Is the Orpheo Clarinet a good purchase?

Question

We have just purchased an Orpheo 450 Clarinet for our 7 year old son to start music lessons with from next term. Not being musical ourselves we don't know anything about them although we were told by the shop that they are a well known make in the States. I can't seem to find much about them on the interweb however. Can somebody advise whether this is a good instrument for a beginner to learn or whether we should change it for a Yamaha Clarinet, what we believe to be a safer bet.

Also we are interested on understanding the resale value of the Orpheo against the Yamaha.

Any views you have would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

I am a professional woodwind player, a certified school teacher, and a woodwind competition judge in NY, since 1971.  MOST of the time, I tell people to STAY AWAY from less know brands.  However, I *know* the manufacturer of the Orpheo line!  He had an instrument factory in LA, was wiped out by the hurricane, and chose to rebuild in Texas.  Steve will stand behind EVERYTHING he makes and sells - and yes, they are made in the USA!  

Of course, more people know Yamaha.  And seven is QUITE young to start an instrument.  IF IF IF you son finds that he cannot do this now - too young, small, etc. - then I would HOLD ONTO the Orpheo, and not sell it.  You never know what the future will bring.  And if DOES do well, and in the future move up to a better clarinet ( better than the Yamaha would have been, too) then KEEP the beginner instrument for marching band.

You sound like wonderful and supportive parents.  I wish you much luck with your son's progress.  Realize that practice time might sound like small animals mating for a while - but it could be worse - he could be starting the violin - which REALLY is tough on parental ears for a longer time.