 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Emma
Date: 2005-08-31 21:27
Hi, my father has played the clarinet since grade school only for his enjoyment- his clarinet is, in his words "junky"- I would like to buy him one for his 75th birthday, but have no idea where to start? He saw a used "Conn"? that he liked but would never purchase it for himself. Can you help me with waht to look for?
[Post retitled for clarity - GBK]
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2005-08-31 21:38
Do you have budget constraints? And are looking for brand new or would you accept a very well refurbished or used instrument?
US Army Japan Band
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Author: ClariBone
Date: 2005-08-31 23:52
Emma
Thats very considerate of you. Since this is your first time on the BBoard, may I suggest you try using the search function?? There are DOZENS of posts related to your topic. Check it out.
If you have any additional questions please e-mail me off the BBoard.
Hope this Helps!!
Clayton
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Author: hans
Date: 2005-09-01 00:19
Emma,
You didn't mention what brand and model your father is playing at present, but if he has a good quality instrument that merely needs some repairs, you could consider having it overhauled for him instead of buying a replacement.
If you are interested in a used instrument, there are some bulletin board sponsors with excellent reputations who might have a suitable model used instrument of good quality for sale. John Butler and Dave Spiegelthal come to mind. After reading this BB for a few years, I have seen only ever seen very high praise for both of these gentlemen and their work.
If you want to buy a new instrument, perhaps some other BB members would be so kind as to recommend dealers with whom they have had favourable experiences recently.
Your dad is a lucky man.
Regards,
Hans
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Author: davedmg
Date: 2005-09-01 02:03
Emma:
Take some advice from this old and often disillusioned geezer:
Do not buy ANY clarinet, used or new, from anyone who cannot have an expert technician play the horn and regulate its action before your get it.
Even brand new $4000 Buffets, Selmers, Yamahas, etc., may need to have some adjustments made to make it play PERFECTLY. Used clarinets can also be adjusted to play PERFECTLY.
If the clarinet does not play PERFECTLY, it will require too much effort to make it play easily. And a hard-to-play clarinet is a terrible obstacle to musical growth.
I'm 68 years old, and played an ancient Evette clarinet which honked and squeeked and played out of tune. When I finally discovered the above truths, I solved the used/new/expensive/cheap dilemma buy buying a new $800 Ridenour Arioso clarinet online from Ridenour Clarinets. These clarinets are made to Ridenour's expert qualifications and are hand-tested by Ridenour himself before they are shipped.
I like mine very much. The keywork is not as elegantly finished as the top-of-the-line clarinets, but I find that to be acceptable.
Ridenour will send you one on approval. Make sure what kind of clarinet your dad played; the "standard" clarinet is a Soprano Bb clarinet.
Good Luck! -- Dave
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2005-09-01 05:41
What is your budget? That would help us get you in the right direction.
Anyway, no matter what you decide to buy, try to find a clarinet player to try it before you pay, if it is supposed to be a surprise, or if it's not a surprise take your father to try it. Maybe you can tell him his birthday present is going to the store to try clarinets, that is a lot of fun for a clarinet player, trying many different clarinets. Then (after you convinced him to tell you which one he liked the best) after you leave tell him you forgot something at the store, and come back with the new clarinet!
Just a thought.
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Author: John O'Janpa
Date: 2005-09-01 14:58
If you can pick his brain, without him catching on, you should find out what his preference is and why.
He is probably of the age where a lot of the better players used Conns.
He may dream of becoming Artie Shaw, and have a dim recollection that Artie used a Conn at one time.
Odds are, he's not going to be auditioning for a major Symphony orchestra.
Maintaining the fantasy may be more important than the technical characteristics of the particular model.
If you can narrow it down to a make and model of his dreams, then you can get in touch with someone like John Butler and see if any are available.
John O'Janpa (a geezer in fantasyland)
Post Edited (2005-09-02 15:08)
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Author: BobD
Date: 2005-09-01 15:22
You would probably have greater success finding your father a new wife than a new clarinet.........and both choices might not be appreciated.
Bob Draznik
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2005-09-02 01:07
For "nostalgia" purposes, you might want to contact a few people who refurbish older clarinets to topnotch condition. He may recognize the brand and might feel nice knowing that the clarinet has lived a life almost as long as him.
I just received a Henri Farny A clarinet from Dave Spiegelthal (he estimated it to be from 1930's or 40's). It looks MUCH better than my Bb clarinet, with beautiful grain and color in the wood, no cracks, shiny keys, and a fresh repad. And, might I add, it sounds great too!!! Your father might appreciate seeing a nice looking, nice playing clarinet, who's nearly as 'young' as he is!!!
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2005-09-02 13:27
He may find more entertainment value in a visit with other players, to talk over charts and feel the vibe again.
Brand recognition is VERY strong among buyers, and he may only recognize brands gone by.
If he loves the Conn name, their top horns were model 424, 444 and the CONNstellation lines. Rather than purchase one of these older models, and hope for a good match, why not spirit his away for refurbishing?
I think if you put some polish to work, it will be more than the keys that glitter.
FYI - The Ridenour TR147 is a terrific instrument - I play one and dig it.
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