 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: SecondTry
Date: 2022-05-13 01:36
I can't find a video that Marc Lowenstein (Earspasm) did with Michael Norsworthy where they rated cheap clarinets.
Some where better than others as I remember.
If anyone knows where I can find that please let me know.
I'm thinking of taking a cheap eBay plastic instrument ($200) with me on vacations that won't break the bank if lost or damaged.
Thanks
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Author: Ed
Date: 2022-05-13 03:33
One option is finding a used instrument in good shape. I would much rather play a used Yamaha student horn than one of those no name instruments. They are often out there at good prices.
You can look on various sites like ebay, Craigslist and reverb. Some local music stores will often sell instruments at good prices when they are pulling them out of the rental fleet.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2022-05-13 03:45
I carry a Vito in the back of the car for such trips. It cost me all of $90.
Tony F.
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Author: donald
Date: 2022-05-13 04:12
I deco d the Vito (though mine has a story with it, I promised I'd never sell it).
Also, I'd be tempted by a Buescher Aristocrat (not later ones) as the 1980s ones often go for very little and after a re pad are indestructible.
Yamaha - a student of mine picked up a YCL25 (24s are very common, 25s much less common) that was for about $100 us$ and in mint condition (still could do with a re pad). Often the newer model yamaha student (C100, 225 etc) as actually slightly overpriced as people know they are good (but the instrument prob still needs work)
No one ever over values a Vito or Buescher!
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Author: Tom H
Date: 2022-05-13 05:04
Good advice(s) above. I travel with either my student Selmer or student Yamaha. Bought the Yamaha for $100 Canadian (used) and the Selmer for $165C NEW (don't know why so low, but it works great for 4 years-- no problems). I keep the Selmer under my chair at concerts in case my Buffet conks out during. Even the average price of what-- $450 US? for a new "plastic" student model is very reasonable considering that's not much different than what they were 45 years ago when I started teaching Band. And considering how much pro clarinets have increased in price.
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Boreal Ballad for unaccompanied clarinet-Sheet Music Plus item A0.1001314.
Musicnotes product no. MNO287475
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2022-05-13 05:30
Another option if it doesn’t have to be in Bb, those sub $200 Chinese C clarinets are surprisingly well made and well in tune. They are hard rubber and come with leather pads so they are fairly durable as well.
Otherwise the Yamaha Advantage is the perfect instrument. They are built to be abused and have Valentino pads and a very durable case in addition to being great instruments with good intonation. You should be able to find one for $200-$300.
-JDbassplayer
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2022-05-13 11:08
In addition to the Buescher Aristocrat mentioned above, the Selmer Signet Resonite is another decent, oft-overlooked model that goes for cheap these days.
In contrast to the large .590-bore Buescher Aristocrat and Bundy 1400, the Signet Resonite has a medium .577 bore and should respond more like a modern instrument.
For Leblanc fans, the Vito was also sold as a Holton. Not very common, but when found these tend to sell for even less than a Vito.
Post Edited (2022-05-13 11:13)
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Author: Ed
Date: 2022-05-13 14:49
jdbassplayer mentions Valentino pads. I would suggest having Valentino pads. They work really well and will last ages with no issues
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Author: NOLA Ken
Date: 2022-05-15 21:54
SecondTry, You didn't say what type of music you would most anticipate playing. I'm fond of the Vitos also, but prefer the earlier V40 unless I were anticipating a classical gig. I see them on that auction site all the time for a pittance.
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Author: Chris_C ★2017
Date: 2022-05-15 23:07
In the UK, a B&H Regent II goes for £10-£15 - but you might have to buy 5 at a time...
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2022-05-16 07:53
NOLA Ken brings up a good point: The OP didn't mention what kind of music they anticipate playing.
Here's how I'd classify the available choices in inexpensive synthetic-bodied instruments:
Mostly Classical: Selmer CL300, CL301; Leblanc 7250; Vito 7242; Vito V-40 (2nd version); Yamaha YCL-250
All-around playing: Artley 17S; Bundy 1401 ("577"); Henkin 88S; Holton; Normandy 14 (Reso-Tone-inscribed instruments are newer than those marked RESO-TONE); Selmer Signet Resonite; Vito 7112, 7114, 7212, 7214 and V-40 (1st version); Yamaha YCL-20, YCL-24
Jazz; Marching Band; Pep Band: Buescher Aristocrat; Bundy 1400; Conn 16N (often comes with nice carry-all case); Selmer 1400
Post Edited (2022-05-16 07:55)
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Author: donald
Date: 2022-05-16 13:37
The idea that a certain type/bore of clarinet is suitable of a certain type of music is kind of comic. A clarinet that is in tune is suitable for ALL types of music. I got my grade 8 in 1983 on an Aristrocrat, and last time I picked one up (about 5 years ago) thought it sounded quite lovely, certainly it didn't compromise my ability to play Classical music in any way.
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2022-05-16 19:16
Whoa, Donald, let's not start a fight here.
Tuning accuracy with today's commonly available mouthpieces was a prime consideration when I made my suggestions above.
As today's student clarinets continue to evolve towards the R13 idiom, the selection of affordable and available mouthpieces that provide both a modern, focused tone and reasonably accurate intonation with the large-bore instruments of decades past continues to dwindle. Therein lies the rub.
The Bundy 1400 in my studio, an acoustic twin to your Buescher Aristocrat, yielded its most accurate tuning and best overall tone with a Woodwind Company Steel Ebonite G7. With the G7, that clarinet really sang, was easy to play in tune, and would have been appropriate for use in most any situation. Good luck finding a WWCo G7 today that isn't trashed.
The Selmer (Paris) mouthpieces that worked decently with the Bundy/Aristocrat are no longer made, and were expensive towards the end of their run.
That leaves just the B45 and Pyne PolyCrystal out there as reliable, affordable solutions for the older, large-bore instruments.
With the instruments mentioned in the "Mostly Classical" category, it's extremely likely that the OP's favorite mouthpiece and reed setup will play well in tune with any model listed.
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Author: SecondTry
Date: 2022-05-18 20:48
I'm a classically trained player. I'd hope any basic playable clarinet, for purposes of travel only, would suit me just fine. 
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