 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: eaman
Date: 2020-05-07 00:21
I'm going to buy my first clarinet, I've found one interesting Amati ACL315 from a shop in my country (this means that I would have a warranty and I could send it back in case it's a dud, so they should not bother to try to sell me a piece of junk).
This is a description of the instrument: http://www.amatiinstruments.com/klarinette/Klarinetten/acl_315_b-kl..php
These are some pictures of it: http://store.piffa.net/amati_315/
Serial is: 700786
The Shop says that the instrument is "ready to play and has been revisioned", can you tell if that may be true looking at the pictures? The seller ofc offers 12 months of warranty.
The seller asks 200 euros for it, can you give me any advice about the conditions or your opinion about this deal?
I've already ordered a Fobes Debut from USA as I'm considering getting a Thoman - Startone SCL- 65 (180e brand new) right now.
Disclaimer: I'm afraid ~200e is my budget, I know that a Yamaha would be better but it's way more expensive and I would have no warranty in case it needs substantial repairs.
Post Edited (2020-05-07 01:32)
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Author: m1964
Date: 2020-05-07 01:23
The clarinet pictured is a so-called "full-boehm" instrument. It has key work that is more complex than "standard Boehm" system clarinet and it may require more adjustments in the future.
I would look for any feedbacks or reviews of the shop selling the instrument. If you can find reliable reviews then maybe the Amati wiuld be OK.
Keep in mind that extra keys make the clarinet heavier which may not be good for the beginner.
If you have skills to fix guitars you maybe able to do basic repairs on clarinet as well.
There are videos on youtube explaining how to change pads and corks which is probably the most often done "service", plus springs tension adjustment (if needed).
Given your situation, a new cheap clarinet may be easier to deal with, however, if you do not get a decent sound out of it, that may discourage you from playing.
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Author: fbjacobo
Date: 2020-05-07 01:24
In my opinion, any reputable horn is more than adequate for a beginner. As you become a more advanced player, you will eventually get a better horn, so this will not be your last one. Amati is a known quantity, not a fly-by-night company. I think you can buy with confidence. If my math is right, converting Euros into dollars, the price is reasonable.
Good Luck.
Fred Jacobowitz
Case Closed Musical Instrument Case Repair Service
Jacobowitz/Larkin Duo
CASE CLOSED Musical Instrument Case Repair Service
Jacobowitz/Larkin Duo
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2020-05-07 01:33
I would say the added complication of the articulated "G#" mechanism (requiring the hole through the bottom tenon of the top joint) is an unfortunate complication on a few fronts. Sometimes you can adjust the "1 and 1" Bb (the key linkage between top and bottom joints) just by slightly turning how the joints fit together. This doesn't work so well when you have to line up the hole.
Same thing applies if tuning would be aided by pulling out slightly between the upper and lower joints. Same hole alignment problem.
Finally the horn you have found has a low Eb which is fine if you are transposing an "A" pitched clarinet part down one half step (the reason for the added note), but you'll never use a low Eb on a "Bb" clarinet otherwise.
Perhaps if you like this seller, he may get his hands on a standard used "Bb" clarinet for the same price without having to wait too long.
.................Paul Aviles
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Author: eaman
Date: 2020-05-07 01:45
Thanks all, the model ACL 315 is supposed to be an intermediate model.
There are also some ACL 212 around in my country that is a beginner instrument, bell made of plastic, for a lower price of ~160 euro (~170 US Dollars), they have 18 keys with Eb.
Would you say those may be better as they are less complex?
Or a brand new Chinese - German Startone SCL- 65 from Thoman[1] (biggest shop in Europe) may be less risky?
1. https://www.thomann.de/it/startone_scl_65_bb_clarinet.htm
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2020-05-07 03:51
Without having experience with either the Amati or the Startone, I'd be more inclined to trust the Czec Republic.
The ACL 212 is a standard Bb Boehm system clarinet..........get that one.
..............Paul Aviles
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Author: eaman
Date: 2020-05-07 03:52
Paul Aviles wrote:
> Without having experience with either the Amati or the
> Startone, I'd be more inclined to trust the Czec Republic.
>
> The ACL 212 is a standard Bb Boehm system clarinet..........get
> that one.
Thanks for the advice, appreciated.
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