 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: lsavat
Date: 2002-03-05 20:37
My daughter has choosen the clarinet for her first band intrument (she is 9). I live in a rural area far from music stores and was considering buying her one from e-bay. Wanted to get her something possibly one step up from a standard student model so she would take pride in her playing. Any advice on good or bad models, what to watch for or watch out for??
Music Mama
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Author: diz
Date: 2002-03-05 21:28
For what's it's worth - my first clarinet was a Yamaha (plastic), and it worked perfectly well for me for a couple of years. Depending on your daughter's abilities ... I'd suggest not purchasing an R-13 or similar expensive instrument - just yet. There are also other student models - I've not played them, so pass no comment.
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Author: Cory
Date: 2002-03-05 21:38
I suggest investing in a wood clarinet. The wood instantly helps in creatinng a warmer tone. Many of my students begin on Selmer Signets or the Yamaha YCL-34. A good quality wood instrument will last through high school if taken care of properly.
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Author: diz
Date: 2002-03-05 21:47
Cory - you've made a valid point - I was in a marching band in high school - and there is no way I'd have marched with a wooden clarinet.
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2002-03-05 21:51
Wow, lsavat, you will probably get a mountain of advice. This is a subject discussed here often, and aside from answers to your enquiry, you might search the archives for past information on the same or a similar subject.
My two cents worth: any beginner deserves a sturdy instrument, but it should be one that can sound good. Plastic instruments are quite okay for beginners, plus they aren't prone to cracks due to weather conditions. They generally will crack only from some sort of mishandling. Some of them, unfortunately, are extraordinarily cheaply made, while a number of others are acceptable. Recognizing that several brands and models are okay, I prefer the Vito V40. The V40 is designed more like a wood Clarinet of excellent acoustical quality. According to Leblanc, the manufacturer, it's "for the intermediate clarinet player." Yet a V40 said to be in playing condition will commonly sell through eBay for $150 or less. And getting a used instrument in playing condition is less expensive than getting one that needs work, unless you are experienced in Clarinet repair. There's a V40 on eBay now, item 1522124430, which the seller claims to be "in very good condition." (I have nothing to do with this instrument and don't claim this particular one to be especially wonderful, I'm just relating information.) A V40 could serve your daughter for many years, even after she "graduates" to a wood Clarinet, because it's good to have a plastic one for marching band, outdoor concerts, and the like.
Good luck,
John
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Author: chuck
Date: 2002-03-06 00:55
It is one thing to select a model/make, and the range of selection on Ebay is enormous. A greater problem exists in acquiring an instrument that is "playable", read that to mean "good pads, corks, no flaws or faults. There is, unfortunately, a good deal of junk out there, no matter how attractively described, and this forum has discussed, almost every week, some of the selections that no one would touch with a ten foot pole (or reed). Ebay can be great for the knowledgeable, and bargains are there. But Ebay is careful to put a "caveat emptor" advisory on every page. I can understand a rural setting far from a music store but for a nine year old beginner it would make sense (to me) to buy from someone who will play test and insure that the clarinet is in good condition. Do you have a teacher in mind? He or she could pass judgement on a potential buy. Can you start your youngster on a rented horn--without obligation to buy if it turns out that the clarinet really wasn't the right choice? Does the band director play clarinet? I do hope that you can consult with someone knowledgeable locally before buying. Chuck
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Author: Micaela
Date: 2002-03-06 02:08
Get a good mouthpiece, no matter what kind of clarinet you have! It can make a world of difference for not too much more money. You can get a Hite Premiere for about $25 (which is a very well spent $25).
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Author: RonD
Date: 2002-03-06 05:08
I would suggest you purchase a new student grade plastic clarinet from one of the many internet music specialists. A Buffet B-12 is a good sturdy student model but there are other brands that are as good if not better such as Yamaha, Selmer Leblanc ect. Do not buy the widley advertised Jupiter ( Chinese ) or any other Chinese model.
Most of the internet suppliers are very competitive on priceing and most offer proven customer service. They will also be a good source for mouthpieces, reeds ect.
