 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: chris
Date: 2002-06-13 16:23
Currently renting a Selmer Plastic Clarinet #1401
In reading the forum I've come across many who mention the Selmer CL300 and Yamaha YCL-20. Should we buy my rental, or switch to one of the other models? We bought a better mouthpiece to go with my rental, it's by Fobes? I think. Any input is appreciated. I will be a 5th grader next fall, starting my 2nd year of clarinet.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2002-06-13 17:25
We need to stop right here, Chris, before we can talk about anything else, we need to know... If you're doing well with your Selmer 1401 and Fobes mpc, why do you want to change anything?
Let's talk about 'why' before we discuss 'how'.
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Author: Mitch A
Date: 2002-06-14 02:25
Chris. Keep your plastic clarinet for playing outside at football games and for marching at halftime, dropping to the floor during rehearsals, etc (unless it's a real piece of junk). Playing a really great clarinet will be good for your ego, until you hear your expensive wood clarinet crack in the sun in 95 degree heat during band camp drills (in a few years, of course).
Buy a "good" clarinet later, in H.S. when you'll really need it for playing fine concert music indoors where the quality of the sound really matters. Honest now, do you think the kids you play with in 5th grade will really hear the difference between plastic and wood?
Here's something for you. I recently saw Kenny Davern perform. He put his clarinet together on the corner of my table at a jazz/dinner club. He was playing a no-name plastic clarinet he's had since the 60's, and an off-the shelf Vandoren mpc. He was spectacular.
Stick with it. The kids who don't have a clue will start to drop out of band in the next year or so, then you and your friends can really get to work and become musicians. Good Luck.
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Author: Benny
Date: 2002-06-14 14:47
Never buy your rental clarinet. Normally rental clarinets are not as good as another student model that you could get for a reasonable price. I recommend that you buy a Buffet B-12. If you get it at Woodwind and Brasswind or at International Musical Suppliers (both somewhere in Illinois) you will get the clarinet much cheaper than at your local music store. (Also reeds are much cheaper here! Send for a catalog.) I think WW&BW has them for around $300 or so.
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Author: Bob
Date: 2002-06-14 15:29
$300 or so...maybe more "so" than $300. Go to eBay, get into clarinets and search on Buffet. Sorry though, you just missed a good deal on a B-12 "out East".
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Author: ron b
Date: 2002-06-14 18:05
We still haven't established, Chris, why you wish to change from what you have? I'm not asking other questions yet because I don't want to put words in your mouth.
There are Sneezy sponsors right here (click 'Sponsored by' at top of page) who may be helpful. Many have lots of experience matching the right instrument to the student. They may help you get a better 'long term' look at things. I know Brenda (Clarinet Grammy has done a lot in this area, working with students as well as pros.
I don't disagree with Bob, about going to eBay.
For a first time inexperienced buyer, however, I'd recommend an extra-large measure of caution. If it's time to switch, for whatever reason, it's better to upgrade, of course... but strongly suggest that, if you go to eBay as a first time buyer, you "take someone with you"
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Author: ozgida
Date: 2002-06-15 09:43
My impression from Chris's message is that he/she just wants to own a clarinet rather than rent (I sypmathize) and was wondering whether the current one was a good idea to keep.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2002-06-15 15:50
You're right, Ozqida, and I stand corrected. I could have been more considerate of Chris's age and asked a few 'standard' questions, such as:
1. Is your rental new or reconditioned?
2. Does it play well with your present mouthpiece/reed setup?
3. Has someone (your teacher, band/orchestra director, fellow student) advised you to upgrade to a better instrument?
4. Do you feel now you might continue playing on into junior high, possibly beyond?
5. From what you've read and heard, what do you think would be a good instrument brand to help you improve your playing?
6. Do you have something in mind?
7. Is there a reputable band instrument music store in your town?
...otherwise, how would anyone here know whether someone should buy their rental?
Some stores rent only new instruments and give you a fair percentage of rent paid toward purchase - a good deal. Others rent reconditioned any-brand models (because they don't want to risk that you'll be a deadbeat), with the idea you'll purchase a new one if you think you'd like to continue playing that kind of instrument.
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Author: Meredith
Date: 2002-06-16 23:17
One other thing, will the rental company give you any discount on purchasing the instrument for having rented it previously. Here, it is common practice to get back the first three months rental if you decide to purchase the instrument. However, if the instrument wasn't new when you started renting it, I probably wouldn't consider buying it.
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