Im a clarinetist in high school and i have a question. A lot of clarinetists in this band use a Yamaha Allegro. In fact, that is pretty much the only `wooden` brand people have used. Im considered a very good clarinetist but i use a plastic clarinet. Can any1 suggest a wooden clarinet that is better than a Yamaha Allegro? I have three reasons, 1. i simply don`t want the same as everyone else and 2. i have the money to get one even better, so why not? and 3. I just want to have one better then that cocky little first chair player

I say if you got the money for it and thats really what you want go for it but dont just get it to make the first clarinet jealous.... well anyways i hope i helped!

Just so you know Yamaha also have various models on clarinet... but hey, if you have like $6000 - $9000 to fork over... take a look at brands people have been mentioning on the board; Buffet, Leblanc and Yamaha (there are custom Yamaha clarinets...)

Oh yea... like Jeana said... dont get it just because you want to make people jealous. Get it because you want to play something better and want to sound better.

Okay, i was just kidding about that first chair thing. (in truth i have a huge crush on her-i`m a guy clarinetist-anyway) And i don`t see myself spending $6000-$9000 on this, more like $1500-$2000 something. I guess i should have worded this better but can anyone suggest a model/specific type of wooden clarinet that would be considered `upper intermediate` or above? I currently play very well on what could be considered a beginner/lower intermediate clarinet. I really, really hope she never reads this as it would proly be very simple to see who this is to her. Seriously, any suggestions?

You are the bomb. If only I would have been so astute to ask your question in HS. I switched to oboe instead. A rotton horn keeps you back. So here I am at 50 trying to get started right.
I have the same question essentially. I want a decent horn that will motivate me to play. Pip

i got a selmer an thas pretty good dunno wha type it is tho

Get a Buffet.

Try out some clarinets before you pick one out. Buffet R13 is a good one or a professional model Selmer. You might be able to get a nice used one if you look hard enough (not on Ebay).

-- "Try out some clarinets before you pick one out. Buffet R13 is a good one or a professional model Selmer. You might be able to get a nice used one if you look hard enough (not on Ebay)." --

Why not on Ebay? Personally, although I know you can`t try the instruments on Ebay, I find their descriptions a lot more honest than many music shops.
I`ve just bought a 20 yr old saxophone from Ebay, had many discussions with the seller vie email, and am extremely pleased with my purchase.

Steve

I prefer not to buy an instrument on ebay. I guess you can do what you want...

It`s basically all about luck if you can`t try it out ahead of time.

I play on the Yamaha allegro and I love it. So what if they all play it, its a really good instrument. I wouldn`t want to play anything else. And the price you listed is right where this instrument is at.

buffet and Leblanc make pretty reasonably priced wooden clarinets.

My clarinet is a cheap plastic Yamaha, but it`s not my most important instrument. I have heard lots of good things about the Buffet R13. Several people have given me a list of "The Big Four" clarinet makers. I can`t remember them, but I think they included Buffet and Leblanc.

Hey, mine is a boosey and hawkes wooden one and plays lovely, no idea of their pricing though as my aunt gave me hers.