 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ginny
Date: 2002-07-18 21:04
Well, the youth orchestra that my now 14 year old son just joined would like him to get an A clarinet or become an incredible transposer. He has a nice somewhat elderly R-13. So, should I get him an E-11 in A? break the bank and get a new R-13 in A. Look for a used R-13 in A (don't like to buy without trying though.) Spend his college education on a matched set?
Suggestions?
Thanks as always.
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Author: Jerry McD
Date: 2002-07-18 21:48
Tough questions. I would ask how confident are you that your son will play for a long time? Study seriously through high school and college? Enjoy playing as an amatuer the rest of his life? Or do you think he might quit once he starts liking girls? The answer to some of these questions might point you in the direction of how much $$ you're willing to part with. If your son enjoys playing in orchestras an A clarinet is standard equipment. If this is his first experience playing in orchestra I would recommend trying to borrow one first because he might not like it. As far as what route to go in obtaining an A clarinet...I'm sure you will get lots of opinions, and here's mine....if you can't borrow one first, try and locate a used R-13A, e-bay, classifieds here on Sneezy (oops sorry...woodwind.org) etc. Even if it is not the greatest horn it will get him all the way into college and then you only have to upgrade once. I hope this long winded post helps. Good luck!
Jerry McD.
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Author: Ginny
Date: 2002-07-19 02:21
Also, I understand that he can use his Bb mouthpiece with the A clarinet. Is that true?
Thanks everyone.
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Author: Jen L.
Date: 2002-07-19 13:22
Is renting an option, if only for one season? That's what I did the first time I needed an A, for orchestra at music camp. If you have a music shop nearby that would be willing to rent one to you, that might be able to give you enough time to assess what his long-term playing needs will be. If not that, I would choose a used R-13 or equivalent over a new mid-range instrument.
Jen L.
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Author: bob gardner
Date: 2002-07-20 14:25
Ginny: nice to hear that you still have the R13. Sorry I have never owned an A.
stay well
Bob
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Author: Ginny
Date: 2002-07-20 23:15
Hi Bob, Your clarinet has a good home. Its kept pretty busy. In addition to starting youth orchestra, it will probably be going to Europe next summer, with the high school wind ensemble! It is not going to marching band, we kept the old Vito for that.
Nice to hear from you, if you get down our way be sure to visit.
Ginny
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Author: diz
Date: 2002-07-22 05:02
Unfortunately, it would appear that the Major Manufacturers don't make "student" model A clarinets (why would they, I guess is a pertinent question). You might try ebay and see if you can't pick up one second hand - also, your local music shop may very well keep secondhand ex-pro As in stock?
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2002-07-22 17:41
Well, Diz, Buffet (E11) and Leblanc (Noblet) do make student/interemediate level A clarinets. But I agree with you -- I don't understand why people buy them. The E11 currently sells new for around $900 mail order. I can almost understand a student/intermediate C in that there is a very limited supply of professional models, new or used and the use is occasional enough that an intermediate model would probably suffice for all but the higher level professionals. The C is still for the most part essentially a novelty. An intermediate/student A at $900 is another kettle of fish, altogether. IMHO the price is too high for a casual user and a serious player, even at the amateur level, will probably eventually want more instrument -- there are serious compromises in the E11. Also, considering the number of people looking for an A (compared to a Bb), there is a fairly abundant supply of used professional models at good prices. For example, a couple of weeks ago, two professional Yamahas (a CX and a CS) sold on eBay for $750 and $625. Either would be considerably more clarinet than an E11. Also, the used A clarinets I have seen frequently are in pretty good condition, having seen only light use. I suspect they are often sold by people who bought them in college only to find they really have little use for them after graduation.
Ginny, I would recommend against buying an A at this point unless you (who know your son better than we do) are thoroughly convinced that he will continue to play the clarinet in an orchestral setting for at least several years -- or money isn't really an issue. Learning to transpose (or write out parts) is a useful skill. If you do buy, I would recommend a used professional instrument rather than a new E11. If your son does continue, it will carry him much further than the E11. If he decides to quit, you can probably resell it for much closer to what you paid for it. (A USED E11 in great condition for under $400 would, IMO, be a reasonable choice but they are scarce.)
The key is to be patient, start looking for a suitable instrument but don't necessarily jump at the first one you see. We are currently in the summer doldrums at eBay, exacerbated, I suspect, by the current behavior of the stock market. There will very likely be some bargains if you aren't in a big hurry. Older Leblanc professionals turn up rather frequently and may go for $500 or less. You might also find a Selmer Series 9 around that price. (I wouldn't go any older in the Selmer line, though.) Even a Buffet R13 might show up for $900. Hold out for one in good condition, though.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: Ginny
Date: 2002-07-23 04:06
Thanks to all, for all the excellent advice. I have rented an E-11 for the season...for (don't ask how much) way too much money. They orchestra set the seating audition piece for A clarinet, and he has a month to get used to the instrument and learn the piece. I will start looking for an A in the usual places, provided he really likes orchestral playing. At least I will have several months to do it in.
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