[eddie123]

I currently have a Buffet B10 however, as i am at school (my last full year, 2 more years to go in sixth form though :] ), it is the schools clarinet not mine.
I'm about grade 6 and have been playing 7/8 years and i don't play my clarinet loads but i'm in two bands, use it for my music GCSE and have music lessons; but not practicing frequently at home.

Both my school GCSE music teacher and my clarinet teacher has suggested to me that i should buy my own clarinet, as i'm playing harder stuff etc. i should probably get my own better one.

However I havn't really got enough money to buy a Buffet E11 (£500 ish). Though if it were to make a big difference than i could but from what i've read its not that much of a difference over, a Yamaha YCL 250 with say, a Vandoren B45 mouthpiece.

What would you guys recommend? Would another 'student' clarinet be too similar to the one i've got now.. I'd quite like something a little better.

BTW im in the UK, so im not sure if that makes any difference to the makes of clarinet available.

 

[Isle of Jazz]

I've never played one but I've heard good things about the Lyrique - maybe with the strong Euro it might be affordable??? Or go to one of the better music stores and play some used intermediate or pro instruments.

 

[Fred]

You could buy some incredibly better clarinets than a B10 for WAY less than your price range if you would consider buying used. Are you open to that option?

 

[Bootman]

Forget the E11, look for an R13 or RC model. A used one can be had for a reasonable price. Ifyou are playign 6th grade level then you should be using at least the equivalent of a pro level clarinet. If youhave the money then look towards the Prestige models of Festival or RC which tend to play with improved intonation over the R13.

Other options are LeBlanc and Selmer wood clarinets. No matter what you buy, a wooden clarinet should be in your sights. Look at French eBay, there are deals to be had there.

 

[eddie123]

Im open to the idea of buying a used clarinet, however im kind of weary about buying an older wooden clarinet, especially with the maintenance issues (are there much?) and buying an older wooden one of ebay is i think, out of the question.

Where would you suggest buying a used clarinet from?, i've looked through ebay but the prices for a used one do not seem that much better than a new one off for examplehttp://www.normans.co.uk.

So assuming the Yamaha YCL250 is out of the question, how do the YCL450 and E11 fair?

I would love to be able to afford a professional model but i don't think i take my clarinet that seriously to get something of that standard. I'd say the most im willing to spend is £500.

Thankyou for all you suggestions

 

[jthole]

Forget the E11, look for an R13 or RC model. A used one can be had for a reasonable price. Ifyou are playign 6th grade level then you should be using at least the equivalent of a pro level clarinet. If youhave the money then look towards the Prestige models of Festival or RC which tend to play with improved intonation over the R13.

I personally would go for the RC, either the plain model or the Prestige or Festival. My experience with Yamaha clarinets (YCL-450) was not so positive; I think they are a bit dull and lifeless, compared to the professional Buffets. However, a different mouthpiece can make a lot of difference for the Yamahas.