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Extra-curricular activities

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Original poster

Any clarinet experts around?

36 replies

DustyTulips · 20/06/2022 12:42

Dd has been learning clarinet for a couple of years and is now working on G5. Her teacher thinks she’s ready to upgrade from a beginner’s clarinet to a wooden one, but doesn’t have much idea of the current options as its years since she bought a clarinet.

What sort of price range should I be looking at, and is there anywhere reputable that I can buy one second-hand? I suspect if I just go to Howarth’s and ask them I’ll get something that’s right but rather expensive for what it is, so I thought I’d ask the MN collective first to get an idea of what I should be looking for.

Dd is about to go to secondary school, which has lots of musical opportunities, so I want her to have something that won’t hold her back from taking part in them.

OP posts:
Wetellyourstory · 20/06/2022 19:19

Assume you’re SE so highly recommend Woodwind & Reed in Cambridge. Reasonably priced for both new and second hand, especially when compared to Howarths. If you let them know what Grade, they will advise which ones would be suitable.
When we were there, DC tested them all blind, had no idea of the prices (selected from our budget range) so she was genuinely choosing based on how she felt they played. At G5-G8 level I think it was a Buffet E13 so new they are c£1300 but I’m sure there will be some good second hand options through WW&R.
Dont forget about the VAT rebate scheme if your DD does music through school or music service. Certainly helps with the cost.

Swimmum1206 · 21/06/2022 10:53

When DS started playing he used my Buffet B12. Once he passed Grade 5, we bought him a new Buffet E13. He originally tested one at a County Woodwind event and was extremely impressed. Once we were ready to buy him a new instrument, we took him to the shop to try different ones and he still selected the E13 based on the tone and feel. It's a beautiful instrument, but pretty pricey at £1300!

Original poster
DustyTulips · 21/06/2022 13:05

I’m in London, so Cambridge would be quite a trip, and we’ll probably go to Howarth’s so she can try different ones as a starting point. But I will have a look at WWR’s website for secondhand options - its good to have a recommendation.

I suspect the safest best will be a good condition E13, based on what you’ve both said, but even secondhand they really are pricey! She learns through a lovely local teacher, not school, so unfortunately we’ll need to pay the full price.

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Swimmum1206 · 21/06/2022 14:27

Depending on which part of London you're in, Prozone Music in Chesham were extremely helpful. That is where DS tried the different instruments and they also do repairs.

Wetellyourstory · 21/06/2022 14:34

Take a look at the Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme as playing the instrument in a school orchestra could qualify you for the rebate. If she doesn’t currently do music of any kind in school, waiting until secondary school could help out with the cost considerably.

Original poster
DustyTulips · 21/06/2022 14:41

Swimmum1206 · 21/06/2022 14:27

Depending on which part of London you're in, Prozone Music in Chesham were extremely helpful. That is where DS tried the different instruments and they also do repairs.

We’re south of the river, so Chesham is about two hours away by train, a bit less by car. It might be easier to go to Cambridge and make a day trip of it! But good to have another recommendation.

OP posts:
Original poster
DustyTulips · 21/06/2022 14:43

Wetellyourstory · 21/06/2022 14:34

Take a look at the Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme as playing the instrument in a school orchestra could qualify you for the rebate. If she doesn’t currently do music of any kind in school, waiting until secondary school could help out with the cost considerably.

I will ask if her new school does it. They definitely do rent out instruments, but since she won’t be learning at school I’m not sure if they will be happy to lend her one.

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rbe78 · 21/06/2022 15:34

Buffet E13 here too! Did me from Grade 5-8. It's a nice instrument at a reasonable price, and made an immediate difference to my playing.

Xiaoxiong · 21/06/2022 15:43

If you're willing to go to Maidenhead, DH just spent a few hours at Dawkes music choosing a new clarinet mouthpiece and said they were fantastic, had a range of prices and options and were super helpful.

Xiaoxiong · 21/06/2022 15:44

They also rent instruments, DS1's flute is rented from them.

