Clarinet

[Timetowaste]

DC got to try out a number of instruments at school today to start as their second instrument (first is piano).

They have chosen clarinet - I was trying to steer towards double bass , but I got ignored by dc.

Anyway now need to purchase a clarinet - I know nothing - I used to play saxophone and that was always purchase a yamaha.

Is that the same with clarinet or is their a different make?

These student backpack Hanson clarinets are they cheap for a reason?

Any advice gratefully received.

Buffet Bflat

get a second hand one from ebay - set you back around £100 or so but holds it's value

[anal emoticon]

I don't like the idea of a used mouth piece, is it possible to get replacement mouth pieces - or are they prohibitavely (sp.) expensive, so better off buying new?

My daughter started with a Yamaha, recommended as a first instrumentby a teacher who played with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. It is good until grade 5 or so, I was told. Her current teacher who also plays clarinet for a living, recently went with her to buy a wooden Buffet, as she is at grade 6 level, but they need to be old enough to look after a wooden one. both makes are good, I understand

yes you should be able to get replacement moutpiece

you could choose to hire instead of buy

Yes, you can buy new mouthpieces - best to get teacher to recommend one

Thank you all - I like to know a little bit before asking the teacher

What's the difference between a
B12 and a B10 Buffet are these just model numbers - is 12 better?

We were advised to buy a Buffet B12. example here

Yamaha YCL 250 for someone starting out. Very good for the money. Some music shops will let you hire first and then if you buy you get a discount. I wouldn't get a used one unless you know what you're looking for in terms of misuse.

I got a new one for myself from chase for £50. It plays perfectly fine.....

Generally you start with a plastic one - hence the cheaper models - and then once DC is committed to continuing you can buy a wooden one. I did clarinet at school - we started off by hiring, then bought a plastic one and got a Buffet around grade 6. You can buy mouthpieces separately in a good instrument shop.

Needless to say, my Buffet clarinet is currently in a drawer, unplayed for many years. For quite a long time it was a doorstop - so I really would start with a plastic one in case they don't like it.

Some teachers prefer them to start on a C clarinet (good for smaller fingers) and later switching to Bflat - may be idea to check with teacher first?

Always useful to hire for first term or so I think as always risk child may not like instrument etc and has to be worth the investment

B Flat from the start
plastic
rent
last played mine many years ago.