Once school starts back I will be in my high school marching band! As an oboist, I don't have a lot of experience on clarinet (about a week of messing around on my friend's), but I need one so I can join the marching band.

My mom has me on a tight budget-just a few hundred dollars- so I'm looking for a used clarinet, but I have absolutely no idea which brands, and more specifically models, to look for.

Also, I was stuck with a student model oboe for my first two years, and I hated it. Very limited keywork. I don't want to buy a clarinet like that, because I will just get frustrated. I've picked up other instruments, tenor sax and bassoon, so I'm used to doubling.

What do you guys think would be an appropriate clarinet for me?

Clarinets don't come with such a variety of keywork variations as the oboe - there is only one standard set up.
Get a plastic one from one of the recognised makers like Yamaha, Buffet, Jupiter or Bundy. Avoid $75 ones from the internet like the plague!

I recommend either a Vito or a Bundy. Both are well made, ideal for outdoor use, and strong enough to withstand far more abuse than most other brands.

What do you think about a Buffet B12? I've been looking on craigslist and that is one of the ones I plan on looking into.

If the price is right, that is, no more than $150, it would be O.K.

$150, and in perfect playing condition (supposedly)

also, there is a Bundy I have my eye on, for $125, but the seller doesn't know the model, and a 2 year old wooden Yamaha for $150. (No model # either)

I know it's hard to tell with no model #, but do those seem to be reasonable prices? Of course, I intend on playing them myself as the final test.

Go for the Bundy. Any wood clarinet is not good for marching band. Even the very best quality wood clarinet can swell and crack due to humidity and temperature change that occurs outdoors. You won't be disappointed with the Bundy but get a better mouthpiece, such as a Hite Premier or Forbes Debut.

The Hite is only $15 and the Fobes is only $30, I thought they would be more expensive!

<Added>

*Hite is $20, lol that's still not even enough for free shipping!

OK I got a clarinet- a Bundy. I don't know the model, but it plays pretty good. Thanks for all the advice!

My new problem is that I am having trouble getting the middle C out. I'm pretty sure the problem is me- not the instrument- because when I've played my friends' clarinets, I still have difficulties.

I can get it out when I slur, but not if I tounge. Embouchure issue?

perhaps I should have posted this in a different topic...