I`ve been playing clarinet since last year, and I just love the dark, rich sound quality of it. I`m playing a Selmer Bundy 577 Clarinet right now from school, and I`m thinking about buying a clarinet of my own. I`m looking around $200~$1000 for the price. I`ve read some of the topics on buying a new clarinet, but no similar situations.

The biggest problem I have right now is that I have a good range on the notes, I`ve tested on my friend`s new wooden clarinet. And I can somewhat reach up to the Fourth C. So that`s the reason why I want to buy a good clarinet of my won.

I would suggest that you go to a store that will allow you to try the instruments before you buy them. I found that to be the biggest help when I went to buy my R - 13 festival from Buffet. I would say to go to www.wwbw.com and look there for help because they give you a little help in choosing exactly what you want.

I would recommend a Selmer CL200. This is what I play on for marching. It is a very nice clarinet with great tone and overall sound quality. It is a student level instrument but it is of very good quality.

I would also recommend a Buffet clarinet. I play on an R13 but those are quite costly for a fairly new student. E11`s are great and much less than a R13. The sound of Buffet clarinets are superior and a great investment.

Both of these, I highly recommend. I would also rec. that if you get the option of silver or nickel keys, that you go with nickel. Silver requires too much maintenence IMO since you have to polish nearly every day.

You all know your clarinets. Bundy and Buffet are the 2 words you`ll never forget, and always appreciate. Yamaha for lesser expectations or a good foundation. I had a good wooden Martin & Freres. It was like a Rolls Royce, with Buffet. Strat man Dwight

My father was the same way and my grandmother went to a pawn shop and found a great old wooden clarinet for him for about $299.

I just had a student pick up an alto saxophone in excellent condition from a pawn shop this past weekend for $300. Just needs to have a few leaks fixed.

That might also be an option as older instruments seem to last a little longer than newer ones. My old buffet has outlasted my friend`s new buffet by 3 years now.

I recomend to you the Buffet R-13 or the Buffet C-12. These clarinets are cheap and they have a great sound.

I recently picked up a Buffet E11 (wooden clarinet) and I love it.

I got the Buffet E11
Vandoren 5RV Traditional mouthpiece
Vandoren V12 reeds
Rovner Light Ligature

All brand new for $720. If you don`t want any of the extras, then substract &85 from the total.

the Vandoren mouthpiece and reeds enhance the sound greatly, and it`s easier to play too.

Good luck.

Definitely go to a store where you can sample the instruments that is always most helpful. I`m not sure where you live, but if you are in boston or NYC go Rayburn music, here is the web site www.rayburnmusic.com the people down there are very helpful and extremely patient.
I tested their patience when I bought a flute this past april. I sampled 13 flutes before I decided on one.
Most music stores espcially those in cities w/ symphony orchestras will allow you to sample the products. Rayburn Boston is next to Symphony Hall its nick name is symphony hangout.