 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Moonrabbit
Date: 2016-06-17 21:29
I have been taking clarinet lessons for 3-4 months using a rental instrument (refurbished Bundy from Music & Arts). I am now interested in purchasing a new clarinet and am considering the following student models given my price point (which is $500-$900):
Amati 311-O
Buffet B12 (being discontinued in favor of new model available in August)
Yamaha YCL-250 (discontinued model that M&A said they could sell to me at discount)
Yamaha YCL-255 (newer/current Yamaha student model)
Among the above, only the Amati is made of wood. Otherwise, I am not sure what distingues one clarinet from another, albeit the Yamahas are at the upper end of my price range. A WWBW sales rep told me the B12 has a better sound than the Amati, which I find a bit hard to believe given that the former is plastic and the latter wood. However, she may also have been trying to push me to buy a closeout item.
Is there anything I should be aware/wary of? Can anyone provide me with their thoughts on the pros and cons of the models above? Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
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Author: awildman
Date: 2016-06-17 22:59
I'm a relatively new clarinet player myself. But I do have over a decade of experience on another instrument. I can state definitively that if you can't tell what makes one instrument better than another (including your current one) there is absolutely no need to upgrade. IMO, it would be best to save your money and put it towards something really nice a year or two down the road.
If you're already taking private lessons, then your teacher should be able to advise you about instruments and upgrades. If your current lessons are group lessons, another great option is to put some of that money towards private lessons. You'll progress much faster!
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Author: awildman
Date: 2016-06-17 23:03
BTW, there are loads of good used instruments, some of them professional models, to be had in your price range. Might be a bit older, but with some diligence, you can strike a heck of a deal on an instrument that will last you for decades.
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Author: Moonrabbit
Date: 2016-06-17 23:06
Thanks both for the prompt response.
awildman, to answer your question, I am looking to buy a new clarinet as I am renting a refurbished instrument (price ~$450) which is overpriced, and the money I put into it will not be recovered.
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Author: Steven Ocone
Date: 2016-06-18 02:47
IMPORTANT!!! Music & Arts has bought the Bundy trademark and now uses it for Chinese imports. They do not have "Selmer" imprinted on them. They are not worth buying.
Steve Ocone
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Author: Moonrabbit
Date: 2016-06-18 02:49
I just learned that there are actually two variants of the Yamaha 255: the 255s, which is the model I was looking at and sells for ~$950, and the 255n, which sells for about $300 less. Anyone aware of the differences?
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Author: Moonrabbit
Date: 2016-06-18 03:21
One website also indicates the pads differ (bladder for s vs. synthetic for n).
http://www.woodbrass.com/en/beginner-clarinets-bb-yamaha-ycl-255n-p126971.html
http://www.woodbrass.com/en/beginner-clarinets-bb-yamaha-ycl-255s-p126972.html
Not sure what difference makes...
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Author: awildman
Date: 2016-06-18 03:34
Are you insistent upon brand new instruments? What does your teacher have to say about your options?
Brand new instruments lose lots of value the second you step out the door with it, just like new cars. Since you're concerned about value, you should seriously consider looking for used instruments that will hold their current value.
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Author: SonicManEXE
Date: 2016-06-18 03:38
For how long you've been playing, a new instrument is really not going to make a difference to you. If your instrument works fine for you, then there's no point in worrying about it after only 3-4 months of playing. Like what Ken said, the mouthpiece is what you should be focusing on right now. The Clark W. Fobes Debut is a great one. Vandoren also makes great mouthpieces (most teachers I know start students on the B45 and the student works their way to the other ones they offer). Instead of worrying about what kind of pads it has, you should be working on your technique.
Jared
Ft. Lauderdale & Tampa, FL
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Author: gwie
Date: 2016-06-18 07:04
I'd also consider the Backun Alpha, a demo model in nickel plate is near the bottom of your price range, direct from Backun:
http://backunmusical.com/products/demo-alpha-bb-clarinet
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Author: Ed
Date: 2016-06-18 07:11
The Yamahas are very nice playing instruments. They are my favorite student instrument. Add a Fobes Debut and it will take you a long way.
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Author: Ashle TK
Date: 2016-06-18 22:11
Look around for deals on yamaha 255's. I was able to pick up mint condition floor model for under 350. They are out there and even I was shocked at the condition of the instrument. It was brand new. No problem with getting it registered with Yamaha for the warranty. It was even from an authorized Yamaha dealer.
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Author: Moonrabbit
Date: 2016-06-19 20:56
Thanks, all. I decided to purchase the Yamaha YCL-255. Interestingly, local retailer lists it as -255Y [standard] (as opposed to -255N or -255S), though it appears to be same as the -255N. It comes with the Yamaha 4C mouthpiece, which I have read is pretty good. Would you still advocate that I go for the Fobes Debut over the 4C with which the clarinet comes?
