 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: jenny
Date: 2002-12-05 01:14
I played for 15 years and took a break when I became a mom. Now I'd like to play again and I need to find a clarinet! What's good, what's great, and what makes one drool? Help!
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Author: Pam
Date: 2002-12-05 02:26
Welcome back to tooting! Most people on here will tell you to stick with 4 manufacturers: Buffet, LeBlanc, Selmer, or Yamaha. I just listed them alphabetically as there is much debate on here at times over which horns are best. These are all well-made. Some of the others (i.e. Jinyn or Indian Army Band, etc.) aren't worth what they cost to make and once they break a tech won't touch them. Your budget and interest level determine what level of clarinet you want to go for. A decent mouthpiece is worth the investment. You might find a used horn for a bit less financial outlay, if you are careful and ask questions. There are many listings on the classifieds on this website.
I'm sure others will add more or point you to other threads as this discussion comes up pretty frequently.
Have fun!
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Author: kenabbott
Date: 2002-12-05 13:00
Look on Ebay. There are lots of sweet Selmer 9's and CT's that can be had from a few hundred dollars. There are also lots of Signets, which are also quite nice. If you find a horn that stirs your interest, feel free to ask about it here.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2002-12-05 16:40
First and foremost, Welcome Back, Jenny
You've found a good place to visit. Stick around a while and you'll probably make a friend or a few. We all love music, particularly clarinet friendly music, and either are or have been right where you are right now. You've come to a good place to associate with many other returnees, some for their third, fourth, or umth-time go around.
Nothing makes me happier that to meet a fellow come-back player or a brand new beginner. They're a delight to my heart. You are an encouragement to all the rest of us, Jenny, and I'm delighted to make your acquaintance.
You're gonna get dozens of opinions on this topic if the opinionators aren't all hanging out at the mall this time of year.
Anyway, for my two-cents-worth of opinion, I feel that first of all should get yourself a horn that's playable right away, not one you have to wait to get fixed up. You're anxious to get back to playing and you want something that will toot for you now. Some folks, like Ken, will recommend eBay - other old cranks like me won't but we're still on friendly terms I'm not knocking eBay, and Ken's right, there are some great bargains to be found there if you know what to look for and your four leaf clover is workin' real good.
Of course top of the line horns make most players drool just looking at 'em. Such an instrument will also make your pocketbook squirm and groan and shed great beads of sweat. Good reconditioned instruments from a local dealer/repair shop would probably be your best bet for now. As most will state, have already stated, stick to the major brands. Pam is quite correct about that stuff out of India and China etc. (anything with a 'bird' name, Parrot, Lark, Condor, etc.). Most techs will not touch them BEFORE they break :|
Some won't allow one in their shop -- Get Outta Here with that 8[*^&$%#@+!!!] -- don't laugh, the places I hang out I've seen it happen... and the air really does turn blue too :
Gather all the info you can here and first hand where you live (band directors, private instructors, students, working musicians, repair shops), then go shopping. Don't jump at the first 'bargain' that comes your way. Be choosey.
Well, after all that, I'd like to again wish you well and a happy return to making music.
Happy tootin'
- ron b -
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Author: Ralph G
Date: 2002-12-05 19:53
On the other hand:
-if your pocketbook can manage payment
-if you plan to stick with playing for a long time and take it somewhat seriously
-if you're any good (and if you played for 15 years, you're probably no slouch - you just need time to get back in the saddle)
why NOT go for broke and get a top of the line horn in the near future? Maybe get yourself a lower-tier horn you can play now and get your chops back, but make plans to upgrade to a pro model soon.
I don't think you have to be a professional to deserve a pro model instrument. You just have to have skills worthy enough of having one, plan to take playing seriously enough to justify it (like playing in community bands, orchestras, wind symphonies, etc.), and be ready to part with about 2 or 3 grand.
I picked up the clarinet this summer after a 3 year layoff. I got married in January and my wife had my horn fixed for me (a Signet 100 student horn). I played in a summer band, vounteered for a community patriotic band, then joined a community orchestra (and bought a used A clarinet), then got an invitation to join the local wind symphony. So after playing again for about 6 months, I'm feel I'm back in the saddle enough to justify splurging on a pro horn. Now I just need to convince the wife!
As always, match your horn to your needs and abilities.
