I played clarinet in school MANY years ago, and would like to take it up again for occassional playing in a congregation band. I'd like to buy a used student clarinet. Which do you think is best for me, the Yamaha YCL-250, the Buffet Crampon B-12 or the Vito Resi-Tone 7212?

All three of those clarinets are about the same quality. My opinion from best to worst the Yamaha, the Buffet, and then the Vito. I suggest trying them in a store before buying. If you're not going to try before you buy and it's new, I would go for the Yamaha. Buffet spends less time on it's student range of clarinets so the B-12 may not be of the quality you wish. You can also take a look at Selmer USA clarinets available. I would rank those above the Vito.

Getting a used clarinet is always an option and is much MUCH cheaper than buying a new clarinet. Bundy (by Selmer USA) is a common brand of used clarinets. A competent repair technician can put it in better playing condition for a good price and the whole instrument will still cost less than a new one.

You can find more information on choosing a clarinet at The Clarinet BBoards.

i got a very old selmer console on ebay, the pads were gross and it still played (hows that for reliablity) but i only used it for a couple of months before my parents decided i as committed and bought me a new one (works he same way with all the instruments i play)

but look on ebay as clarinets can be very reliable, one of my friends has a yamaha and she sounds great on it, but if you can find a very old wooden one and then spend the money fixing it up and you get a very good clarinet.

'A competent repair technician can put it in better playing condition for a good price and the whole instrument will still cost less than a new one.'

But you can find, depending on the instrument & the state it's in, you have paid more than it's worth.