When I returned to playing after a long absence I purchased a new Buffet E-11 wood clarinet from Music 123 in New Jersy and got a great price, since I had a minor problem with it after delivery they offered me the option to have it adjusted localy or returned for repair or replacement. The better known web suppliers offer a comprable level of service.
Some of the better known suppliers are
1 Brass wind and wood wind in South Bend indiana
2 International Music suppliers in Des Plaines Illinois
3 Music 123 in New Jersy
All these firms have people on staff who can give you good advice. International music suppliers has a very good reputation and the owner is a competent clarinet player There are others bur I don't have any experiance with them. I have purchased musical instrument and supplies from all of the suppliers listed above including electronic pianos and classical guitars.
A new Buffet b-12 will cost between $300 to $400 dollars.
Good luck: Ron D
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Author: Mindy
Date: 2002-03-06 10:26
I suggest, that you purchase the Buffet E-11. It is wood for intermedeates. When she does get into high school, and is in the marching band then I would also buy a plastic clarinet. Just to worn you when she does get into high school and gets a plastic clarinet it will be difficult to play just because it is plastic instead of wood. That is how I was this year at least.
Good Luck!
Mindy
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2002-03-06 19:13
Well, I just noticed something interesting. Brenda Siewert, a Sneezy Sponsor, has a V40 for sale on eBay. "Buy it now" price is $195. It's $45 more than I mentioned earlier, but this one is not just "said to be" in playing condition, Brenda personally guarantees it. In my opinion, that makes it very safe. It's eBay item 850230417.
Regards,
John
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2002-03-06 19:36
Thanks for the recommendation, John. I can't say anything here on the bb about the instrument, but lots of other Sneezies have gotten stuff from me and are happy campers!!!
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Author: Meri
Date: 2002-03-06 21:13
I would never recommend a wood instrument for a young student. The weight difference is significant, and is likely to strain their right thumb.
Stick to the four major makers: Buffet, Selmer, Yamaha, and Leblanc. Note that Bundy is part of Selmer and Vito is under Leblanc.
A worthy feature is an adjustable thumb rest. If the instrument you purchase does not already have one, it's worth the extra expense to have one installed; it really helps beginners with their right hand position.
You should probably have a teacher (or at least an advanced player) help you choose an instrument for you; typically you should pay them the cost of one lesson. The things they should pay attention to when selecting an instrument are the mechanical condition (whether the keywork feels smooth or rough, whether the instrument has loose/missing screws, whether the left-hand E/B key and left hand F/C key mechanism has come loose, the condition of the pads), whether or not the instrument feels "stuffy" to play, the tuning of notes that tend to have serious tuning problems (the lowest five notes, the throat tones, the first five notes of the clarion register, and the C and D above the staff.), and its overall tuning.
If you are going to purchase a clarinet online, you would probably be better off purchasing through the sneezy Classified ads.
Echo the advice of a good mouthpiece. It makes a world of difference.
Meri
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Author: diz
Date: 2002-03-06 21:21
Another option is to hire an instrument - then, if not satisfied or if she looses interest (heaven forbid) you just cancel the contract. Many companies will ship instruments almost anywhere in the world - and as you live in the US, you'll have no problem.
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2002-03-06 22:24
Renting an instrument is usually a bad idea. Getting a good buy on one from a reputable person or dealer is a better one. You will pay way above what the instrument costs, even if you default on the agreement, if you rent. There are lots of good buys on used student-intermediate instruments out there.
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Author: lsavat
Date: 2002-03-06 22:27
I think that's enough advice to go on. The mountain of advice limit has been exceeded.........
Thanks everyone!
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Author: Rene
Date: 2002-03-07 05:40
Meri, I second your thoughts about the weight issue. I myself prefer my B12 for practice, since it is a lot lighter, and it has an adjustable thumb rest. I had troubles with pain too.
Even in danger to repeat myself: E.g. the B12 plays in tune. It sounds good. It will need immediate fixing though by expert hands. And it will need another mouthpiece.
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The Clarinet Pages
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A major brand will also retain it's value as a trade-in later if/when you decide to upgrade