Which clarinet / other advice

Indie_Kid

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?

googler

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

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

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

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 ?

googler

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?