 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: rashincoatie
Date: 2016-07-16 01:18
Hello everyone, I am shy to ask this question because it probably is imposing on people I have never met in a community I've never participated in.
However, I am so totally lost!
Played clarinet briefly as a child. Stopped. At 23, I want to start lessons again and take it with me when I go to the Peace Corps in Africa. As most peace corps volunteers, I am very "broke" at the moment. I just want to buy a plastic student clarinet to use for 2.5 years. That is what it needs to last.
Caveat: I really can't pay over 150 for the instrument, and if the instrument has problems, I cannot fix it at a shop in the village I'll be living in....
Could anyone point me in the direction of something in this price range which will not break down immediately? I am looking at the general student clarinet by Novello but do not know anything about this brand and I imagine it must be inferior to types like Yamaha, etc.
Thank you to all who reads this post
Post Edited (2016-07-16 01:19)
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Author: fskelley
Date: 2016-07-16 01:27
I think the best answer is a Vito- readily available on "that auction site we don't mention by name here- usually" from $100-ish down to nearly zero. The problem is, it stands a high chance of needing service anywhere from $40 to $200, and it's tough to know before you have it. Older student Yamahas and Bundys are also available but maybe not as cheaply, same issue of need for service.
But I think 1 of those 3 brands is your safest bet.
Others here can give more details. Good luck!
Stan in Orlando
EWI 4000S with modifications
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Author: rashincoatie
Date: 2016-07-16 01:38
Hello Clarineteer, I am leaving at the end of August but would love to have one purchased by early August so I can do lessons before leaving.
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Author: rashincoatie
Date: 2016-07-16 01:40
Dear Stan, I just followed your suggestion and looked where you told me to. Indeed those are some affordable prices. Thanks alot. Could you perhaps tell me what to look out for on the listings that would set one clarinet above the others? There are so many listings of used Vitos that I do not know which may be the best choice.
Thanks again.
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Author: fskelley
Date: 2016-07-16 02:35
Good listings will come and go. Some Bboard folks prefer some Vito models (and ages) over others, ditto with the other brands. It can all get very confusing, that's why I'm trying to keep it simple. Any V Y or B in good playing shape is very usable and miles ahead of the bad stuff.
Sellers vary in skill and time to work on listings, so better looking listings may not be better deals than worse looking listings. But you do need enough good photos to know the horn looks good. And I think you'd better limit yourself to listings that allow return, even if that rules out otherwise good choices. Make arrangements with a shop to inspect your purchase (make sure they are not trying to talk you into buying from them- yes they will all have horror stories but if you come in with something workable a good place will admit that, and if what you have is terrible, they'll tell you that- and you'll return it and try again- though that will cost you $$ and time).
A clarinet that is listed as play ready, or even reworked- may or may not be. If it was truly and skillfully redone, I'm pretty sure it will be over $150- and may well not be as good a deal as one that might be quite OK (or within $50 of service to be OK) and priced much lower.
We have folks here who actively buy these kind of horns to refurb and resell- or give away to schools. I'm kind of hoping one of them will pipe in here.
Best of luck. And- very cool thing you're doing, by the way.
Stan in Orlando
EWI 4000S with modifications
Post Edited (2016-07-16 05:13)
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Author: SarahC
Date: 2016-07-16 02:40
have you considered asking on your local freecycle/pay it forward site? or something like that? sometimes someone has one they have had sitting int he cupboard for years, but have no use for!
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Author: fskelley
Date: 2016-07-16 02:47
You said you're doing lessons, or considering... if you have a teacher, ask them for help! Certainly they can inspect and tell you- playable or not, and if not- then you go to a tech. Might save you the minimum $40-50 checkout charge if no work is really needed (but 99% of used horns will need SOMETHING).
I am not a teacher so I hope I am not overspeaking here. I know many teachers can do a few minor items that might save a student repair $$. And even a techie minded teacher may not want to spend much time inspecting unknown clarinets. HOWEVER- I suspect many would be happy to help avoid the common situation of a student coming to get lessons on a subpar clarinet (even a good one in need of work). That can be frustrating for instructor, student, and (if involved) parents.
Stan in Orlando
EWI 4000S with modifications
Post Edited (2016-07-16 05:20)
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Author: James Langdell
Date: 2016-07-16 03:04
If you're looking for a used Bundy or Vito (which are quite sturdy), and you are currently based in Palo Alto, check Hornucopia, a woodwind and brass store in San Carlos a few miles north of you. They have a large selection, you can try the instrument yourself, and they can do further repairs or adjustments as needed.
--James
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Author: jthole
Date: 2016-07-16 05:17
I bought a used plastic Yamaha for my business trips. Set me back €150, plus a quick check by my tech (the clarinet was in excellent condition).
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Author: Matt74
Date: 2016-07-18 00:08
I've bought several clarinets on the site which shall not be named. I looked very carefully and know what to look for. I suggest two options.
1. I think you will be safest going to a tech or repair shop and asking them to set you up with something on a budget. They may have one, or might be able to get you one.
2. Look for a couple weeks very carefully at Vitos online. Only buy horns that have very good pictures, and look very good. Don't spend more than $50. If you can, ask the seller if any of the tenons are broken, if all the keys move, and if all the parts are original. Auctions that end on weekdays during the day, or "buy it now" are the best options. Then, take it to a shop to get it overhauled or play conditioned. Buy a Fobes Debut mouthpiece (other options are Gennusa Mezzo, Hite Premier, or a GOOD Yamaha 4C.)
You really want something in top shape, because you can't have things falling apart on you in a year. You also want something that won't frustrate you because it's not working right. Learn how to replace a pad. You will have to spend some money to get what you need, but not a lot.
(I like Bundys and Yamahas as well, but they are overpriced on the site which shall not be named. IMO a student level clarinet which has not been serviced, and not guaranteed to play well is not worth $150+. It has to be checked out, and by the time you do that you are looking at prices for professionally serviced instruments.)
- Matthew Simington
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