00:47
Good for you!
Enjoy returning to the Clarinet Lifestyle!
Keep us in touch and informed of your progress!
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
Post Edited (2016-01-13 00:48)
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2016-01-13 02:16
Very well done!
I have a hunch that, at the end of the day, you'll be glad that you have both the Yamaha and the Ridenour at your disposal. If you end up doing some outdoors ensemble playing, you'll appreciate the brighter voicing and the tough-as-nails dependability of the Yamaha. On the other hand, practice time with the Ridenour a joyful experience, and it's just wonderful for small ensemble playing in intimate settings.
Remember--you can always have the Yamaha's spring tensions and touchpiece placement adjusted to approximate the superb feel of the Ridenour.
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