What kind of clarinet?

Question

I am looking for a Christmas present for my girlfriend. She mentioned a little while back she would be interested in getting a clarinet as she use to play one when she was younger.

I'm looking for one but I know nothing about woodwinds. I don't want to spend a ton of cash on it. I see them on EBAY around $100.00 for starter models. Are they any good? Are there brands anyone could recommend or advise against? Is there anything in particular I should be looking for in a clarinet?

Answer 1

For a beginning clarinet I would recommend Vito, Bundy, Selmer, and things like that. I started out with a Vito clarinet. It was fine, but if I played it now the keys would be too slow for me. When you look for a clarinet check the pads and see if any are missing or they are brown because if they are you do not want to buy it because it will need a new pad job and that costs $120. Also look at the corks and see if any are missing. You also want to make sure it has a mouthpiece. Sure you can buy a mouthpiece in the music store but it costs at least twenty dollars.

Answer 2

DO NOT buy a clarinet off of Ebay. If she isn't looking to start seriously playing again then getting a plastic clarinet is definetly for her. Selmer, Vito, or Bundy would be quite suitable for her. If there is a a local music store around, go to them and see what used models they have and how much they cost. A good used plastic clarinet shouldn't be outrageous, but it probably won't be $100 either. Make sure that EVERYTHING works, including springs, pads, nothing is loose, no screws are sticking out, etc., making sure it is in good playing condition. The people at the music store should be able to check the horn out and see what kind of shape it's in, but if not, ask if there is a reliable store around that can do it. Buying a silk swab might be helpful too, just for keeping the instrument clean, or a cotton swab if you don't want to swing for a $9 silk swab. NO Jupiter clarinets! Jupiter isn't a great brand across the board for beginning horns. Hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck in finding a clarinet for your girlfriend.

Answer 3

Bb is the 'normal' clarinet that most beginner start on! Bb is the key that the instrument is in! If you play a Bb on the piano it would sound like a C on the Clarinet that's why its called a Bb! Confusing yes In short it means that if you want to play with any instrument in C like piano, Flute etc then your music would need to be in a different key. You could play from the same music page. If you did It wouldn't sound very nice! There are many other types of clarinet! A, Eb, C are all different types If you are thinking about taking up the Clarinet don't worry about these types just yet. These are mainly used in orchestral work different pieces of music require different clarinets

Answer 4

I would disagree about buying form eBay I've gotten many good instruments form eBay.Personally I would recommend a Selmer-Bundy resonite(plastic) clarinet.I have one and it has a great sound there pretty abundant on eBay and shouldn't cost too much just look for one that appears too look the best.Big things to look for are whether the pads or corks need replacing or if it is badly scratched up.Some on eBay have been already repaded but if you get one that needs repading or any other kind of repair just look up your nearest instrument repair store to get it fixed.With the price of the clarinet,shipping and repair I would say it would cost $150.Just steer clear of any instruments coming form china or any country's near it except japan this includes brands like Cecilio,Victory Elite,First Act,SKY,Selman,Cibaili,or any clarinet that is not black (colored clarinets equals not good)

here's an example of the type of clarinet I suggested

http://cgi.ebay.com/Selmer-Bundy-Resonite-Clarinet-577_W0QQitemZ220052050949QQihZ012QQcategoryZ85870QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item220052050949