Where can I find a decent intermediate clarinet?

Question

I've been playing for just about six years now, but I haven't owned my own clarinet for about three of those years. I've always rented or borrowed. I had a beginner resin clarinet that lasted a while, but about two or three years in it didn't hold together too well and replacing the cork was getting annoying.

I'm actually looking into buying a wood piece, but if you have had experience with an amazing, over the top, fantastic resin clarinet I am all for trying it out.

Thanks.

Answer 1

You COULD try your local music store, like H&H or something.  They carry clarinets and repair them too, so try it. It should work for you.

Answer 2

As for WHERE to get your new clarinet...

if you're looking online, try:

http://www.wwbw.com

http://www.musiciansfriend.com

They are both reputable sites, have decent warranties and return policies, and offer financing and free shipping.

You could also try your local music store, as you can get deals through them like rent to own and discounted maintenance.  Also, the advantege is that you can try before you buy (always a good thing!).

Be skeptical of eBay or Craigslist... you never know what you're going to get.  Sometimes you can find horns for next to nothing, and sometimes you end up paying gobbs of money for trash.  If you can find a name brand, ask the seller for the serial number so you can research it and make sure it's for real, and plan on spending another $100 after you get it for new pads and cork.

As for WHAT to get:

there are a few intermediate models that are nice and resonably priced... the Buffet E11 is made from grenadilla wood and runs about $1000.  The Selmer 211 is pretty much the same thing, for about $1100, and the Yamaha YCL-450 is ok too, at about $900.  I would stay away from Amati and Jupiter though, as they are really glorified student models.

I would reccommend though, if you are serious about playing, and if you plan on majoring in music or anything during college (or beyond) to save a little more money and buy a pro model horn- they are well worth the money.  The Buffet R13 is the most popular pro horn... it is beautiful- awesome tone, response, etc... and the playability is fantastic.  My personal favorite though, is the Selmer Signature- IF you get to try it before you buy it.  The Signature isn't consistant from horn to horn, but if you find a good one, they're amazing.  The Buffet IS consistant, and if you buy one of these, you can be assured that it will be an exceptional horn.  They each retail at about $4400, but you can find them MUCH cheaper if you look around... my R13 cost me $1800.

If you aren't planning on continuing with music passed high school, or if you decide just to play for yourself, an intermediate will be just fine.  It will give you the edge for tone over the plastic clarinets, and will be nice enough to allow you to compete for All State, etc... but you won't be out thousands if you quit playing.  Just know that with wood (intermediate or pro), you are looking at significantly more money than a new student model... but you can hear the difference in the tone and resonance the first time you play.  

I would keep your plastic model though- I had one like yours that fell apart every time I picked it up... it was held together with superglue and duct tape- literally- and had a gum wrapper for an octave key pad!  BUT- I used it during marching band and saved my nice one for Concert Season.

Anyways, good luck, and I hope this helped a little! :)

Answer 3

I seem to favor Buffet Crampon clarinets, so I'm giving you an answer based on my opinion.

The Buffet B12 is a good resin clarinet.  Good quality, especially for a beginner clarinet.

The E11 is a step up, made of wood, has better mechanisms, and will have a better sound.

The R13 (my clarinet) is their pro model, made from better wood than the E11, and will have a great sound.  Everything after that (the Prestige, RC models, etc) is pretty much for the professional soloist or major orchestra player.

Make sure, no matter which clarinet you get, what material is used, you take it in and get it serviced.  Not just the fixes when it needs it, but keep on the servicing.  It makes a huge difference in how long your instrument will last, how it sounds when you play it, and the ease in playing it.