Is this a good clarinet? PLEASE ANSWER QUICKLY!

Question

I'm going to a music store to get a clarinet for school. They said they have a used Selmer 1401 and a Vito 7212. Which one is better? I am entering my 3rd year of playing. Should I just get one of those or wait a week until they have a Yamaha Advantage? I need to know soon because I'm about to leave to go to the music store. See I've used a Yamaha Advantage, but they don't have those right now. I don't want to drive that far and not get a clarinet. But then I'm worried that I can't get one because since school is starting, kids will be picking them up this week. Btw, I play on a size 3 reed. I might start playing a 3 1/2.

Answer 1

Actually, it doesn't matter which one you get... they are all student models with the same specs... they are all made of the same materials, and at this level of instrument, the craftsmanship is pretty equal.

Selmer has always been a great brand, and the Vito is a sister of the LeBlanc company... also great.  Yamaha doesn't make great pro horns, but their student models are comparable.

With the Yamaha Advantage though, are you talking about the YCL-200 or the YCL 400?  If you're talking about the 200 model, it is the same as the Selmer and Vito... if you have the opportunity to go with the YCL-400, do it... it is made of grenadilla wood instead of plastic (or resin, ABS, Resonite, etc...) and will give you a better tone.  It is more expensive than the other three, but still a student model horn.

If you don't manage to make it to the music store this week, have your Mom check on eBay... there are a TON of Selmer 1401 for sale right now- for as little as $20.  Most likely, if you get one from eBay you'll have to take it to the shop and make sure it is in great working condition, but it may actually save you some money.

To be clear though, I don't reccommend eBay as you should always try the instrument before you buy it.  And just curious... if you've been playing clarinet for a couple years, why are you looking for a new one?  If you are trying to upgrade, then none of these are options... they are no better than whatever you learned on.

Lastly, if you get a new clarinet, don't change your reed strength (or any other part of your mouthpiece setup) until after you get used to the new clarinet.  I have been playing for almost 20 years, and I still play on a 3 to a 3.5 reed strength... you may not need to go up in reed strength.  Don't subscribe to the rumor that the higher the strength the better you are... it's not true and it can wreck your embouchure if you're not ready for a harder reed.  

Strength also depends on the brand... a 2 Vandoren is equal to a 2.5 Mitchel Laurie and equal to a Rico 3... if you are playing Ricos, try switching brands (to a better quality cane) and a half strength down... you'll be amazed at the difference.

What does your private teacher or band director say?!

Hope this helped, and good luck!

Answer 2

HI Tay,

I hope this answer is not too late...  But

If you have been playing clarinet for three years,  you are ready for the intermediate or advanced model instrument.  You are no longer a beginner and really need a serious and well respected clarinet.  

I recommend the Buffet.  Perhaps the C13 or the International.    Buffet clarinets are very well respected and highly recommended by band directors,  clarinet professors, and private lesson teachers.   Both the C-13 and the International are solid wood and will cost much less than the R-13 professional level clarinet.   There are very few serious professional clarinet players,  teachers, professors, or musicians who DON"T play Buffet... so what does that say about the brand??

If you are only considering between the Selmer and the Vito... I would probably suggest the Selmer...  but,  if your question had been....  I have been playing clarinet for three years now and need a new instrument.  What is a good clarinet for me?  I would not even have thought of Selmer or Vito.   My direct response would have been Buffet, without even thinking twice.

You are the one buying so you should be the one choosing.  I recommend you go into the music store and play the Selmer, the Vito and then the Buffet.  Use a good reed when trying them out... a Vandoren 3 and a good mouthpiece - the Vandoren M13.   Then you decide which will be the best.  Remember, you are going to be using this clarinet to further your playing skills, so you must think ahead for in the future and choose in accordance with that.

Thanks for reading.

Good Luck to you :))