 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Elmer Kaczur
Date: 2001-10-02 01:33
I need the help of clarinetists in the know.
I would like to learn to play the clarinet and would like to purchase one (needless to say, my budget is limited). I have seen several "BESTLER" brand clarinets offered for auction on EBay, but have not been able to find any information on these clarinets on the internet.
If anyone has any information on Bestler clarinets, I would appreciate your comments.
I know this clarinet can't be of very good quality because they have sold for as little as $130. But then again, I don't expect much- just that it has fairly reasonable tone quality and is reliable, so that I may be able to learn on it.
I just don't want to shell out $130 only to find that it is total garbage and a waste of money.
Again, your help would be appreciated.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: msroboto
Date: 2001-10-02 01:55
I would stay clear of them.
You should be able to get a used Bundy or similar for under $100.00 and after you put a few $$ into it you will be out the same money but have a better instrument.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: mw
Date: 2001-10-02 03:25
Much can be said of any of the major manufacturers. Stick to Buffet, Yamaha or Vito in the low end plastic/resonite clarinets. The Buffet B-12 or a slightly older Evette (counterpart) are plastic/resonite & will work out fine. Ditto the Yamaha 20 or the Vito Resotone #3.
A good starter mouthpiece & ligature is more important, IMO, than anything else. Try a Fobes Debut or a Hite Premiere both for under $30 at major cartalogue sellers. A Bonade ligature is $14 & the Luyben is $6, slightly more if yish to buy matching caps to go with them. Yamaha & Buffet run a bit more. I have seen several from reputable sellers at the $150 range.
So for about $180-200 + some shipping yiou should be there. Avoid the "Bestlers of the World", if & where possible.
best,
mw
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: IHL
Date: 2001-10-02 03:41
yes, to be safe just stick with a buffet, selmer, leblanc or Yamaha. These are the most trusted brands. Stay well away from 'made in China' clarinets.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ron b
Date: 2001-10-02 08:02
Bestler horns, from what I've heard and read, are a near total waste of money.
Please heed advice from others above.
- ron b -
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: jmcaulay
Date: 2001-10-02 14:34
While I have no personal knowledge of Bestler clarinets, here's a bit of added information, including expansion of IHL's admonition, "Stay well away from 'made in China' clarinets."
This is not a prejudiced condemnation of a country of manufacture, it's based on reality. Many, most, perhaps all (who knows?) Chinese instruments are made with heroic cost-savings in mind. One example is their common use of cast keywork rather than forged; cast keys do not respond well to rough handling, breaking rather easily. Perhaps there are Chinese-made clarinets which are not built this way. Even if so, I am unaware of any enthusiastic following.
You will often see or hear "Buffet, Leblanc, Selmer, Yamaha" as if it is a mantra of brand recommendation. This is by no means to say that there are no other good clarinets, but it's hard to beat as a starting group for selection by an inexperienced buyer. You should also know the "sub-brands" of the various makers. You will find student-model (and some a bit better) Evette clarinets made by Buffet's parent company, Leblanc-built instruments labeled Vito or Normandy, and Selmer-made clarinets marked Bundy or Signet. I believe Yamaha uses only that name.
Good hunting,
John
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Don Berger
Date: 2001-10-02 15:20
IMHO after trying to cure mfgr's problems with a Bestler, I concluded it was a "Worstler" . Don
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: GBK
Date: 2002-10-29 16:31
test
<img src = "http://www.smurfit-stone.com/images/walmart.jpg">
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
