Hi friends I'm new to this 8notes place. Anyways, I've played clarinet since grade 7 (as of now I'm almost done grade 10 so 4 years of playing), and I'm using a Leblanc Vito 7214WC clarinet. Despite never taking lessons (so far), I made it into a local orchestra. Since the orchestra's music will be a lot harder than band music, I'm wondering if it's worth it to buy a new clarinet. I'm not planning on majoring in music in university, but definitely still playing in the local orchestra (hopefully promoted to the senior orchestra). The model I had in mind was the Buffet E11. I figured it was a good compromise between quality and price.

I can give more information if anyone has any questions!

I'm not sure to weather your type of clarinet is plastic or wooden. Wooden clarinets make a much nicer sound but are obviously much more expensive.

In years past I usually advised people to jump right to the Buffet R13 pro model and skip the intermediate clarinets. Today's prices new are astounding. I bought my present one 19 years ago for $2K. 20 years before that for $500. I think your idea may be best.

Plastic clarinets vs. wood clarinets
Plastic clarinets are great for beginners. Plastic is a resilient and durable material, capable of surviving the inevitable drops, bumps, and general wear and tear young students incur. Producing clarinets from plastic allows for consistent uniformity from clarinet to clarinet. These are easier for beginners to immediately produce a sound. Plastic clarinets are inexpensive (generally less than $500) and require no special weather-related care.

Wood clarinets are used by more advanced students and professionals worldwide. Prices range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the company and model. Most wooden clarinets are made of grenadilla wood, which is now protected under CITES laws. This wood produces a much darker and richer sound than plastic clarinets. Most wood clarinets come with additional benefits, such as more precise tuning, adjustable thumb rests, and other upgrades. Because wood is sensitive to temperature and humidity, wood clarinets require greater upkeep than plastic clarinets. Additionally, wood clarinets require a break-in period to prolong the life of the instrument.
As i am a clarinet player myself, if you are around grade 4 - 5 and you are still on a plastic clarinet, i would highly suggest moving onto a wooden.


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also, get a new clarinet:
At the recommendation of a private instructor or band director

If you want to begin playing and competing at a higher level (All State band, state Solo & Ensemble, local concerto competitions, summer festivals, etc)


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also some questions to consider before getting a wooden clarinet:

Will you continue in band, or will they lose interest and wish to pursue other activities? Wood clarinets are an investment, so make sure you wishe to continue in band for the foreseeable future before purchasing an expensive wood clarinet.

Are you responsible enough to take proper care of a wooden clarinet? Wood clarinets require greater care than plastic, so make sure you are willing to take on the added responsibility of caring for it.

Do you want a student or professional model? Student clarinets are great for musicians in high school, but if you do music into college or beyond, you will need to upgrade again to a professional model. If you are considering continuing music past high school, it might be worth it to buy a professional model now to avoid having to upgrade again in a few years. Regardless, properly maintained wood clarinets, whether student or professional, usually have a good resell value, should you have decided to quit.

New or used? Clarinetists on a budget can save some money by buying used or overhauled, but make sure that the clarinet plays properly before purchasing. If you’re not sure, have a private clarinet instructor or other professional clarinetist test the instrument to check for any problems.

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Here are a few of my recommendations for wooden clarinets:

Student models: Buffet Crampon E11; Buffet Crampon E12F; Yamaha YCL-650; Selmer CL211
Professional models: Buffet Crampon R13 (or any other professional model from Buffet Crampon); Selmer Privilege (or any other professional model from Selmer)