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Author: Hank
Date: 2002-12-06 15:37
Hi Jenny,
I want to second the idea of getting a better clarinet as part of your return to playing. A used top line clarinet can be had for as much as a new student line horn. I am a believer though that the mid-level clarinet like the Noblet and Selmer Signet (or the Yamaha and Buffet models) represent an excellent step up as well for the limited budget. A good mouthpiece and ligature completes the package. The stock mouthpiece on some of those mid-models can provide a good starting point.
There are lots of excellnt used clarinets out there that are looking for good homes.
Hank
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Author: William
Date: 2002-12-06 15:39
Buffet R13 Bb clarinet--the clarinet that all others--LeBlanc, Selmer, Yamaha, Particola, Rossi, to name a few--want to "sound like." They are the most preferred choice among professional clarinetists--the entire "Presidents Own" Marine Band clarinet section uses them and they are found in major symphonic orchestras throughout the world. They are not overly expensive and are "all the clarinet" you will ever need.
Buffets "intermediate" clarinets--E13,E12 and E11 (most economical, but not all wood) are also good choices if your pocket book is a bit thin. The advantage is that they all produce that great Buffet sound--given a good mouthpiece and reed set up.
Try many clarinets of each model--I suggest you start with the E11 and work your way up to the R13s. Somewhere in there, you will find an instrument that says, "buy me, now!!!"
Another thought, used clarinets can be just as good as new--or better. But you need to know what is "good" and that is often a difficult call even for the seasoned professional. It is much like finding that "just right" used car. You are always safer buying "new" from a reputable local music store where the clarinet will be under a warrenty gaurantee and you can "take it back" if something is not right.
Last advice, do not settle for the "bargan" item--buy the best clarinet you can afford. A top line R13 will give you a lifetime of playing pleasure, and that is what it is all about.
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Author: Ralph G
Date: 2002-12-06 15:52
Jenny,
For the record, the patriotic band I'm in has issued me a Buffet R13 Prestige (I think it's an R13 -- the little silver badge on the top joint is missing, so it's either that or a Festival, but it's top of the line). I've gotten so used to it I don't think I can go back. Hence the desire for one of my own.
So go pro if you plan to get serious. You deserve it. I'll vouch for you to your family if you'll do the same for me.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2002-12-06 18:15
Jenny - Like Pam pointed out there are other brands than Buffet! Personally I prefer top-of-the-line LeBlancs and Selmers, have heard good things about the "better" Yamahas also. Try many! Don
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Author: Susan
Date: 2002-12-07 02:24
I "came back" to the clarinet about 13 years ago after about a two year break. I had been a clarinet major in college the two years before that.
I couldn't afford a good clarinet in college, so I played my plastic one. After I graduated and got my job, I could finally afford one, and I got the Buffet R-13. Love it, love it, love it!
I play in our college band and wind ensemble, and in the city band in the summers, and sometimes in chamber orchestra and symphony. Most of us in these groups play Buffet R-13s and E-11s. We have a couple people that play LeBlancs. My teacher pretty much sneered at LeBlancs...I think he felt they had tuning problems. But the two people who play LeBlancs are probably the tuning problem, not the horn. I play a LeBlanc bass clarinet and love it. I have a friend who has a LeBlanc Concerto and loves it. The advice to try many is good...3 R-13s can play completely different from one another.
Welcome back, and hope this helps! Susan
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Author: jenny
Date: 2002-12-07 02:39
Thank you all so much for the advice! I am really rarin' to toot and I've prepped my hubby for the big search (and that hole in the savings to boot). Thank you Lord the holidays are here - it makes everyone a little nicer not to mention generous and understanding. My son, age 6, is a music nut and he thinks Mommy playing again is "'da bomb, mom!". That means swell/cool/sweet depending on your age cohort. He is my father-in-law's banjo buddy and they are ready to set up a band already. Geez, talk about pressure...
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Author: Bob Arney
Date: 2002-12-07 17:52
Pam said, in part, "You might find a used horn for a bit less financial outlay, if you are careful and ask questions. There are many listings on the classifieds on this website."
Jenny, take a day or two and look up "maintenance" issues for clarinets (using the "search" function of this web site.) This will show you some "past performance" problems associated with the named makers. Also look at those answers to see the names of the persons who usually are capable or able to repair/fix those problems. Then go over to the "Classified" section of this site (off of the Home Page) and find some of those names again. They restore, recondition, older clarinets and when done these are generally more playable than anything you might buy new "off the rack." The time spent is well worth the money saved and the education gained. There are four or five of them that I can think of that usually have an instrument in better than just playing condition ready for resale.
Bob A
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