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Extra-curricular activities

Find advice on the best extra curricular activities in secondary schools and primary schools here.

Clarinet recommendations

13 replies

Sortingfinances · 09/03/2019 18:00

Hi
After borrowing one to get her started, dd ought to have her own clarinet now.
Although she is a beginner, I'm happy to get something that will see her through as she is already gd5 piano and will catch up with that quickly.
Second hand is a bonus, but when I search I'm not sure what I'm looking for.
Thanks!

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Lonecatwithkitten · 09/03/2019 19:08

We have a buffet B flat a much better sound than the Yamaha. They are commonly around second hand, however, we found a deal on a new one at Dawkes of Slough.

Sortingfinances · 10/03/2019 09:02

Thanks! Which model did you go for and do you expect it to see you/them through the grades?

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TheFirstOHN · 10/03/2019 09:24

DS2 had a beginner clarinet (Yamaha 255) until Grade 5. We then upgraded the mouthpiece (Vandoren) for Grade 6.

He then got a Buffet E13 (grandparents paid half) which saw him through Grade 8; it's a lovely clarinet and sounds beautiful.

woolleybear · 10/03/2019 16:06

Dd also has a Buffet beginner model clarinet, which cost about £350/£400. She's about to do grade 5 on it and it has been fine. Like TheFirstOHN we will be looking to upgrade mouthpiece after this, likely this years birthday present in order to see us through the next few years til dd gets her "forever" clarinet.

Eroica · 19/03/2019 15:37

We're a Yamaha family- piano and multiple clarinets.
We have a Yamaha 255, and then Yamaha customs for DD. They were all bought second hand thought-provoking Wood, Wind, and Reed in Cambridge were fantastic, and definitely worth the drive over.
Neither of my children liked the buffet sound, both preferred Yamaha.
Personally, I didn't have a preference either way, but they're the ones playing day in day out.

Eroica · 19/03/2019 15:38

That thought-provoking was an autocorrect! I actually typed bought.

Sortingfinances · 19/03/2019 17:01

Thanks! I'll check that shop out. Within day trip distance of here. Brand new is a bit eye watering and eBay a pot-luck minefield!

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Freedobby · 19/03/2019 22:34

I’ll second the recommendation for Wood Wind and Reed. It was a day trip out for us too when needing to upgrade from the beginner clarinet. Started out on Buffet, upgraded approx G5/6 to E13 but do agree that it’s personal choice.
Music teachers sometimes know second hand dealers so might be worth asking for his/her advice too.

squintsoftheworldunite · 21/03/2019 06:07

Buffet B12 here for my G6 child. Upgraded mouthpiece and ligature at g5. It will be the set up we continue with to G8 and we know several people who’ve done the same with the same clarinet.

shatteredandstressed · 22/03/2019 20:56

What does her clarinet teacher advise? DD had a Buffet until Grade 5. The Yamaha she has now was about £700 second hand but her teacher sourced it for her.

Frankiestein402 · 22/03/2019 21:06

For kids/starter instruments I really recommend uk sax hire cf www.uksaxhire.com/entry-level-clarinets.php

Great purchase/hire options and the owners provide lots of advice - daughter's tutor pointed us at them and we've now had two saxes from them

Sortingfinances · 25/03/2019 22:36

Teacher is at school so no direct contact!
Piano teacher (also plays clarinet) is going to give me a list of ideas too.
Wood wind reed current stock list looks good. Several that fit the price brackets of 'good for now' vs long-term. Will visit during Easter holidays.

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HappyHolidays75 · 06/04/2019 21:31

Woodwind and Reed was excellent.
Definitely worth a visit if anyone else is looking for a second hand (or new) instrument. Cambridge park and ride a bonus for anyone driving over too.

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