 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Becky
Date: 2002-12-26 18:18
I am looking into buying a clarinet, but I want a new one not used and have no idea where to start. I don't have much money because I am a full time college student and would like to have some money for some books and stuff like that on playing. I played the clarinet a year ago for a college course and enjoyed it so much I decided I'd like to get better at it. I used a Yamaha rental from my school but don't know whether it was wood or plastic (that seems to be a question I keep being asked). I am a music education major with an emphasis in choral/vocal studies but feel that this will help me became a better teacher. I have looked at buying a clarinet from a company online but I don't know whether or not the brand is a good one or not. The brand is Bestler and is retailing for $129.95. Can someone email me and tell me whether this is worth my time or should I consider something else remembering my limited budget (appox.$500)?
Thanks-
Becky
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Author: Dee
Date: 2002-12-26 18:29
Bestler is NOT a good brand.
For your budget, you can pick up a new student grade clarinet. Stick to the four major manufacturer's. They are Leblanc, Buffet, Selmer, and Yamaha. The student ones will be plastic. The Yamaha comes with a decent mouthpiece but for one of the other brands you will be better off buying an after market mouthpiece such as the Hite Premier, Fobes Debut, Vandoren B45 or Vandoren 5RV, etc.
Alternatively, a used intermediate level clarinet also falls within your budget. Again stick to something by one of the four major makers. These instruments will be made of wood. Again make sure you have or get a decent mouthpiece.
If you are very, very lucky you might find a used professional instrument for this amount. Again stick to one of the four major makers. There are some well respected smaller makers (Rossi, Patricola, & Eaton) but you are unlikely to run across these.
To pick out a suitable instrument, take an experienced player, preferably a teacher of clarinet with you. They can determine the quality and condition of the instrument. Even a new instrument may need adjustments while a used one may need a little general maintenance.
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Author: Benni
Date: 2002-12-26 19:18
Dee's recommendation about getting a different mouthpiece is a good one . . . Just want to point out that some of the more expensive Vito clarinets (Leblanc's student model) come with K10M mouthpieces, which are good quality intermediate/professional mouthpieces. Other than that (or the Yamaha with the good mouthpiece), definately go with Dee's suggestion and buy yourself a nice one instead of playing on some "student model."
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Author: Willie
Date: 2002-12-26 19:19
Use caution here when shopping for a budget horn. As Dee said, stick to the "Big 4" to be on the safe side. Many retailers and sellersd on e-Bay are selling clarinets made in India and China that are absolute junk. They are dumping them on the US market by the tons with fancy English, French and German names so to sell better. The keys bend/break too easy, parts aren'y available, so techs won't work on them. Some retailers even go so far as to say they are American or German made when in fact if you read the fine print, you find out they were only assembled here from a Chinese "kit". Good luck and welcome to the clarinet.
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Author: kenabbott
Date: 2002-12-26 20:13
Dee speaks the truth. Go with a used intermediate or pro horn. There are plenty of old Selmers and Signets on Ebay in your price range (see if you can buy on approval).
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Author: Dee
Date: 2002-12-26 20:23
A first timer shouldn't try the eBay route. It is difficult to evaluate the condition of the instrument and determine how much repair it will need to bring it into suitable playing condition. Go where you and your advisor can try them out. You pay more but the risk is less.
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Author: William
Date: 2002-12-26 23:45
The Buffet E11 series clarinet was made "just for you" (so to speak). An inexpensive, but nevertheless, well built wood clarinet that is great sounding, in tune and will give you years of playing pleasure. Try more than one and pick the one that seems "right" for you.
BTW, a music major--even a vocal/choral specialist--should know the difference between wood and plastic. Pay closer attention during your instrumental techniques classes--as a vocal educator, your school may find it necessary to have you "help out" with the band or orchestra directors in order to offer you a full-time contract. I made the mistake of not taking string technique classes very seriously and consequently missed lots of important information (learned enough to just get by) but was forced to teach strings at my middle school to justify a full time contract. Just "band" wasn't enough for our system. Out of the thiry years I spent as band director for my middle school, I taught strings for the first twenty and even chorus for three. Good luck.
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Author: John Elison
Date: 2002-12-27 03:43
If you want a new clarinet you might check out Amati Kraslice clarinets. I have read some good things about them on this bulletin board recently. Unfortunately, I do not own one, myself. I was seriously considering buying one when I found a good deal on a new (old stock) Leblanc on eBay. However, I still may buy an Amati one of these days. Anyway, there are a couple of models in your price range and Grahams Music, one of the bulletin board sponsors, sells them at very reasonable prices.
Best regards,
John Elison
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Author: Anon
Date: 2002-12-27 15:16
Vito, Selmer, and Yamaha, but NOT Buffet. Buffets are much too advanced. I'm serious, too. Go for Selmer 300.
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Author: Dee
Date: 2002-12-27 15:22
Anon,
Buffet makes student and intermediate models in addition to their pro horns. They are well thought of. Buffet should be included in the list.
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Author: Hans
Date: 2002-12-27 15:30
I played plastic clarinets for years before I bought a Selmer Recital, which is made of premium Grenadilla wood. The Recital's action is superior, but I don't think my tone is much different from my last plastic clarinet (maybe I've stopped improving....). The sound comes out of the bell end and tone holes, not through the body wall so that wood versus plastic should not matter that much. No doubt others will disagree, but it's just an opinion and you have to try both and decide for yourself whether you would rather spend the extra money.
For a first clarinet, I would not hesitate to buy a plastic one. One advantage of plastic is that you won't have to oil the bore to keep it from absorbing humidity from breath and ambient air. And plastic does not crack, like wood will when exposed to rapid temperature and humidity changes (like when you come home and forget to take it out of the trunk of your car in January).
I would not buy without trying it first. Buying online could be a problem in that respect.
Best wishes,
Hans
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Author: Malaya
Date: 2002-12-28 01:02
Honestly, I wouldn't buy a Yamaha. A friend of mine bought one (a fellow high school sophomore) and I think it's terrible. It was an inexpensive model, wood, and just lacked warmth of tone. I rented a used plastic Vito for marching season, and I actually liked that better! Just my personal opinion though... Some music stores will let you take home a model to try out before you buy it... I'd try that.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2002-12-28 03:00
New is nice, no question about that, Becky. But, why rule out used (or, should I say 'pre-owned')? There are lots of good reconditioned instruments well within your budget. Here in central California Vitos and Bundys, completely reconditioned, go for three hundred(top) or less($160). I've seen some that the key plating is still near mint too. Add a good mouthpiece and you're in business for a very long time.
A Bestler for $129.95 is a waste of $129.95.
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