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Help finding a beginner clarinet @ Amazon (US)

Author: Ranstedt
Date: 2019-05-31 05:16

Hello everyone.

I'm an adult beginner clarinetist ... or at least I hope I will.

I have an Amazon card that will allow me to make payments with 0% interest. So I'd like to buy a clarinet with the card.

Budget: $600 ish. Lower the better.

I prefer a new clarinet because when I was a teen I suffered a big injury to my left hand affecting my tendons and nerves. I also have slight numbness in that hand. Buying new will allow me to return it for a full refund in case I'm unable to continue with the clarinet due to my left hand. I'm unable to play string instruments, type without looking, tying knots and shoelaces can be difficult and I get clumsy sometimes with smaller things.

And since I'm completely new I don't want to risk buying used on Amazon and buying something that needs a lot of work. I'll buy used in the future if I'm able to continue with the clarinet.

After searching I thought about buying a Jean Paul USA CL-300 Student Clarinet for $188. The reviews are mostly positive. But even though the reviews are mostly well received, it's the negative reviews that's making me hesitant. The clarinet is made in China and sold by Jean Paul in the USA. They seem like a stand up company offering really good customer service.

Then I found a seller offering a new Yamaha YCL-255 Standard Bb student clarinet for $645. The catch is that it's an imported model so the 5 year warranty is void. The reviews for these imported models are good. I figured I could take it to a woodwind shop and verify that it's authentic / functions perfectly and to schedule a private lesson. I'd have 30 days to return it for a full refund.

I also found:
Buffet Crampon Premium Student Bb Clarinet $610

Do you know of anything else on Amazon I should consider?

What about the Jean Paul USA CL-300? Would that be good in my situation? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006WAVPR4/ref=psdc_11971931_t2_B01LWAEY75

Regarding the Yamaha - How concerned should I be with the lack of warranty? It's around $375 less than the USA warranty version. I figured I should know within the first month if anything's defective. What are some common repairs and how much do they tend to cost? I thought I might still come out ahead if I needed a low cost repair or two in the time I have the clarinet. I'm thinking if my hand isn't that much of a factor, i'd probably upgrade in 2 years to an intermediate / pro model.

Thanks!

Randolph

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