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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:
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).

Xiaoxiong · 21/06/2022 15:44

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

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.

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.

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.

OP posts:
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:
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.

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.

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.

OP posts:
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!

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.