 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: alanporter
Date: 2008-06-03 21:42
I have decided to get a cheap plastic clarinet for regular daily practice to reduce maintenance work. I have the chance of either a Bundy or a Vito at similar good prices. Which should I choose ? Many thanks.
Alan
tiaroa@shaw.ca
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2008-06-03 22:01
I think the Vito is the better of the two (in terms of build quality and design), though try them both out to see which one you like best.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2008-06-04 04:19
Alan,
The Vito clarinet currently is made in three distinct models (7212, 7214, and 7242) and has also been offered in a V-40 model. Other models have probably been offered through the years, as well.
I have a 7214 and can offer you the following insights about that model:
VIRTUES:
1. It has a clear, ringing tone with good projection and even response from top to bottom--except for the throat tones. I use my 7214 for outdoors playing and in this setting, the projection and slightly bright tone is ideal for keeping up with loud brasswinds. For indoors playing and practice, I add a Ridenour hard rubber barrel and it adds just the right amount of warmth and sweetness to the tone. Overall, I am quite satisfied with the tone of my 7214.
2. They are inexpensive to obtain, and widely available.
3. The keywork is very durable, and stays in adjustment.
4. It has a largish 14.85mm/.584 inch bore and is quite free blowing, which I prefer.
FAULTS:
1. The throat tones are sharp and also a bit stuffy. In my experience, this is the most annoying shortcoming of the 7214.
2. As set up by the factory, the action is not consistent and you will probably want to have a technician regulate it for you. Notably, the left hand ring keys are much less resistant than the right hand rings, and the right hand G#/D# pinky key is annoyingly stiff.
3. The mouthpiece that came with mine, a plastic Vito 3V, is a terrible mismatch for this free-blowing horn. Consider it for emergency use only, or repurpose it as a paperweight.
OVERALL:
This is a decent but unexceptional plastic clarinet. It sounds good for what it is and would be quite satisfying if not for it being compromised by sharp, stuffy throat tones. Due to the fact that it takes a lot of air to blow and has some intonation worries, I would start a beginner on a different model.
Regards,
Ursa
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Author: BobD
Date: 2008-06-04 17:32
Although I am a Vito fan I don't see how one can pre-judge between two clarinets without trying both out. "On the surface" they are probably comparable but I'd look for tight keywork, stuck screws etc etc....i.e. the fine points.
Bob Draznik
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Author: alanporter
Date: 2008-06-04 19:06
Thank you all for your valued advice I tried them both , with my own mouthpiece, and I found their sound fairly similar, and perfectly acceptable for my private daily practice. I have gone with the Vito 7212 model, because the key work was more suited to my fingers. Somehow, the Bundy keys felt as though they were not in quite the right position.
Anyway, I am most grateful for the advice and I am learning a lot from this forum.
Alan
tiaroa@shaw.ca
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2008-06-05 02:13
I'm glad to hear you gave both horns a test play! Good luck to you with the Vito; it should prove to be a dependable sidekick to your wooden clarinet. My 7214 backs up my vintage Normandy, and the two horns give me a reliable setup for most every playing situation.
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2008-06-08 06:18
"...I have gone with the Vito 7212 model, because the key work was more suited to my fingers. Somehow, the Bundy keys felt as though they were not in quite the right position..."
You beat me to it. I was going to say I find the Bundy key layout awful. I strain my fingers at angles they were never meant to be at. I have not been aware of this problem with any other clarinet. Perhaps they are better for young hands.
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