Bramshott · 21/06/2022 15:48

Just Flutes in Croydon also stock clarinets I think. They have a reputation as a good retailer (though you've guessed it, more for flutes).

onemouseplace · 21/06/2022 15:55

There used to be a fantastic woodwind and brass shop in Hitchin - that's where I got mine from when I was a similar level. This was about 30 years ago (and said clarinet has been gathering dust for around the last 25 years,).

onemouseplace · 21/06/2022 15:56

Oh, it was John Myatt and it shut about 3 years ago - that's really sad as it was a great shop!

sausagesforteatonight · 21/06/2022 15:57

www.uksaxhire.com/clarinets-to-hire.php

We used this company - they were great! You can hire first and then buy (the hire money comes off the total price if you want to buy it). Our clarinet was around £400

sausagesforteatonight · 21/06/2022 15:58

PS all done remotely

Swimmum1206 · 21/06/2022 16:00

onemouseplace · 21/06/2022 15:56

Oh, it was John Myatt and it shut about 3 years ago - that's really sad as it was a great shop!

John Myatt's were great. I got my first clarinet from there and they also did all the maintenance. I happen to know that the guy who did all the instrument repairs/maintenance now works from Prozone and also has a workshop in his garden, where he carries out repairs if you contact him!

Greatauntdymphna · 21/06/2022 16:03

We found Howarths really really approachable and understanding. We ended up going for a very expensive model (to us anyway) at grade 3 level but it has taken DC all the way past grade 8 and diploma and it's still going strong. They have always been happy to help if there's been a problem. The clarinet has also hugely appreciated in value (for reference we bought it when DC was about 8 for £700. Now 11 years old it's more than doubled in value. Though I'm sure a new one might be even more nowadays). We bought an A clarinet recently (also from Howarths despite looking around) and bought a remodelled version instead of new. And again they were really helpful.
I've no links to them 🙂 but would recommend them.

Original poster
DustyTulips · 21/06/2022 16:23

Maidenhead and Croydon are both doable, thanks! Just Flutes has a handy secondhand clarinet alert, too, so I’ve signed up to that.

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Wetellyourstory · 21/06/2022 18:29

Some schools may be unaware of the scheme, ours knew nothing about it until we asked them to do it and talked them through the process. The retailers though are very clued up on it.
It’s not linked to rental, the school purchase the instrument and you then buy it from them, less the VAT. Music tuition doesn’t need to be through the school. As long as she participates in music at a state school, through an orchestra, you qualify.

www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/vat-government-and-public-bodies/vatgpb7825

Madcats · 21/06/2022 18:52

Flute mum here and in the wrong bit of the country - SW - but were allowed to try out a ton of secondhand and new flutes and took our "favourite 3" back to school for a week. The company organised a courier to pick them up for us (we might have had to pay if we hadn't bought one).

Do you have a local firm who services woodwind? That's where we bought our "school won't hire any more" instrument.

It's probably too early to ask/consider how she plans to play it/how she wants it to sound.

se22mother · 21/06/2022 19:00

Depending on where you are in South London Clarinet and Flute in Borough could be worth a visit.

Original poster
DustyTulips · 21/06/2022 19:05

Madcats · 21/06/2022 18:52

Flute mum here and in the wrong bit of the country - SW - but were allowed to try out a ton of secondhand and new flutes and took our "favourite 3" back to school for a week. The company organised a courier to pick them up for us (we might have had to pay if we hadn't bought one).

Do you have a local firm who services woodwind? That's where we bought our "school won't hire any more" instrument.

It's probably too early to ask/consider how she plans to play it/how she wants it to sound.

My “local” (an hour away) option is Howarths, as my other DC hired an instrument from them, so I know them. They’re always lovely, but I’m not sure how far dd will take clarinet - she has another instrument plus voice, and which will come out as favourite is not yet clear. Plus starting secondary is a time of big changes - she may get super in to music, or decide she’s all about the sport…

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Original poster
DustyTulips · 21/06/2022 19:06

Ooh, Borough is easy for us - I will have a look now. Thanks @se22mother !

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anonamouse1234 · 21/06/2022 19:15

If he will use it for the long term go for the R13 and not have to change even if a pro. However, I suggest you dump the mouthpiece that comes with it and go and try more. The difference a better mouthpiece can make it unbelievable and a fraction of a cost of a new clarinet.

anonamouse1234 · 21/06/2022 19:31

Xiaoxiong · 21/06/2022 15:43

If you're willing to go to Maidenhead, DH just spent a few hours at Dawkes music choosing a new clarinet mouthpiece and said they were fantastic, had a range of prices and options and were super helpful.

Exactly... do this!