Hello,

I play classical guitar, but I am extremely ignorant on the clarinet, which brings me to my problem. My wife used to play the clarinet in high school and would like to return to it. I would like to buy her one, but I am not sure which type she used to play (she is not sure either). Is there a "standard?" I think the b-flat from what I have read. Also, would anyone suggest a decent one that I could buy? I can`t afford top quality, but I refuse to buy cheap.

Thank you so much for your help!
Gary

a b-flat clarinet is the standard clarinet.

the best clarinet making brand is buffet crampon.

try one if their intermediate models such as the e11 or the e12 in b-flat.

it is a good quality wood clarinet with a nice sound.

if you want to buy plastic buy the b12 but its a beginner model and wood is much better than plastic and has a much nicer sound.

the top of the range is the r13 or the RC Prestige or the Tosca line of clarinets but they are a bit expensive and they are professional models.

go for the buffet e11. its a good instrument but not too expensive.

later on if she wants to you could just buy her a professional mouthpiece such as the vandoren B40 or b45 mouthpieces. they will improve her sound.

i hope this helps.