I'm thinking of buying a new clarinet to replace my old Artley, I've heard Buffet is a good brand, but I can only spend less than 1500. (I only have that much saved up.) I'm looking for a pro model, even though I'm 13, because I plan on entering competitions. Thanks!

well..i dont know about professional models at that price..but you CAN get a buffet paris E-11 for around 1100 maybe a little more..im using that right now and i love it..very nice sound..if youre not interested you can always do a search somewhere or call your local music shops and see what they suggest..

Maybe you should then try to go to a music store and ask them, if they have some used one for sale. They usually make them a great deal nicer than they were when they came to the store (at least in Denmark that is

Oftentimes a used instrument, as long as it's in good condition, is a better buy than a brand new one. That way, it's been broken in already and you don't have to worry about the regular care/only playing for a half hour a day the first month/ everything else you have to do to keep a brand new instrument nice and not cracking and such.

Definitly test play the instruments if you can, as even within one brand and model there can be variences. Find one that works for you, not necessarily one that someone else happens to love. It might not be the right one for you even if so-and-so famous dude plays it, or your best friend for that matter.