Which clarinet / other advice

Options
Indie_Kid
Indie_Kid Posts: 23,077 Forumite
First Post First Anniversary Combo Breaker
in Music MoneySaving
I really want to start playing clarinet again. Learnt whilst at school and had one on loan.

I've looked online and don't know where to start.

Also, it says that some are in C and some are in Bb. Would the notes be the same on both? So, a G is open, etc?

I don't want to spend more than £200-250 on one.

Also, any asthmatics who play? Advice please?
Sealed pot challenge #232. Gold stars from Sue-UU - :staradmin :staradmin £75.29 banked
50p saver #40 £20 banked
Virtual sealed pot #178 £80.25

Comments

  • googler
    googler Posts: 16,103 Forumite
    Name Dropper First Post First Anniversary Combo Breaker
    edited 1 June 2014 at 4:06PM
    Options
    Don't you mean 'some are in A, some in Bflat' ??

    http://www.the-clarinets.net/english/clarinet-family.html

    Most new players start with a B flat. Classic beginner recommendation is for the Buffet B12, which is new at around £380. Used examples are around £180 and up on Amazon.

    Don't just look online. Do you have a proper woodwind shop anywhere near? Go look. Ask. Touch.

    What are you specifically in doubt about?

    There's plenty of specialised forums on the topic, including a woodwind forum at the ABRSM - assuming you to be in the UK,

    http://gb.abrsm.org/en/home

    You'll get much more specialised advice there, or here (American website, though) -

    http://www.clarinetcloset.com/choosingaclarinet.html
  • cmh4135
    cmh4135 Posts: 199 Forumite
    Options
    Whether a clarinet is in Bb, A or C makes no difference to where the notes are - an open G is still an open G. Where it does make a difference is when you want to play with others or in a group. A fingered C on a Bb sounds the same as an Bb played on the piano, whereas on an A clarinet you'll get and A and, no surprises, on a C Clarinet you'll sound a C.

    Traditionally clarinet parts are written for clarinet in Bb. The clarinet in A is used primarily for some older orchestral works and chamber music but really isn't used much at all unless you're serious. The clarinet in C comes in a variety of forms, mainly aimed at children to play at school where transposing from a non-C instrument would be awkward. They are best avoided.

    As to what to get the previous poster is right in that the Buffet B12 is much lauded as a good student instrument. Don't buy something "foreign" off e-Bay or the like, often there are issues with the keywork or sound. Buffet and Yamaha both do good student models and, if you are buying second hand you could also look out for an old Boosey & Hawkes Regent, Regent II or Emperor (B&H now Buffet I believe) as these are reliable. If you buy second hand then get the pads and springs checked as without these being in good order you'll struggle to get a good (or in some cases any) sound.

    As for being an asthmatic - it'll serve to strengthen lings and diaphragm so all good!
  • Rosemary7391
    Rosemary7391 Posts: 2,879 Forumite
    First Post First Anniversary Combo Breaker
    Options
    Hanson clarinets are good, and come with 5 years free servicing, which will save you rather a lot! You'll find that you'll only be able to get a Bb or maybe a C (sometimes made for children, as they're slightly smaller/lighter) in that price range - A clarinets start as an intermediate instrument as there isn't much call for them outside orchestras. And most beginner orchestras will only have parts in Bb, because that's the standard one.
  • Indie_Kid
    Indie_Kid Posts: 23,077 Forumite
    First Post First Anniversary Combo Breaker
    Options
    cmh4135 wrote: »
    As for being an asthmatic - it'll serve to strengthen lings and diaphragm so all good!

    That's good to hear!:)

    Thanks for the rpelies everyone. Has anyone had this one - http://www.thomann.de/gb/startone_scl_65_bb_clarinet.htm ?
    Sealed pot challenge #232. Gold stars from Sue-UU - :staradmin :staradmin £75.29 banked
    50p saver #40 £20 banked
    Virtual sealed pot #178 £80.25
  • googler
    googler Posts: 16,103 Forumite
    Name Dropper First Post First Anniversary Combo Breaker
    edited 7 June 2014 at 6:07PM
    Options
    Indie_Kid wrote: »
    That's good to hear!:)

    Thanks for the rpelies everyone. Has anyone had this one - http://www.thomann.de/gb/startone_scl_65_bb_clarinet.htm ?

    The cheesy name tells you all you need to know ..... Why this one?

    Why pay £140 for that 'no-name' when £160 gets you a serviced Buffet B12 from a real music store with a warranty?

    Do you have a woodwind specialist near you? A real store?
This discussion has been closed.
★ ★ ★ Meet your Ambassadors

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 343.2K Banking & Borrowing
  • 250.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 449.7K Spending & Discounts
  • 235.3K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 608.1K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 173.1K Life & Family
  • 247.9K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 15.9K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards