[beaglebaby]

It says Books, Poetry and Music but I couldn't find much about music!

DS is starting in the school band this year and he has been asked to learn the Clarinet so before term starts we need to buy him a Clarinet. The music teacher gave us the numbers of the specialist teacher who would be coming in, a second hand sales place and a music store. The specialist teacher recommended 4 brands, the store recommended doesn't even stock those brands!

So, any advice for a non-music playing parent? My first instinct is to bite the bullet and pay for a good quality new student instrument, but then we keep hearing about kids changing their mind after a term etc. Wish DS had actually had a chance to try out some of the instruments!

[SplashingRainbow...]

I would hire if at all possible.

I played clarinet and if I had my time again would have chosen differently.

Good clarinets are quite expensive. I would not be buying one because we were told that was the instrument we were allocated.

If my child had a specific interest in that instrument and made some age appropriate financial / household contribution to its purchase - maybe. Actually at that age with no musical experience no I don't think I'd be buying. Definitely see if you can hire for a term and see what comes of it.

[noi'mnot]

I played clarinet at school, but wouldn't call myself a clarinet player. But, having played several instruments in my life I would highly recommend that you hire a clarinet. See if the local store (or any other stores nearby) does a plan where you can hire on a plan to purchase, or something like that.

It's a pretty cool instrument, though, I hope that your son enjoys it!

(And also good luck. The screech of a clarinet being learned really is unique!)

[howdo]

We bought DD1 this one. She tried the teacher's while she was learning recorder and we decided to buy one as she'd been asking to play for 2 years. This one 'takes them through to Year 12'. She played a Yamaha recently when hers was in being serviced and hated it.

In your case I would hire one though. We hire DD2's flute through the school music service but I don't think other state Ed Depts/independent schools have that.

[Missmousie]

I am a clarinet player, but its not for everyone! I agree with hiring... Are you in Sydney? If you are, I can PM you store details...

[beaglebaby]

The teacher suggested either that one or the Yamaha Howdo, thanks.

Thanks for the offer Missmousie, we're in Perth though.

Noi'mnot, I'm planning some revenge on our v8 owning neighbours - band practice at our place anyone?

Brighton, contribution to purchase isn't a bad idea, shall have to have a think about that.

So far the only hire one's I've found locally are lesser brands, and when you factor the cost per month you'd be paying nearly as much in a year as it would cost to buy a new Yamaha or Buffet, so I suppose it's a case of whether we want to gamble! DS tends not to be fickle and at least one of his best friends is also doing Clarinet, but I also wouldn't want him to feel pressure to continue if he didn't enjoy it.

This post has been edited by beaglebaby: 22/01/2013, 08:50 PM

[WinterDancesHere]

My sister plays and has taught. I agree with others to hire at first.

She has said a crap instrument makes it hard to play, hard to get the tone right etc and can cause bad habits.

If it is bad it may turn him off learning.

I know when I was learning violin a good instrument made a huge difference to sound (not so much technique) and a violin has a lot less bells and whistles.

[howdo]

FWIW virtually every other clarinet player DD plays with in band, orchestra and wind ensemble has a Buffet. They seem to be the clarinet of choice at the specialist music high school as well.

Either they are good or an Adelaide music store got a good deal on them and they had to shift them

This post has been edited by howdo: 22/01/2013, 09:01 PM

[beaglebaby]

WDH, so far my options for hiring locally seem to be at the cheap end - so we'd run the risk of getting something crappy:(

Howdo, any good stores in Adelaide you'd recommend? DH will be there the first week of term. That website you linked to has a great review of beginner clarinets - thanks:)

[dadathome]

FWIW virtually every other clarinet player DD plays with in band, orchestra and wind ensemble has a Buffet. They seem to be the clarinet of choice at the specialist music high school as well.

Many years ago my sister switched form a school Yamaha to a second-hand Buffet and the improvement in tone was immediately apparent. And I say that as someone who dislikes most clarinet.

Of course I married a clarinet player - luckily DP's Yamaha is unplayable without new corks and pads.