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2016-06-19 21:26
Yamaha plastic mouthpieces are pretty good. The 4C is somewhat open.
The Fobes Debut is much better. At the Amazon price of $27.62 (much lower than the retail price of the Yamaha), you definitely should get it.
Ken Shaw
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Author: TomS
Date: 2016-06-19 23:18
Older Bundy or Vito or the Yamaha YCL-250. Make sure a good technician services them before buying. The Yamaha plays quite sharp for me, but might be fine for beginner. For wood instruments, if you can find a good used Yamaha YCL-450 at a good price, they are fine clarinets.
If your are going to purchase new instrument and have about a grand to spend, the Ridenour RCP-576BC is the best choice, IMHO. Better in tune and more even blowing. Call Ted Ridenour, they may have a used instrument for sale as well. Ridenour also makes great MPs, so they are worth a try.
Because of the availability and great price, I vote for Fobes Debut MP or Hite Premier MPs ... they vary a bit in finish and playing, especially the Hite, but get your teacher to pick one out. The Hite plays better with a warmer easier sound than the Fobes, if you find a really good one.
Upgrade MP would be Vandoren M13 or a 5RV-lyre.
Try the Legere Classic cuts, beginner strengths 2.5 or so ...
Relax and have a lot of fun!
Tom
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Author: richard smith
Date: 2016-06-21 17:00
Ridenour TR147s can be excellent if tuned and adjusted by him. They rarely appear these days. He has issued other models for the past 10 years.
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Author: Moonrabbit
Date: 2016-06-24 22:31
One more question. What are others' thoughts on the comparative pros and cons of the Ridenour Lyrique 576bc vs. the Backun alpha?
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2016-06-25 12:45
I own both the Backun Alpha and the Ridenour 576BC. Both are excellent, and very different from each other.
The Alpha has much lower blowing resistance than the 576BC. The 576BC, however, has very even resistance and response throughout the entire range of the instrument.
The 576BC has the most accurate tuning of any clarinet I've ever played. The Alpha tends to play on the flat side using the stock barrel with many of my favourite mouthpieces.
The keywork on the Alpha is very sturdy and beautifully designed. The 576BC keywork is not nearly as strong as that of the Alpha, but the touch pieces are all very ergonomically designed. I've had my 576BC go out of regulation after on-stage mishaps that would not have bothered the Alpha or most any Buffet, Yamaha, or Leblanc instrument.
The Alpha tends to project better than the 576BC. Both instruments sound absolutely gorgeous when played with a well-matched mouthpiece and reed. You will not have any regrets about them not being made out of wood.
Which one is better for you? The Alpha, for me, works better for jazz and outdoors gigs than the Alpha. For chamber music, symphonic band, and orchestra, I bring the 576BC.
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Author: mmatisoff
Date: 2016-06-25 23:12
I agree. You can pick up a good student clarinet for ~$200. After getting a technician to check it out, you'll probably end up paying ~$250. My first clarinet was a Yamaha 20 (plastic). I replaced the Yamaha mouthpiece, barrel, and ligature after I worked my way through Rubank's beginner and intermediate books. I tried several mouthpieces and barrel configurations that me my needs. I used a Vandoren M15 with a Backun barrel, and a Rovner Dark ligature. I was surprised at the difference. I still have the Y20 clarinet and play it on those occasions where I don't want my wood clarinet to get damaged. Reeds also make a difference. When I began, I was using Rico 2.5 (orange box). Personally, I didn' like the feel or sound I got with the Ricos, so I switched Vandoren Rue Lepic 56 #3 and V21 #3. I like the darker sound of the 56s, though the V21 are pretty incredible, too. Good luck.
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2016-06-26 11:59
The Yamaha YCL-20, mentioned by mmatisoft above, should not be overlooked. I have one in my studio and it's a very competent instrument. The materials and workmanship on my made-in-Japan example are of superb quality. With proper maintenance, it will easily last a lifetime.
The tuning accuracy of a well-regulated YCL-20 can surpass that of the Backun Alpha and approach that of the Ridenour 576BC.
The YCL-20 also is very stable pitch-wise when ambient temperatures fluctuate. It holds pitch better than the Alpha and is also more stable than the plastic Bundys and Vitos that I've gigged with. For outdoors playing, the YCL-20 is an excellent tool for the job.
Mine came from a pawn shop in near-mint cosmetic shape and in reasonable playing condition for $100. After about $40 in repairs it sings like a bird. Seek and ye shall find!
Post Edited (2016-06-26 12:06)
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