Author: Dan Shusta
Date: 2003-10-02 18:21
I'll bet the price is alluring, isn't it?
In my opinion, an inexpensive instrument will never have the playing characteristics of the traditional Big 4 plastic student models (Buffet, Leblanc, Selmer, and Yamaha).
IMO, the bottom line here is that a beginning student needs a responsive instrument that has reasonable intonation, tone, and...will be "kid proof".
Also, be aware, that many, many repairpeople simply will not touch inexpensive clarinets made in China, Taiwan, etc. Replacement parts may be impossible to get and the quality of worksmanship at the manufacturing end may simply not be there.
Also keep in mind that if a beginner can't initially produce reasonably good sounds at the start, he or she may become discouraged very quickly and walk away with a "I guess I can't do this" feeling where the problem was not with the student but with the instrument. That, IMO, would be a tragic loss because the clarinet is a wonderful instrument.
Most likely, the Simba does not have undercut tone holes. IMO, that makes a BIG difference in the tonal quality and playing characteristics.
My opinion? Don't give in to the temptation. It simply isn't worth it.
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