 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: little red hood
Date: 2013-09-03 11:00
Is there anybody with experience of buying a clarinet from Howarth of London?
I come from Hong Kong and I will be travelling to UK alone next month. I have been learning the clarinet for 1.5 year and I have just started with Rose 32 etudes. I have been using Yamaha YCL250 all along. Judging from the ex-VAT price shown on the web of Howarth, it seems buying Buffet clarinet there is far much cheaper than in HK. It becomes very tempting to change my clarinet by buying from Howarth.
I don't have any experience on how to choose a good clarinet. I have been ruminating on which model of clarinet I should try on... From a few sample clips on YouTube, I like the Buffet Festival most, but then even my teacher is just using Buffet R13. Maybe I don't deserve such an expensive clarinet like Festival and can just go for R13? Quite a number of people said the quality of Buffet clarinets varies a lot so that a good R13 can sound better than other more expensive models... and perhaps I have been accustomed to use Yamaha so that Yamaha is better than Buffet to me? Yet Yamaha is cheaper in HK than in Howarth... So how many clarinets can I try in Howarth when I am even so indecisive on which model to choose? And what if in the end I find Yamaha to be better after so much trying? Just walk out from the shop after giving them so much trouble?
I play the clarinet as a hobby only. Therefore I plan to own one good clarinet only. It makes me happy to think it is time to get a better clarinet, but it also makes me anxious whether I can get the right one or not... Is there anybody who can give me some suggestions? Many thanks!
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Author: John Peacock
Date: 2013-09-03 11:10
I've tried out instruments in Howarths on quite a few occasions. I've never bought one, but they really are happy to have people experiment. And they're very happy to talk to you about what you do and do not like, and to make suggestions. The only downside is that often you find yourself in a small test room where it's hard to judge the sound accurately - so it's important to bring your existing instrument along in order to make relative comparisons.
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Author: ruben
Date: 2013-09-03 16:17
It's one of the finest, most serious music shops in Europe. In addition to this, they have sales people that are fine clarinetists. It might be chaper, though, to get a clarinet in France. I said "might".
rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2013-09-03 17:30
>> Just walk out from the shop after giving them so much trouble? <<
I think that's fine. That's what they are there for. Walking into a store and trying instruments is not a commitment that you have to buy anything. If you are honest and just not sure you want to buy and they give you a hard time about it, that's just poor service.
When I sold a few instruments it was pretty obvious that most who tried them wouldn't buy them and I had no problem if anyone trying any instrument.
>> Is there anybody who can give me some suggestions? <<
Don't buy anything unless you really feel it is the right choice, or at least you are almost sure (some people are never 100% sure but you can't never make any choices). Absolutely don't rush into buying just because you are there, or because you don't want to waste the store's time, etc. etc.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2013-09-03 17:50
Try as many different makes and models as you possibly can (ALL makes/models available to you - not just Buffet and Yamaha), then narrow them all down to ones you like best, then out of these pick the few ones you like best overall, then finally pick the one which you feel is best for you.
Also don't be afraid to try used instruments as well.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Wes
Date: 2013-09-03 21:45
Well, I bought a Buffet low C bass clarinet on line from them and found that it was perfectly set up. It plays so fine and was a bargain as well. Donny was the so helpful sales person. Good luck!
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2013-09-03 22:06
I bought the majority of my new instruments from them while still working for them and still get mouthpieces, reeds and other accessories via mail order from them.
My last big purchase (if you can call it that) was a sopranino sax.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: efsf081
Date: 2013-09-05 02:54
Hi, I am also from Hong Kong.
I bought from Howarth online once. Their sales person is very helpful and know clarinet very well.
If I am you, I will try UEBEL, a German lebal, a local repairman told me it is woderful and their price is reasonable. And don't forget BACKUN.
Howarth also sell second hand clarinet, you may check the list at their website.
I think you may consider,
Uebel Advantage Bb Clarinet
Backun Protégé Bb Grenadilla Clarinet with Silver Keys
Yamaha Clarinet, CX II Bb
If you plan to buy a Buffet, you better try as much as you can.
Post Edited (2013-09-05 03:04)
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Author: chuangka
Date: 2013-09-05 03:19
I just went to Howarth 2 weeks ago. Before I went there, I sent an email to ask them about the stock situation of clarinets I wanna try, so maybe you can ask too. People there are very nice and helpful, I borrowed bass and Eb clarinet from them to try some mps without problems. If you like the yamaha, you can try the CSG III. And since you are going to UK, you might consider to try Peter Eaton Clarinet. It's handmade instrument, I went to his house and try the clarinets for 3 hours and bought a set of his International Model. Mr. Eaton is a very nice person and very helpful when I chose the clarinets.
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Author: Fishamble
Date: 2013-09-05 08:51
I've been there several times, and bought my clarinets and mouthpieces there. Last time, I was in a space with 26 Buffet clarinets (yes, I counted) all set up on stands and ready to be played, plus I was given Selmer Recital, Privilege and Signature clars to compare. Playing the instruments can be a little intimidating at first, but when you realise how busy everyone is, and how the last thing they're doing is assessing your playing, you settle right in. I've spent several hours on some occasions and had great help and attention from the staff, and no pressure to buy on any occasion. Give yourself loads of time, maybe ring ahead (see when it's quiet and if they have what you want to try), and then go and knock yourself out.
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Author: little red hood
Date: 2013-09-05 15:58
Thank you so much for all your replies. They are most encouraging and I guess I better reserve more time than planned in Howarth (it is predictable that my "difficult-to-make-decision-disorder" will come...).
I also heard that Peter Eaton clarinets are great, but are they heavier than the clarinets of other brands? My right hand almost got De Quervain's disease few months ago after long practice...
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Author: Hurstfarm
Date: 2013-09-05 19:53
All good advice above, and you should have fun in one of the best shops of its kind anywhere. Allow plenty of time, and just beware that you may find yourself walking out with unplanned purchases of new handmade mouthpieces, sheet music etc. such is the array of tempting goodies on offer.
Regarding Peter Eatons, they remain my own instrument of choice, and despite having tested them against the new and ever more expensive top of the range competition from Buffet, Yamaha, Backun et al, they still hold their own. Yes, they are a little heavier than some instruments, mainly because of the chunky bell, but the reward is a wonderful tone and quality feel.
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Author: efsf081
Date: 2013-09-06 02:11
To little red hood
For your right hand problem, try
Kooiman 'Etude 2' Adjustable Oboe / Clarinet Thumb rest
Kooiman 'Maestro II' Clarinet Thumb rest - metal
You can find them in Howarth too.
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Author: jim lande
Date: 2013-09-23 03:24
You have not been playing that long. How many mouthpieces have you tried? You may find that a different mouthpiece improves your play. Seems to me you would want to be playing your favorite mouthpiece when you are searching for your one-and-only clarinet. You may not have met that mouthpiece, yet.
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Author: little red hood
Date: 2013-11-10 07:05
I am back from London. In the end I bought the Buffet RC at Howarth, which I did not expect at all. Shopping at Howarth was a nice experience and I would recommend the shop to anyone who wants to buy woodwind instruments.
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