How to buy a clarinet?

[TooDamnSarky]

I want to buy a clarinet for ds. He's 13 and at grade 4. He's been using a school instrument so far.

Any advice? We've been recommended a shop by his teacher, but I know nothing about buying a woodwind instrument.

What should we be (not) looking for?

No clue on budget... want something decent that he can keep into adulthood if he chooses to carry on playing. He enjoys playing but it's not his passions IYKWIM. How much should we be looking to spend?

I assume we should take a reed with so he can try some out.

Thanks!

Anyone?

I don't know about clarinet, but when we bought a flute I got DS's teacher to write down what models we should be trying, how much they should cost, and where we should go and try them.

We did exactly as we were told. And we went through the school too so we got VAT off.

Good luck!

Also you don't have to buy when you go to the shop. Just go and try and see what other questions you might have for the teacher.

How are you getting on op?

I just wanted to say that the reed itself is very very important. A good instrument with a crap reed sounds awful and is difficult to play.