Hi there,

I`m a music lover, actually I`m dropping my engineering studies to go to study Jazz Composition at Berklee next year. I play the guitar and I started playing piano a little ago, but I`m dying to play a wind instrument and I was in doubt between the flute and the clarinet...I`m more inclined towards the clarinet.
Do you guys know of any good brands you would recommend to a true music lover and a future full time music student? I would like a wood clarinet...and what prices would you recommend a beginner, I`m willing to spend some money but nothing I don`t need as a begineer. I was told that the Selmer Clarinets were good, but I seem to find the Buffet ones more popular on the net...
Well, any suggestions in brands and prices AND music are very welcomed.
Thank You
Johnny

This is from a chart (I will only list intermediate and pro since you don`t want beginner):

For intermediate my reccomendations are:
Most prices for intermediates range from 700-1000 and maybe a bit over.

-Buffet E-11 or 12
-(Leblanc)Noblet 40 or 45
-Selmer 201 or 211
-Yamaha 450 (cheaper in nickel but silver plated keys are better for the looks and durability)

for advanced:
The price range is maybe from 1000-to probably a couple hundred more it depends
-Buffet E-13
-Leblanc infinite,sonata,rhapsodie
-Yamaha 650

for pros:

-Buffet R-13/Vintage r-13 (comes in greenline too)
-Buffet Tosca (comes in greenline)
-Leblanc Opus 2 or Concerto 2
-Selmer Odysee, Artys, Recital, Signature
-Yamaha Custom

If you`re lucky you could fetch a used wooden one and get it touched up. Or you could buy a decent priced intermediate clarinet and customize it to sound just as good as the advanced or pro clarinets. Such as buying a new barrel (maybe), Mouthpiece (defintely if you don`t already have a good one), and a good ligature. These can surprisingly change the sound of the clarinet completely. Think about it.

Wow...thanks for your help...I really liked the Selmer 211...kinda pricy but I guess that`s the price you pay for a descent wood instrument.
What would be your personal choice within the intermediate clarinets? What I mean is, what is the difference between buying a Yamaha, or a Buffet or a Selmer? which has better construction, playability, price, durability, etc...

Thanks again,
Johnny

I can personally recommend Noblet 45. I started my "music carer" on this instrument. It is great for beginners.

I wouldn`t reccomend the E-11 though...I haven`t tried a selmer or a leblanc but all I can say is that I love the Yamaha 450. It has good intonation, quick keys, easy to blow out of. But if you like the 211 better then that`s good. It doesn`t really matter what other people think. It`s more of a personal preference!

Thanks for all the replies...I really appreciate it.

And, how much would you guys suggest me to spend on a clarinet...I`ve been playing guitar for some years already (main instrument) and I started piano a little ago...but I`m dying for a clarinet...I`m a total music lover and I`ll be attending Berklee next year as a full time music student...with those caracteristics...how much would you guys recommend me to spend?

If you want a wooden intermediate, don`t be surprised to pay near a thousand dollars, prices range near a thousand dollars.

Don`t limit yourself to just wood clarinets. There are many good plastic clarinets too. A lot of people like Vitos, and Yamaha makes excellent plastic beginner clarinets.

Thanks again to all of you, very much