 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ljp
Date: 2007-01-09 03:08
I have read the posts about Jupiter clarinets. There really isn't a consensus about the quality of these instruments. My problem is my daughter tried several clarinets and she sounded the best on the Jupiter 631NT. At our price range we are looking at used Yamaha's or similar student models from Uncle Ed's Pawn Shop. We were thinking of buying the Jupiter but my daughter's teacher said the were hard to tune and get repaired.
Has anyone actually had experience with this model? The retailer says the quality has improved over the years; however, posts to this board suggest quality is model specific. I would like to know if the suggested problems are historic or current and how the Jupiter compares to her current instrument, a Vito. I don't want to reopen the debate; but I would like to hear about current experience with the 631NT and why it ships with A442 and A440 barrels.
As a practical matter the cost of the Jupiter is about 3 years rental.
Thanks
Larry Phillips
http://www.clubwebcanada.ca/l-pphillips/
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Author: John O'Janpa
Date: 2007-01-09 04:01
With many players, the sound is determined mostly by the mouthpiece and reed combination. If your daughter tried the different clarinets using different mouthpieces, she should go back and try them again with a mouthpiece and reed that work well for her. Both Yamahas and Vitos have better reputations than Jupiters.
I've never personally played a Jupiter, or for that matter a Yamaha.
Post Edited (2007-01-09 12:37)
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Author: OpusII
Date: 2007-01-09 12:44
I've tried some jupiters just a couple of months ago, I've to admit that I really liked the sound. personally I think that they're fine student horns...
The sound, intonation and keywork from the jupiter clarinets that I've tried was IMHO better than some of the buffet clarinets that I've tried right out of the case....
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Author: Arnoldstang
Date: 2007-01-09 20:32
There is no doubt that Jupiter is developing a good reputation with woodwind instruments in my locale.
Freelance woodwind performer
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Author: Katherine Handcock
Date: 2007-01-11 18:25
I'll disclose in advance here, I'm speaking as both a clarinet player and a sales person at a retail store that carries Jupiter instruments, but I absolutely love the Jupiter clarinets. Any of them made in the last 4 years (which is as long as I've had experience with them) have really impressed me. I've certainly heard that there were problems with them when they first came out, and I'm still hesitant to recommend the brass instruments due to some problems I've seen, but the woodwinds (flutes, clarinets, saxes) are great, and great value.
I've had the chance to compare the 631NT model to the Buffet B12, Armstrong 4001, Selmer CL301, and Yamaha YCL250. I'd list the Buffet, Jupiter, and Yamaha as my top three picks for playing quality; part of that is probably because I've always played Buffet clarinets, so they're the most familiar feeling to me. However, at my store, the price of the Jupiter is $200-$300 less than either Buffet or Yamaha, and that makes a lot of difference to new students, especially since a lot of students in my area are from low income families. They're my top recommendation to schools for the same reason. However, I do always let both teachers and parents know that Jupiter is the younger, less established company, and let them decide if they'd rather pay more for the longer standing name.
I'll add that the Jupiter 731NT (their intermediate grenadilla clarinet) is my favourite playing intermediate instrument--for me, it easily outstrips the far more expensive Yamaha YCL450 and Buffet E11 or E12.
All personal opinions, but hopefully this helps!
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2007-01-12 01:15
On the other hand, I had a really , really terrible experience with a Jupiter tenor saxophone (of unknown vintage). It could not be adjusted. It would not stay in adjustment. It was a waste of time.
I had it in the shop three times. It seemed, after the 3rd that it might be mostly by problems, not the instrument. Then I got my Buffet clarinet back from a superb "tuner". The difference in response between the good and the Jupiter caused me to just plain give up on the thing.
I would hate to see a youngster (in particular) saddled with such a poor quality instrument. Sh/e won't be able to work around its problems. If your prospective instrument has no problems, maybe it will stay trouble free; but I wouldn't bet on it.
A very competent saxophonist could, in fact, play this bad horn. But I could not.
I've heard the stories about rapid improvement of Jupiter instruments; but based on my experience, I wouldn't gamble with another --particularly if it is no only new, but of the current generation.
Bob Phillips
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Author: ljp
Date: 2007-01-14 23:10
Thanks for your input.
We don't have to make a decision until June or July. At that time there should be a fair number of rental returns available as well as the Jupiter.
Larry Phillips
http://www.clubwebcanada.ca/l-pphillips/
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2007-01-15 07:55
I've played one Jupiter clarinet, don't know the model, but it was absolutely ok for beginners. I personally didn't like the sound that much, but I tried it with the mouthpiece and reed that it had with it (belonged to a tenor player who just started doubling at the time). Vito and Yamaha plastic clarinets I've tried felt and sounded better (though I'v had a better mouthpiece and reed for those), but not a huge difference.
At least a Jupiter alto saxophone I've tried was excellent. I think it was the newer 767 model which is supposed to be much better than the former models. Overall I think Jupiter is a pretty reliable company, at least my limited experience with their instruments.
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