 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Clarinetboy***
Date: 2008-08-21 06:21
Hi, I would like to know which one of these would be a good choice for an intermediate student? I have done research on this board and talked with my teachers and it seems that all of them say that any of these would be okay for me just as long as I pick a good mouthpiece along with the clarinet. None of the music stores in my area allow me even with my parents to try out their clarinets so I have to get an intermediate clarinet on the auction site. Keep in mind that I'm not rich and I can only afford about $300. So far the least expensive clarinet I can afford is the Ridenour 147. However, a lot of people mention that it's a student instrument. However, some people find the intonation better than most student clarinets. My question is that, would a Ridenour 147 be okay for an intermediate student, or would one of the other clarinets I listed be better? I'm an eighth grader, mostly our band class plays indoors but pretty soon into November we will be marching. Now, it will be okay for me to buy a wood clarinet because I can use my plastic Jupiter to march with and the wood clarinet for indoor use. Should I really shell out some money for a better wood clarinet or should I just stick with my Jupiter Capital Edition ABS plastic clarinet and get a better mouthpiece? Or perhaps I should buy the Ridenour 147 and a better mouthpiece? My Jupiter clarinet has a lot of intonation problems and the B flat throat note is very stuffy even though the pads are fine and there's nothing stuck in the register tube. The clarinet itself plays a bit unevenly because I can play the clarion note A loud and clear but the high C is a bit stuffy. I checked with my teacher and the pads are evenly seated and make a good airtight seal so I'm not sure what's the problem. Anyway, please respond and give any advice/suggestions please. Thanks.
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Author: Ryder
Date: 2008-08-21 13:17
If all you can afford is the Ridenour, then get it. you will be very satisfied. Try it first though. Your other options that you mentioned are out of the price range you mentioned. The Ridenour will get you through high school with no problems.
____________________
Ryder Naymik
San Antonio, Texas
"We pracice the way we want to perform, that way when we perform it's just like we practiced"
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2008-08-21 15:32
"Should I really shell out some money ..."
It is a tough decision to make, especially because money is so dear nowadays. You should own and maintain the best equipment you can afford...and it's that last word that is the issue. Only you can determine what you can afford to own.
Since I have not played these instruments I won't furnish any advice about them. I will say that you could upgrade your instrument now, save you $$$, and upgrade your mouthpiece when you can afford to.
It sounds like you have given this, your circumstances, and the clarinet a great of thought. Good luck!
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: bgetty
Date: 2008-08-21 18:15
About a year ago I purchased (on e-bay) a Signet Special that came with a selmer HS*mouthpiece for under $125 including shipping. For an additional $100 I had it re-padded, re-corcked, cleaned up, etc. and it plays wonderfully for a good intermediate and inexpensive instrument. However, I recently bought (same place) a selmer CL300 for $60 that was far from what was described and had significant damage. The seller "guaranteed or money back"
the instrument and even paid my shipping costs. Most don't.
All this by way of saying you have to be very careful when you buy sight unseen. The owner of the site "clarinuts" gives both the Signet Special as well as the Buffett C13 top marks but the C13 is rarely available used and is expensive. The TR147 is often available for anywhere from $60 to $120 and many people here (as you know) speak highly of them.
Lastly, it's odd that a music store won't let you try out the instruments; most are more than willing, as long as they have a credit card on file for security.
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Author: fernan
Date: 2008-08-21 18:23
My only suggestion for you at this point is to upgrade your MP and your barrel--when you have the money and are ready to upgrade to an even better model than the ones you listed, you will at least pat yourself on the back for having saved earlier.
What student model do you have?
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Author: cxgreen48
Date: 2008-08-22 01:22
If I were you, I'd probably get the Ridenour 147 and get a better mouthpiece.
It seems to be the most affordable (and maybe best) option.
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Author: bgetty
Date: 2008-08-22 02:27
There are at least two interesting clarinets for sale in the classified section of this site and both are within your price range. One of the sellers will even give a seven day money back guarantee. The Selmer Soloist is said to be one of the best USA made Selmer models and is often described as a solid intermediate level instrument.
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Author: OldClarinetGuy
Date: 2008-08-22 03:31
I have played quite a few clarinets. I do not know what your price range is, but I highly recommend a used LeBlanc Sonata. Ebay usually has them for around $400-$600. I own a LeBlanc Concerto and there is very little difference. If you cannot afford that much, I would not recommend upgrading to a new clarinet because if you get better, in a couple of years you will not be happy with most of the clarinets you are asking about.
I know a few people who have played the TR-147. There is a huge variance from one to the next because they seem to have been manufactured over a number of years with various degrees of success. Just so you know, the Sonata, like the TR-147, was designed by Tom Ridenour.
If you are going to upgrade soon, I think it would be a mistake to purchase a new mouthpiece and barrel at this time. You need to match the mouthpiece and barrel to the clarinet, and depending on the bore of the clarinet, the length and design of the barrel, and the baffle of the mouthpiece, you may find that what works with your Jupiter will be horribly mismatched to a different clarinet.
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