 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Won Kim
Date: 2001-08-30 00:47
I'm a high school clarinet player and I don't think I'm going to play the clarinet for the major....but I love to play it.....my favorite piece is Mozart's K. 622 and I think I have listened it more than 50 times...(in Leister's version) and I have a great opportunity to play it with my school orchestra -this is my first time to play a solo with an orchestra- and I'm going to need an A clarinet.....I would like to know that I should buy one or just lent it from somewhere....Even though I'm not going to major the clarinet I'll play it for all my life......so I want to buy one....but the price is a big problem...my parents told me they can purchase one for me if it's not cost too much...I have a buffet B12 in which I bought when I was 5th grader and Selmer USA Cl 210 which is about a year old....it cost about 800 dollars....If you can give me a recommandation for a fine wooden A clarinet that doesnt cost too much (I think it's not possible but hopefully if there is any model cost less than 400) I'll very appriciate...thank you for reading this..
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Author: Joseph O'Kelly
Date: 2001-08-30 00:52
The least expensive model I can think of is a Buffet E-11 A. I don't know if they still make them. If they do it will probably cost around $800.
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Author: KevinS
Date: 2001-08-30 03:11
If price is really a concern, shop for a good used "A" clarinet. I beleive Dave Spiegelthal has some good offerings on the classified section here on Sneezy. You could pick one of these horns up for a fraction of the cost of a new one.
If you really enjoy the clarinet, and plan to play for the rest of your life, you'll probably end up like a lot of us here on Sneezy. Collectors as well as players. As you progress through life, chances are you will be fortunate enough to afford many excellent clarinets in different keys, by different makers sort of like a painters palette. You'll be able to pick and choose the colors you want to "paint" with.
Good Luck!
Kevin
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Author: David Kinder
Date: 2001-08-30 05:25
Honestly, I wouldn't recommend buying an A, if you're NOT going to be a music major. I just recently sold a Leblanc LL A clarinet for about $300 a few months ago. I only used it to play the Mozart K.622 and that was it. Sure it was fun, but I didn't think it was worth holding on to when I had other things that demanded my attention.
Does your private instructor have an A clarinet you could borrow? Do you know a music major who has an A that will let you borrow theirs? I'd start from there.
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Author: David Spiegelthal
Date: 2001-08-30 13:15
I would disagree with David K ---- If a clarinetist ever wants to get outside of the concert band realm and play with a symphony orchestra (college, community, whatever) then he/she is going to need an "A" clarinet. True, they sit in their cases quite a bit, but to play orchestra, ya gotta have one!
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Author: Marcia Nottle
Date: 2001-08-31 00:01
I would second (or third) the above two comments. If there is the slightest chance tou may play in an orchestra you will need need an "A". I find that almost half the orchestra music I play is on my "A". As well I do most of my practising on it. It requires just a little more oomph than the Bb so that when I go back to the Bb it is a tad easier. Go for it
Good luck
Marcia
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Author: mw
Date: 2001-08-31 02:13
Yamaha ... there is a serious overstock throughout the U.S. ... take advantage of it ..... & don't let anybody tell you it ain't so ....
Start with the major catalogues & check it out.
Brook Mayes has had a nice YCL-SEA on eBay for some time. They even agreed to RE-PAD it for me as I was a high bidder 2X on auction (as it was a store demo) and also to buff/clean all keywork for $1,280 or so. Can't beat it with a stick ...
best,
mw
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2001-08-31 14:52
If you play in any kind of decent orchestra down the road, you will eventually probably want an A. If you think your future playing will be primarily in concert bands, pits or jazz, you will probably not use one much. If you don't know yet, you can wait until later to pick one up.
When money is a serious consideration, it is almost never a good idea to buy something in a hurry. On the other hand, if you decide you want an A clarinet when you don't need to have it yesterday, if you are willing to spend some time and have patience, you can make a good buy. My recommendation would be to borrow an A for the time being if you can and, if you really want one, keep your eyes open. If you live near a large metro area, you may find a great deal in the paper. Used Buffet, Selmer and Leblanc A's in the 20-50 year age range frequently turn up on eBay. The Selmers and Leblancs seldom go much over the $600 mark and sometimes go for less (especially the Leblancs, which IMHO represent particularly good values) -- a professional instrument for less than you/your parents paid for your intermediate Bb. Also, lately there has been a pair of Selmer pro clarinets that have been offered a few times now but not sold where the seller has indicated s/he would take $900 for the pair (the Bb has a repaired crack but they appear to be in good condition and both were recently overhauled -- if I had $900 with nothing to do, I would buy these as a backup/traveling set). With patience, you can probably find an older Buffet for less than $800.
The A's sold on eBay are often instruments that haven't received much use so, even though they may be older, they are often in close to new condition. If you are patient, read the ads, ask the seller questions and avoid the temptation to buy something just to end the search early, you can find a good clarinet at a good price that won't need alot of work. (And you probably won't have too much risk if you decide you don't need the instrument later. My guess is, whoever purchased the LL mentioned above for $300 will be able to get at least that much back for it, if they decide to sell.) Also, while they are rare, Buffet E11 A's do turn up a few times a year on eBay. Depending on the frenzy at the time they are listed, they can go for around $400 and almost always are in like new condition.
But did I mention patience?
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Author: Won Kim
Date: 2001-09-01 00:55
Thank you so much for your concern. I will patiently wait until I discover a nice clarinet in good price. I decided to borrow one from my tutor for this solo recitle, but I still want to buy one at sometime. I'm very appriciated and please give me some more information if you have an information for an nice A clarinet that comes for sale.
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Author: Won Kim
Date: 2001-09-01 00:56
Thank you so much for your concern. I will patiently wait until I discover a nice clarinet in good price. I decided to borrow one from my tutor for this solo recitle, but I still want to buy one at sometime. I'm very appriciated and please remind me if you have an information for an nice A clarinet that comes for sale.
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