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Re: Start clarinet on a pro instrument?

Author: SunnyDaze
Date: 2019-05-24 20:28

Hi,

I started on a very old, kind of shabby instrument, with a beautiful tone. I then upgraded to a pro-ish (Yamaha Custom CX) after my grade 1 exam. It definitely made it easier for me to make progress having a really good clarinet. It also meant that I was able to keep the lovely tone that that brought me into it originally from having started on a vintage instrument.

I think that if you have the money to buy a really good instrument than there is no reason not to, just because you are a beginner. However, I do think it's essential to go to a shop and try several for a good long time to compare. I found the Yamaha really good, but the more expensive Buffet models and even the more expensive Yamaha models really didn't light my candle. The shop people said maybe only a professional could get the best out of those instruments, but I visited a professional who had bought a really high-end one and regretted it, wishing that they had bought the CX. I think that it is a hugely personal decision and well worth making yourself, based on having actually met the specific instrument that you are considering buying.

Also when you visit the shop, take an electronic tuner, to check whether you need to buy a shorter barrel, because you might not be able to play up to pitch yet. I play a short barrel and it is fine.

I think that buying a good clarinet quite quickly is something that is maybe more common with adult beginners, because they may have more money, and know their own mind better, and know that they really want to work hard and make fast progress. Relative to a 10 year old started, for example.

Hope that helps.

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