Saxophone Forum


by Sax Mom
(964 posts)
18 years ago

Clarinet

Hey, I know some of you must double on a clarinet now and then. Can you give me some idea what brands are okay for a student starting out, and what to avoid? Thanks

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  1. by saxophonik
    (73 posts)

    18 years ago

    Re: Clarinet

    For a student starting out... a Yamaha! Those student clarinets are among the best out there. Also check out Buffet. They're a close second, in my humble opinion.

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    1. by saxophonik
      (73 posts)

      18 years ago

      Re: Clarinet

      As to what to avoid... I'm not really sure. I don't have much experience with clarinets, student or pro. My only advice is to stay away from any "bargain deals" that sound too good to be true (as with ANY instrument purchase.) Stick with the tried and true names people know.

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      1. by Sax Mom
        (964 posts)

        18 years ago

        Re: Clarinet

        What about Vito and Bundy?

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        1. by definition
          (963 posts)

          18 years ago

          Re: Clarinet

          I have a metal Vito clarinet, and its one of my better clarinets. IMO as with any instrument, Bundys are well known for being built like tanks, and easy to produce a tone, but must be upgraded within a few years For a New Clarinet, I suggest the yamaha or the Buffets, always good desicions (the two clarinets i gig on are the metal Vito and a Buffet R13 greenline)

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        2. by Sax Mom
          (964 posts)

          18 years ago

          Re: Clarinet

          Thanks, all. What about used? I've been wondering also about King and LeBlanc.

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      2. by jamterry
        (573 posts)

        18 years ago

        Re: Clarinet

        I recommend Bundy or LeBlanc. Both good student clarinets. I would avoid a clarinet with a bad odor, as you will not get it out. That odor goes into the grain of the wood ans stay forever. Hope it works out for you. :)

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      3. by Enviroguy
        (5 posts)

        18 years ago

        Re: Clarinet

        I double all the time. Believe it or not, I usually use an old metal Cavalier clarinet with a really soft reed. The sound is edgy clarient in the low register but very sax-sounding in the high register. Plus, most folks haven't heard one before so it's an unusual sound. My son doubles on a Selmer Soloist. It's a pretty nice horn with great tone. I got it for him on eBay for around $200 and it was practically new. I've also used the Buffet E12 and it sounds great, but has a lighter feel and sound than my son's Selmer. Both are great horns for students. Doubling doesn't bother me much. I can just about anything with a reed. But if my son stays on clarient too long, he has a hard time with his sax. His bottom lip just doesn't know what to do. Based on my son's experiance, you may want to make sure you've really mastered your sax setup before you do too much on the clarient. Otherwise, your tone may suffer. Good Luck, Enviroguy

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