Clarinet recommendations

[Lohman446]

My daughter has decided she wants to start the clarinet in middle school band. Any recommendations on brand, type?

[pmstc]

I played clarinet from first grade to my senior year in high school... I might be able to help you out there

Really, the brands for a beginner model don't matter so much. They're all going to be around the same quality and have similar sound. I'd definitely stay away from ebay brands. I know things are different than when I got my first clarinet. I got a Bundy, and it was actually a very durable little sucker. It still works 100% to this day. I'm pretty sure Bundy got bought out by someone else though.

I used to work at a music store, and we actually didn't carry any beginner clarinets for sale. We pressed our rental plans on customers who wanted a low end clarinet, and honestly that might be the best deal for you. No sense in buying a clarinet and then finding out your daughter wants to do chorus or drama tomorrow.

So I would say that if you end up buying a new clarinet, the brand doesn't matter so much as the price because if she is serious about clarinet playing, and practices, she'll want a nice wooden one. (edit: I mean she'll want a nicer wooden one after she's been playing for a while)

I would contact the band director, as they have the most experience with beginner instruments. I'm sure they see plenty of them go down, and know which ones to avoid. Also, they might get a deal through the school or something. Who knows. The school might even have it's own fleet of instruments to loan out.

[Spider-TW]

I'll have to look at my daughter's clarinet tonight. We got it for my son from another family that had one of their children drop the clarinet. Then my son took up bass clarinet and we loaned the clarinet out for a year. Then my daughter wanted to start with the clarinet and it came back after the loanee gave up clarinet anyway.

My wife was a music major, so all of my children will be conscripted into marching band. She also sees to it that the instruments get tuned up at the music $hop every year anyway. The Selmer/Bundy stuff seems to be easily rebuildable and the resonite plastic is good for beginners and marching (high moisture, heat and cold). Even if your kid is not into golfing with their instrument, there are enough kids around them that are, so don't feel bad about getting one that is well used but professionally restored. Like pmstc said, check the rental costs for a year and compare to what you can find for sale. The band directors and parents of last years middle schoolers are definitely good references and sources.

Look now. As school starts, the free loaners and cheap deals disappear and rentals are all you can get.

[pmstc]

Look now. As school starts, the free loaners and cheap deals disappear and rentals are all you can get.

CRAPPY rentals. At our store, we loaned out instruments first come first serve from the instruments in the best condition, to the beat up ones. Granted I do think there was some sort of a 'tier' system set up so you didn't have to pay as much for instruments in less favorable condition.

[Archangel Kid]

I'd be a little leery of rentals. When I rented my trumpet it wound up costing more then it would to buy an intermediate trumpet. For the most part, rentals really are pretty bad. I'd buy a cheaper model before suggesting a rental. Selmar/Bundy as someone already suggested is a great brand. Can't really go wrong with a Yamaha. They're usually some of the most durable, granted I delt a lot with the marching aspect of music. If you can get the rental for dirt cheap that would be the only reason I'd suggest a rental.

[Avianrave]

Buy it from Taiwan or China. Some of the companies sell pretty nice quality instruments for a nice price.

[Archangel Kid]

Buy it from Taiwan or China. Some of the companies sell pretty nice quality instruments for a nice price.

I really hope you're kidding.

[questionful]

It depends how seriously you're going into music. Serious is: eventually doing chamber music at a conservatory or a chamber music summer camp, being in a youth orchestra, maybe joining a conservatory.
This is a good way to get into college, my brother is evidence. If she's just looking to be in the school band, I would say it doesn't really matter. I would rent the equivalent of a spyder clone (though do consult the school band director, you don't want to buy a brass eagle equivalent). Then if she doesn't end up quitting after a couple months, buy a better one, but not a ton better. My parents bought my sister a $700 flute recommended by her private teacher, then she quit a few months later. Not cool.

I'll say this though, MUCH more important than the instrument is the private teacher. The creation of correct technical habits is VERY important. And the teacher should be your connection to the music world. They will know about your local youth orchestras, camps, conservatories, etc.

[PumpPlayer]

I don't have much experience with clarinets but I am a musician (though it's just a hobby now) and my wife is a music teacher.


She recommends the following:

For a new student, RENT, do not buy. Not saying your daughter will quit, but there are other reasons. She may want to switch to another instrument (most rental stores will do this for no charge) or she may not like the first instrument she uses. Until she develops some technique, she won't be able to tell what her preferences are anyhow. Rentals also give you reliable service and worry-free insurance. Go to a reputable music store in your area and rent the first instrument. Depending on where she is after at least 2 years, consider buying at that point.

If you have to buy a mouthpiece, make sure that it's a student model. It will be the easiest to learn on.

Use #2 reeds, any manufacturer will do. Don't waste money on expensive reeds or gimmicks. No flavored reeds and no plastic-coated reeds. It'll taste like a popsicle stick. Just get over it. Don't waste your time and effort on things that are going to stand in the way of good technique in order to avoid mild discomfort.


Concentrate on proper execution and build good technique. Don't worry about the sound that comes out the other end. That will come with time and practice.

Good luck. It's absolutely worth it.