 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Allen Godin
Date: 2002-11-05 09:31
OK, my daughter wants to play clarinet in school band, but she already has a $500.00 violin and weekly lessons for that. How can we get her a starter clarinet (eBAy??), and what are your recommendations for keeping it inexpensive. She already tried flute, but couldn't play it.
Please HELP!
A distraught father.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Matt Locker
Date: 2002-11-05 11:52
DF:
I would recommend a VITO off Ebay from a music store that can guarantee that it's in good shape & playable. Ask questions BEFORE you buy, and don't buy from a pawnbroker or private party. I think you want to buy from a music store to try to guarantee the condition & playability. I also think you want to get a return guarantee to cover yourself in the event it's not what you expected. Other instrument would be either of the Yamaha YCL-20 or the Buffet B12 which are fine beginner clarinets in their own right. I'm partial to the Vito's as they seem to be very easy playing and have decent tuning.
Another option - the classified section of this website. There is a Vito for sale there for $150. I think that's high compared to most Ebay prices but if it's in really good shape would be worth the price.
I'm sure others will chime in here.
MOO,
Matt
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: David Stringer
Date: 2002-11-05 12:26
Hi Allen,
I was surprised at how cheap it was to rent a clarinet from a local music store... 18 bucks CDN, which is about 12 US per month. As well, there are all sorts of rent-to-own plans, and you get to choose among several instruments, and even trade them in mid rental.... they switched my kid from alto to tenor sax in mid rental for no extra money.
I guess this won't work in a smaller community, but in the big city it's good pickin's.
David
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ralph G
Date: 2002-11-05 13:08
It's best to stick with the models made by the "big 4" manufacturers, whether you obtain a new or used horn. They all have very reasonably priced student models, are well-made and are easily serviced. The "big 4" and their various student lines are Selmer (Bundy is their former student make), Leblanc (Vito), Buffet and Yamaha.
Stay away from the cheap off-brand horns you find in Wal-Mart and Sam's.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Bryan
Date: 2002-11-05 13:30
There's lots of used beginner instruments available on eBay, but as Matt noted, you have to be a little careful about it. A couple of years ago I, being less careful, bought a Selmer Signet Special on eBay, ended up slightly overpaying for it, and then when I got it it needed another $75 worth of work just to be playable. (The seller claimed it was "playable", but the pads were completely decayed.) I don't really regret it; it's served me well so far. It's just that if I'd had a clue, I could have saved a few bucks. I'd suggest that if you buy a used beginner instrument from eBay, even if the horn is in good shape the mouthpiece, ligature and so on may be crappy and beat. Buy a new, good quality mouthpiece; it can make a huge difference in the playability and sound of even a cheap instrument. (Some of the best mouthpiece makers sell inexpensive student models.)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Bob
Date: 2002-11-05 14:36
Considering your "record" the rental option sounds best to me also
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ron b
Date: 2002-11-05 18:52
Bob Gardner says it all in a nutshell - excellent advice, as usual
As a first time pruchaser you might want a tiny bit more to go on. The most important factor for a beginning student, whether you're considering a new or used instrument, is service. As pointed out in some posts above, eBay sellers offer you almost no recourse - except perhaps returning it, and all the postage, time loss and e-mail communications and so forth. With a local private party you may do better. From a local music store with an on site repair facility you are far better off, in my opinion. You get quick service (free, during the rental contract period:) or immediate replacement, with a smile, if need be.
I don't know if David S. (above post) refers to new instruments as rentals. Some stores in 'my' area offer new ones(Buffet) on very reasonable terms. It's certainly worth looking into in your neighborhood if at all possible.
Here in central California Vito(LeBlanc) and Bundy(Selmer) are popular. As new and as reconditioned they both have very good track records.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Allen Godin
Date: 2002-11-06 01:39
A follow-up:
Thank you for all the replies.
I guess I'm a little annoyed that the school band teacher is the one who seems to be pushing her into playing a band instrument. As I said, she is already taking violin lessons with a private instructor. We live in rural Vermont, which is really the entire State when you try to look for instrument dealers who carry anything other then guitars and drums.
There is a band instrument dealer that's been around forever and seems to have the policy that their instruments are always new. Even the 45 year old ones. You really don't get services from these people, only headaches. You pay for rental and insurance and damages over and above.
I feel as though a good used instrument is the only fair investment if she changes her mind or her teacher says, well why don't you try the xylophone instead. I think a good name brand would be the best investment, but at this point I'm just going to take a break and go play my violin.
Thanks again.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ron b
Date: 2002-11-06 01:59
Since the band director is pushing this, push back. Ask the school to provide an instrument
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2002-11-06 02:22
I have never bought a Clarinet on eBay from a *reasonable-appearing* seller who said it was playable, only to find that it wasn't. On the other hand, I have seen at least one post here from someone who claimed never to have got a playable Clarinet through eBay, no matter what the sellers claimed.
The suggestion to buy from a music store, whether through eBay or not, is a good one to be sure. But you will likely pay more than from a "disposal" seller, even one who actually knows something about Clarinets. If someone offers some sort of rigid orders such as: "If you can't follow my instructions, don't bother bidding," I go them one better and don't even read the item description. That's because if a problem turns up, I don't want to feel as if I'm dealing with the Gestapo. Definitely beware the seller who says: "I don't know anything about Clarinets." *Believe that statement,* then presume anything else the seller writes is highly questionable.
I bought a Vito V-40 (the best non-wood stick from Leblanc) from an eBay seller who was very forthcoming, showed a chip on the bell tenon (which is of virtually no consequence), and said the instrument played well. There were no other bidders on this very nice piece for $50. It plays just fine. Buying something through eBay is not merely luck. It requires analysis of the seller's statements and critical thinking about what's promised. Understand enough to make a good decision. But if you need something right away and are not an experienced eBayer, maybe it is just not the best way to go.
Do remember that a Clarinet that's already eight or ten years old may be nearing the need for repadding, which is not inexpensive nowadays. But don't let that stop you from spending very little money for a good Clarinet.
Regards,
John
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
