Buying a Clarinet?

Question

I want to learn clarinet, but i really need a cheap one. Like really cheap. I have been looking online but they are all so expensive. I dont care if it is used or just really crappy, i need something.

I have checked on ebay but the shipping is ridiculous, so are there any other really cheap websites for clarinet.

This is for a junior camp counselor getting paid way under minumum wage....so i dont have much to work with....lol thanks!

Answer 1

As some other posters have mentioned, you can buy really cheap instruments at Sams Club or Wlamart for about $100... the problem with these are that they are MADE cheaply and break right out of the case.  Also, their tone and response are horrible, so even if you get lucky and find one that doesn't break, you won't be able to play the thing anyways!  Usually, there are no parts for these WHEN (not if)  they do break, and repairs can cost more than the horn.  

And let me just say that I understand your situation, but don't go too cheap.  You will cheat yourself and get frustrated if you try to learn on a sub-par instrument... likely, you will never learn if the instrument doesn't perform correctly or you get ticked off by the bad quality.  Being a beginner, you wouldn't know what were your problems and what were the horns' and it would be a never-ending cycle of frustration.  You can find playable student models for $150-$200, if you could talk your parents or a friend into fronting you the money or helping you to pay for it.  But here are some ideas for you:

First, check your local music stores- especially ones that deal with schools... they usually have great rental programs (like $20/month!), and you would either get discounts on maintanence or get it free, depending on the store.  Also, some stores have rent to own programs.  

You should keep checking eBay and Craigslist- it may take some time, but you can find good deals if you are patient.  Just make sure that you only buy a NAME BRAND that is recognizable and you can research... you should email the seller and ask for the serial number so you can cross reference it with the brand's website.  Also, be sure to count on spending a little more cash after you buy it, as it may need repadded or recorked (or both!), despite what the seller says.  (This can cost $45-$75 repad, $80-$100 recork).

There are a few reputable websites that sell VERY NICE student model instruments for decent prices... and have PAYMENT PLANS AND WARRANTIES... http://www.wwbw.com is one such site... they have financing options and TERRIFIC customer service.  Don't buy anything from an online instrument dealer that doesn't have their warrenties POSTED and a legit CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER.

Also, try to check in your local newspaper... many people forget about this now!  And you can call around to your local college music departments and ask if they have listings for used instruments, or the clarinet instructors email... most college students upgrade when they get to school, so they sell their old student models... sometimes you can even get really lucky and get a nicer model for cheap... college kids need whatever money they can get! LOL

Anyways, I wish you the best of luck! :)

Answer 2

Ebay.com search clarinet

Answer 3

well, don't go for the buffet!

is there a music store near you? you could rent one, they are usually in fantastic condition. or you could pay in increments... i've played the clarinet for 6 years now, and i've went through one cheap one already...i have a new one, Jupiter brand, they are pretty inexpensive and work fairly well for their price. don't try to buy a wooden clarinet, just opt for the regular plastic Bb clarinet. reeds can be a pain to buy though, they get expensive after a while.

i would suggest ebay as well or amazon, just make sure you are not getting riipped off for a used P.O.S.

good luck!

Answer 4

Don't purchase it from a place like Target or Sam's Club, even if they are cheap they are very bad quality and end up costing you a lot more in repairs. Check your local music stores for used name brand clarinets like Selmer or Yamaha. I know they'll cost a little more than what you have but it will be for the best if you want to do minimum repairs and they offer month to month payment plans. You can also rent to own a clarinet for about $20 a month. Pawn shops are okay but not recommended. Lastly, look in Craigslist.com and newspaper ads. There's still an iffy chance you'll come out with a bad clarinet. I was lucky with my tenor sax. It's an off brand that I got off craigslist. But it was only chance. Stick with music stores, they are your best option.

Answer 5

Whatever you do don't get a First Act clarinet, they are really cheap, but they always have problems. I would go to a music store, and see their prices. Keep looking on Ebay, that's what I did, I got my flute for 100 dollars and this flute is new, and if I got it from any store it would have cost atleast 1000 dollars.

Answer 6

Buffet B-12 or Buffet E-11

Answer 7

well why not just rent to own one? incase you ever decide to quit, you won't loose money. Its usually only like $20 a month to rent and like after 2 or like 3 years you can own it.

that's what i did, well i rented one, but it was really boring because i had no friends in my class so i quit.

Answer 8

Google and of course links you can order some unexpensive ones.