I am 43 and used to play the clarinet in school. I would like to learn to play again. I am considering buying either the buffet b12 or e11. Which do you suggest? Is the wood clarinets harder to maintain?

I would get an inexpensive plastic one first . I see them on Ebay often for under $50(watch the shipping) . I saw a green one that was around $100 new ! I thought it would be fun to have as a kick around horn , one for picnics and the beach .

After you have improved and can get a good sound then you will be ready for a wood clarinet and have a spare to take to the park or wherever .

By all means, do not get the ones on ebay. Although ebay is a heaven for clarinet shoppers, you can easily get ripped off if you don`t know what you`re doing and what you need to buy. Although the cheap clarinets sold for around a hundred bucks on ebay or costco or sears (including those green ones you see on ebay) look good, they are the worst instruments you could possibly buy. Stick to a well known brand for now.

Vito
Bundy
Forte
B12

E11
Noblet

All good instruments that can be picked up at a good price and will last you a lifetime. They are reliable, durable, relatively cheap, and have resale value.

As for intermediate vs beginner clarinets, it`s really up to you. How serious are you about returning, and how much do you want to spend? Wood clarinets are harder to maintain, but not terribly so. If you swab it and be aware of changes in environment, it should be no problem at all.

I think if you`re considering buying instruments from ebay, you should first figure out what you`re looking for and KNOW what you want and ask the seller questions. I find most people know nothing about what they`re selling. While some will dig up info for you, there are some that are there to rip people off. Often though, there are people selling old instruments, rarely used instruments (you wouldn`t believe what I bought and brand new instruments.

As for beginner... I dont think plastic is a good choice. They do produce a poor sound. But the Artley, Vito and Bundy are a good choice for starters since they`re the brands elementry and high school buys for students to use.

I would suggest to look around and perhapes spending somewhere between $200-$500 or so... you might want to consider used too.

As a clarinet teacher I must disagree . Plastic is great for beginners. After you get better , you can get a wood one and still have the plastic one as a back-up. I encourage people to practice everywhere and that is where the plastic one is nice to have . Plus- two horns are nice to have as referance if you think you have a problem with one of them.
With plastic new is generally better (new pads etc.) . The Costco and Sears ones($100) are fine. and if not you can return them. Ebay could be a problem but I just bought a trumpet for $85 new and it plays great.

In the meantime start going to garage and estate sales and checking the paper for a wood bargin . I got my Boosy & Hawks for $65 , put about $150 of work into it and my friend with the Buffet likes it just as much as his.

Bob, with all due respect, NO!

Have you ever played on these costco and sears clarinets? In the clarinet community we call them "CSO"s, or "clarinet shaped objects". By all means, they are not "fine". I cringe everytime I see a new student come in with a shiny new clarinet he picked up at the local walmart. They are of the absolute poorest quality - you`d be better off with a much older bundy or evette bought at the same price. Many repairment I know even refuse to work on them because they are so fragile.

what? Wal-mart and Sears sells clarinets?? I dont see them in Canada... and I wouldn`t buy it from there... heck, I`d only recommand it if you plan to use them in some art project. lol

My high school teacher took some old, beat up tuba and trombone and turned it into a water fountain. Looks quite nice :D

Althought, plastic may be a good beginning instruments for your elementry school students but not for adults. That`s what my elementary school provided... plastic clarinets but in high school, all of them are wood (some were quite heavy... lol).

I don`t see why plastic wouldn`t be suitable for an adult. Go with w/e you can afford, but for the most part stick with the brand names.