Dd1 about to start clarinet lessons...

[pigsinmud]

We are looking at second hand clarinets. I have done a little research and have come to the conclusion a Buffet B12 is a decent one.

Have found one locally second hand for £120....is that an ok price? I am watching a few on ebay too.

Any other recommendations would be good.

[bluefootedpenguin]

Buffet b12 and yamaha ycl26 are both great clarinets for beginners to intermediates. Price sounds fine if it is in good condition. Things to think about.

1. If you can't see and hear before you buy you could end up paying a lot more. Clarinets do not improve with age and a full. Service is about £100+ with new pads.
   
2. You can purchase through school saving vat and getting an educational discount, typically saving 40-50% on retail price. Your school bursar or music teacher should be able to help. New Clarinets from about £120. Warranty included.
   
3. Have you looked at rental? Lots of companies will rent for short periods, from about £10 a month, I only suggest this as the clarinet does not suit everyone.
   

Hope this helps, any more qs just ask. I am a clarinet player and music teacher.

[pigsinmud]

Thanks - that's great.

Had no idea a service could cost so much! We could hire - about £50 for the year, but dh prefers the idea of buying. He is a musician, but alas he plays trumpet and knows nothing about clarinets.

[Theas18]

Yup, don't buy a doozy, it'll need re padding (having said that I got a yamaha from ebay for £100 that was great- did DD1- except she hated it and handed it down to DD2- DD1 is a recorder player through and through).

can you not get a music service/ school one for a term or 2?

[pigsinmud]

They don't have any for hire at the moment.

Been watching a few Buffets and yamahas on ebay.