Which musical instrument could I learn to play?

[ouch321]

I'm thinking of either the flute or clarinet.
No idea why those two in particular but...

Just thought it would be something interesting to do..
Not corona related, I need hobbies generally and things to distract me from something.

I am guessing I could buy either for a couple of hundred and learn from tutorials on YouTube? Am I right?

Would anyone recommend one over the other?

I learnt recorder and steel pans as a kid for a year or two but that is my limited musical experience.

Do not worry, I have great soundproofing so shall not bother neighbours!

Thanks

I'd go for flute over clarinet, but would also recommend recorder first, even just until you've got the sight reading etc up to speed.
Or alternatively the penny whistle is great if you like folk music

Yeah that happens to my emojis on the app - the code you input doesn't come up with the right picture.

It's 5 for flute and 5 for clarinet so far for those who have recommemded one over another hahaha

I learnt recorder at primary and played to about grade 5/6 standard. I then switched to clarinet in year 7 and literally picked it up and played (Grade 3 in a term). The transition is so easy as the fingerings are almost identical if you learnt both descant and treble. However I have to say that nowadays I much prefer playing the recorder.

If you do go for clarinet then try and get a lesson to learn the embouchure and advice on reeds. Its also really important to learn how to put it together - there is a knack otherwise you can bend one of the metal pieces out of place very easily (still remember the walk of shame to the hire shop to get it fixed when I'd only had it a week.....)

@toomanysighs

Had not thought it through that far to be honest!

I play the flute and the advantages over clarinet as I see it are no reeds to worry about, it's in C and the fingering is similar to the recorder.

I have played in jazz bands, orchestras, concert orchestras and wind band on the flute so it is quite versatile. But so is the clarinet so that's no advantage!

I don't really have a proper recommendation as I like both of them! If I were to have my time again though I'd choose the trumpet!