Hi All,

I just joined this group as well as a few others and I am excited about starting the clarinet again. I was a very good clarinetist back in the late 60’s. I went to the High School of Performing Arts and then I was in the Army Band playing Clarinet and Sax (tenor) and later on the Electric Bass. Once I left the service I got married to a lady trumpet player I knew at Performing Arts.

We both stopped playing. Back in the 70’s I went back into music learning keyboards so I can write and have been doing that on and off since then. I write a lot of songs and have a few jingles running (well I know of one, make that two that are still running).
Recently I convinced my wife to start playing her trumpet again and she loves it. She suggested I get a clarinet. I do have a Yamaha WX5 and the VL70-M Modeling synth but she wants me to have a real one to play duets with her and perhaps play in an ensemble or orchestral band locally.

So, my question to you is what is the cheapest I can get away with to get a decent Clarinet? I always had a Buffett (had to sell it and my Mark 6 Tenor to pay the mortgage in the 70’s) but I know I cannot afford one now. So any suggestions? I want to keep it under $500.00 if I can.

Thanks,
Steve Lewis

Hello Steve, I took a look a the Woodwind and Brasswind site and saw some student clarinets that might fit your price range:

http://www.wwbw.com/Student-Bb-Clarinets-Bb-Clarinets.wwbw

Also, you should know which ones to avoid as well:
http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=20&i=357&t=357

Do you have a clarinet teacher in your area? He/she may be able to give some suggestions on which to buy.

You could get a pretty decent clarinet for that price. Nothing fancy, but a good student model instrument. Keep an eye out for a used Buffet B12. A student model that has features of instruments MUCH more expensive.

have a look on ebay, you can get a used buffet b12 (or something similar) for about $100 then take it to repair shop and have it serviced (might cost upto $200 depending what needs doing)but if you do it that way you can get more clarinet for your money

Hi,

I've decided to sell a bunch of stuff music and computer stuff to raise enough money to get what I want which is either a Buffet or a Patricola (yet to be determined). Let's see how much I can raise eh?

Steve

Patricolas are very underestimated instruments in my opinion. Still however, I like Buffets more. It is more important to try a bunch though. Do not limit yourself to just Buffet and Patricola. Try Selmers, Yamahas, and Leblancs too! All make great instruments and are worthy of consideration. What price range are you looking in? That could seriously influence your decision.

honestly, the best clarinet you can get is a Selmer signet. Mine, that I play with in our high school band is over 30 years old, and is in great condition. This brand is uusually about 400.00-500.00 dollars used, but it is well worth it.

Hi,

I have another thread going http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=300425&t=300425 This thread is about the Patricola I now own with links to hear the difference between the Buffet and the patricola.

Thanks for all your help deciding what to get.

Steve